2 Boobies are not mentioned in this section but will be considered with birds closer to land. Species Account NOTE - When reading the maps keep in mind that observations were continuous through 10 October only. After this date the totals given are for less than the whole day. Wedgetail Shearwater Wedgetails were distributed without any pattern. The occasional increase in numbers was due to flocks, which were slightly more frequent NE of the Line Islands. Wedgetails usually feed by flying or skittering across the surface of the water with wings back and flapping, and the head extended down to the water. They would chase fish across the surface often using the legs in a running motion. At other times wedgetails would sit on the water and feed by just ducking the head. Many times when the flock did not break up after a short while, many of the birds begin setting on the water but not feeding. They appeared to be drinking water. Many birds sitting together on the water were usually not feeding but single birds by themselves on the water were feeding. One orange tagged wedgetail was seen on 11 October at 0945 hours. It was at 9°25' N - 152°55'W about 1250 miles from Johnston Island. Sooty Shearwater Sooty Shearwaters were more abundant south of 15°N. The highest number on a single day (53) was on 9 October. Otherwise their distribution shows no pattern.