Ludwig, James P., 1963-1964
Page 63
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Transcription
Ludwig, J. P. 1964 Revisited Kihei Ponds again - 4 stilts, 27 Herons, 2 Sanderlings, 1 Plover, 1 glaucous gull. Then at 1300 I went back to home. I decided not to go up to Haleakala crater as it is 3 hr. drive, so I took off several hours to photograph flowers at Dr. Izumi's orchid gardens. Then spent several hours at the Kanaha Bird Sanctuary watching stilts. Counted 43 stilts, 3 Herons, 67 Shovellers, 8 Coots. Saw several other ducks also - 2 Scaups(?) and perhaps a ? mallard. Maderos said a Brant was there last week. I did not see any evidence of breeding in this sanctuary in any of the species - Several of the stilts looked to have some primaries missing and I suspect post muptial molt in a number of these birds. Returned to Kihei about 01730 and on the way home to Wailuku saw a "sperm whale" off the Kihei mud flats area. He was in very close and we watched his antics for 25 minutes. Watched for petrels coming in here, but saw none. Home for dinner. February 1, 1964 Went tonight with 6 others to the Mohapuu Point Booby Roost in the Kanehoe Marine Base. Banded 134 and recovered 4 Red-feets. Collected Red-foot which was quite unusual with the dark wings and back. Most of these birds were coming into breeding condition - bright colored facial patterns etc., and we found several nests, but no eggs. From nearby Moku-manu we could hear large numbers of Sooty Terns calling