Honolulu-Seattle, Hall, April 1966
Page 30
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Transcription
Although the numbers of this species were lower than those for Black- footed Albatross, the general pattern remained the same. Peak numbers were observed on 15 April. Several birds showed a marked tendency to follow the ship, following most of the day, and passing closer to the ship than the Black-footed Albatross, even to the point of sweeping continually across the helicopter deck of the ship at a height of fifteen feet or less. Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Observed only on 11 April (126) and 12 April (7). None were seen further than 250 miles from the Hawaiian Islands. All were light phase. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus April 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 137 160 14 27 10 15 7 11 7 156 9 11 Observed every day from Honolulu to the Washington coast. On 12 April two large feeding flocks contained 50 to 75 Sooty Shearwaters respectively. This species has seldom been observed feeding in the Central Pacific Ocean. Numerous records exist of birds migrating directly past feeding flocks of terns and shearwaters. At 38° N a change in the species' behavior was noted. From this point birds were seen frequently sitting on the water, and the directional aspect of those seen flying dissipated, indicating that the southern boundary of their contranuptial range had been crossed. The large numbers on 21 April were sitting on the water in rafts of 5-30 birds each in a dead calm. All Sooty Shearwaters that came within good observation range had white underwing linings. No birds were seen which were suspected of being Slender- billed Shearwaters.