LEEWARD ISLANDS Survey No. #3 PRELIMINARY REPORT AT-SEA SURVEY June 1966 PELAGIC ONLY This report summarizes the observations and collections made at sea by Smithsonian personnel during the Leeward Island Survey No. 13, 6-26 June 1966. The Smithsonian team consisted of Richard Crossin (Biologist in Charge), Kenneth Balcomb (Assistant Leader), Philip Shelton, David Hoff, Frank Smith, Richard Chandler and David Pearson. The cruise was made aboard the U.S.N.S. SHEARWATER T-AG 177. Excellent cooperation and assistance were received from the officers and crew members. A total of 10 days (6-9, 16& 20, 22-25 June) of pelagic observations amounting to 1,60 miles and 106 hours was covered. During these periods 9,941 birds of 24 species were recorded and 28 birds of 7 species were collected ( tables 1 and 3). Collecting was primarily restricted to accidentals and species which at present are in questionable taxonomic or breeding status for the Leeward area. Practically a direct route from Oahu to Laysan was followed with a 2 hour stop on 8 June at French Frigate Shoals for the purpose of disembarking personnel (Amerson and Tordoff) and their respective gear. An order received by the Shearwater to extend the Honolulu ETA on the return portion of the cruise resulted in spare time which was considered best used about Kauai where two subspecies (Newell's Shearwater and Harcourt's Storm Petrel) and