Kepler, Cameron B., 1964-1965
Page 27
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Transcription
26 June 1964 19 of Layson Albatross flying toward the island like spokes of a wheel. Also, most conspicuous of all, were the flocks of Red-tailed Tropicbirds that were circling over the island. I have seen pictures, read papers & talked to people, but I was totally unprepared for the sight of the goonies everywhere. On lawns, peoples patches, in the road ( they love the night dung ) - thousands of them. Most young are about ready to fly - approaching the pt. of experimenting with their wings. The air is filled with the cries & flights of Fairy Terns & Hawaiian Noddis, with the Tropic-birds higher above the trees. Midway still is very much a bird colony. LAYSON ALBATROSS - most young near to fledging; some getting off the ground; doing retrials on matt birds to make a lead. BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS - have seen only about 10 birds, seem more advanced than the LAYSAN. Perhaps many young have left. More in the main base area, those seen were in open areas near Runway. RED-TAILED TROPIC BIRD - seem restricted to patches of prickly areas away from densely populated spots, where they are numerous, nesting within 5'-10' of one another. Most with zoned (advanced) eggs or small downy young. Two young with cotton feathers.