Gould, Patrick J., 1963-1965
Page 414
Image from the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Contributed by Smithsonian Institution Archives. | www.biodiversitylibrary.org
Transcription
Gould, P. J. 1963 (Wedge-tailed Shearwater) 8 Two birds had been shot and were floating about 60 yards apart. One was a lightphase Wedge-tail floating belly up and the othr was a Dark-rumped Petrel floating in a normal back updposition. On at least 3 occasions other light phased Wedge-tails joined the Wedge-tail floating belly up and found a small group around it. Not once did they attempt to form a flock around the Petrel which was in a more normal position. [sketch] January 4, 1964--Pacific Ocean, 2nd day out Oahu, Hawaiian Is. One individual was seen at 0732 today. January 5--Pacific Ocean, 3rd day out Oahu, Hawaiian Is. A total of 14 birds were seen today. Two were in a flock of Tern, Frigatebird and Storm Petrel. Of them the two shearwaters were in close association only with the Harcourt's Storm Petrel for a short time. All the Wedge-tails we have seen are apparently first year birds. The upper wing coverts are all white tipped and give a different light and dark pattern to the wing. January 6--Pacific Ocean, 4th day out Oahu, Hawaiian Is. 9 individuals seen today. As before these all appeared to be first year birds. One was seen flying with a black-footed Albatross. 5 were in two feeding groups feeding on squid. January 7--Pacific Ocean 5th day out Oahu Hawaiian Is. 2 light phase birds seen today, both appeared to be juvenile with whitish tips to dorsal wing coverts. January 8--Pacific Ocean, 6th day out Oahu, Grid Area None seen today.