J.P. Hudson 11-12-63 36 Incident that I ought to see the MD personn at Midway. Caught the plane for there in the afternoon with the return- ing inspectors. Saw Kebshell and picked up the message about the ticks and got off a return wire to Maryanna about the aborted inter-islands trip in December. Called on Dr. Millet for medical advice, and he recommended soaking both head and thumb and continuing the TAO. Walked about in the evening: There are lots of gooneys back, particu- larly Laysan albatross, all over the lawns and everywhere: They are very unconcerned with people. Unlike Kure where the Bonin population has suddenly and very noticeably dropped there seem to be about 70 percent of the roosting numbers at Midway that were there in September. Caught four birds and none were moulting. Took four aspirin after a glass CC in the O club and stumbled into bed. 11-13-63 Awoke this AM feeling much improved and got up at 600. After breakfast I examined the local gooneys. Laysans are mostly unpaired now, but many and perhaps the majority of Black-foot pairs are rejoined. Black-feet are very active in displaying and fighting, and I found the first egg seen on the island at the corner of the fuel farm and since I examined a pair here earlier last evening which had no egg, in the twelve hours from 1900 - 700 last evening the egg was laid. Bird on it very attentive. Found a fledgling Wedgetail asleep in the crotch of Casurina roots - he will be more careful next time. Counted 100 gooneys around the BQ and the edge of the fuel farm finding only 13 banded in this group: However, in front of the hospital in one of Chan Robbins study plots all but 2 or 3 birds were tagged in this area with a yellow leg band and FWS band. At the hospital they X-rayed the noggin five times examined the finger, charged me a buck, gave me a cup of coffee, and sent me out to find more shutters to run into: Apparently I have a clean bill of health and a thick head. Ran into Coast Guard Representative Riddle and he gave me a Special Delivery Registered letter for Bill: Bill's wife's letters, and those from my girl were mailed two days later, and arrived at Midway one day earlier than the super-cooper Post Office special. Letters sent by plain old Air Mail do just as well. Shopped for a few supplies spending $3.24 on odds and ends and then set out to survey the bird populations.