Husted, Dayle N., 1964
Page 5
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Transcription
Husted, Dayle N. 1964 5 June 19, 1964 Many Wedgetails wer observed today, in singles, pairs, or fours or fives all flying north west. All of the Wedgetails were the dark phase. In the afternoon, a large fueling flocks was observed. It was composed mainly of low flying wedgetails and fairly high-flying Sooty Terns. The seas calmed down somewhat today but we were in and out of rainsqualls much of the morning and some of the afternoon. June 20, 1964 Not many birds today. Saw a funny looking molting dark Wedgetail today. The upper wings looked light to me. June 21--We saw several flocks today composed of Sooty Terns and Wedgetails. Many of the Wedgetails are coming to the light phase again. We also saw Bulwer's Petrel, Fairy Terns, Dark-rumped and Bonin Island Petrels. The ship broke down again and we sat on the water dead for about an hour. The Captain hitched and the motor mechanic swore. Right after I began observations this morning I heard the distinct chirp of a Sooty Tern, finally I saw them, they were about 50 feet off the water, right above the bridge. June 22, 1964 --Saw some very large flocks of Sooty Terns and Wedgetails today. There were also some flocks of only Sooty Terns, I also saw an interesting flight pattern of a Wedgetail. If the bird hadn't been close I would have thought it was slightly flapping its wings. The bird was close to the water and was rolling from side to side. Another Wedgetail was flying high in the air. June 23--The birds were scarce today so most of the day was spent in filling out the forms.