Sea bird observations were carried out from 11 April to 24 April 1966
on a crossing of the Pacific Ocean from Honolulu, Hawaii to Seattle,
Washington on the U.S.S. Granville Hall as part of the POBSP.
Observations were conducted for 108.3 hours over the thirteen day cruise
for a daily average of 8.3 hours, during which time 970 linear miles were
sampled. (average 74.6 miles per day at nine knots.) One observer was
present at all times. Observations were suspended during mealtimes and
resumed afterwards.
The course followed by the ship was a more or less straight line route
between the two ports except for a two day delay due to the necessity of
evacuating a critically sick crew member. This evacuation required a day's
backtracking, and, as a result, roughly the same area was sampled on three
succeeding days, 14-16 April.
The weather conditions were ideal throughout the crossing. No winds
in excess of 20 knots were recorded. Tailwinds prevailed the first two days
and were replaced by mild trade winds from the north to northeast for the
remainder of the trip.
Fog patches were encountered the last two days of the trip and a dead
calm prevailed for 6 hours on the morning of 21 April as the ship passed
through the center of a high pressure area. Weather observations were
recorded every six hours throughout the cruise.
Excellent cooperation was received from Captain Ruhsenberger, the
officers, and crew of the Granville Hall at all times, which made for an
enjoyable and successful trip.
Observation Summary
The following species were observed only on the first two days of the
cruise, i.e. within 300 miles of the Hawaiian Islands: