Observations made within 50 miles of land Many times they were observed sitting on the water in feeding flocks. When feeding they flutter along very near the water but not moving very fast. They often light on the water for a second or two to feed and then fly on or they may feed by just dipping the bill while flying. Fairy Tern This species was common around all of the islands visited being slightly more numerous around Christmas and Washington Islands. They were observed feeding on both flying fish and squid. They dive at the water and duck the head, the wings flapping all the while. Sometimes they hit the water and stay there 1 or 2 seconds with wings extended. Blue-gray Noddy This bird was seen around Washington, Fanning, and Christmas Islands and fed similar to Fairy Terns. Phoenix Island Petrel Three of these birds were seen within sight of Washington Island and many more seen around Christmas Island. White-tailed Tropicbird Only 2 of these birds were seen near islands; one off Fanning and one off Washington Island. Red-tailed Tropicbird This species was not observed around Palmyra or Washington and only 1 was seen near Fanning. Forty were counted approaching Christmas Island. In addition to the above observations, made almost entirely around the southern islands, a very large flock of 4-5000 birds was observed off Kaula Island on 27 October. There were 3-4000 wedgetails plus Sooty Terns, Hawaiian and Common Noddies, Red-footed and Brown Boobies and Frigatebirds, all actively feeding.