Husted, Dayle N., 1964
Page 6
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Transcription
Husted, Dayle N. 1964 June 24--Again the birds were scarce today. This morning three Red-tailed Tropicbirds were seen. This afternoon, a flock of eight Sooty Terns were seen, they were feeding flocks. Later we went out on the bow with the blunderbuss. Warren missed an overhead shot. June 25--The day started off slow, but improved by mid-morning. Dark rumped, White-necked and Bonin Island Petrels were seen along with Wedgetails and Sooty Terns. One Sooty Shearwater was seen. During the day several large flocks were observed to be feeding. Early in the morning I saw a large flock which I think was composed mainly of Dark- rumped and White-necked Petrels. In the late afternoon, a Red-tailed Tropicbird hovered off the stern for a few minutes. June 26--The birds were really flying this morning. There were many Bonin Island, Dark-rumped and White-necked Petrels. Some feeding flocks were also observed. About 1021 this morning I observed an all dark bird flying from the west to the east. It flew in a typical ton-like fashion with fast constant wing beats. The bill was straight and dark except at the base which appeared to be lighter, but it may have been the way the sun was shining on it. The bird flew about 60 feet above the water and flew directly over the stern of the ship. The body was fairly slender and it was about the size of a wedgetail. I cannot find a picgure of this bird in Peterson's. Many of the birds that are sitting_ on the water (which is quite a few) are molting. Fewere birds were observed this afternoon. Late this evening, a light phase wedgetail was observed which Warren said was quite uncommon this far south. The