89. 31 Dec. 1964 Shore-bird and seal census. We had 80 GR, 105 RT, 1 WT, 2 Sanderlings, 5 Bristle-thighed Curlaws, 21 seals. The Laysan nests were 729, a decrease from 841 the previous week, and 832 the week before. The storm here raged from Dec. 16 to 22, so the abandon- ments occured a full week after the storm abated. Blackfeet suffered the most, the counts revealing a decrease from 271 nests to 190 - a 30 per cent decrease. Most the the nests lost were on the West beach, from exposure to waves or heavy wind and sand. At least 4 Glaucus-winged gulls were seen this day. Laysans were checked. Booby behavior was observed after dinner. 1 January, 1965 Rested on this first day of the year. Checked the albatross nests, Dennis did some skins, I transcribed notes. 2 January. We began the report for thi s period, checked the Laysans. Took 9 blood samples and McBee cards on 8 Laysans. Of 8 birds handled randomly, 2 had the back rotting condition. Thasebirds were bled. Another extreme case of the rot was seen and this bird was also bled, then destroyed. The entire thoracic area was exposed, and the scapula hung free. The bird could not use one wing, and was beginning to limp - literally being eaten away by whatever this disease is. Blood from these birds is being labelled as specifically from sick birds in the hopes that the causes of the diseases can be assessed. We have taken one specimen, and have its blood also. This rot is foul smelling, evil looking, completely deilitating, and thoroughly disgusting. On south oint I saw 6 Glaucus-winged Gulls. After the movie I went out and banded and painted Red 8 Red-footed Boobies. There were no recoveries. 3 January, 1965 While writing the report, I spun down the blood samples taken yesterday, then checked Laysans. On the beach there were two new gulls, a Glaucus Gull, clearly seen, esp. the pink at base of bill, lighter primaries, and light feet, and a Glaucus-winged Gull with an ad. type mantle, although the bird is still mottled below. Transcribed some behavior notes There were 12 seals on N.Pt.