SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON 25, D. C. HULL ISLAND ** PROGRESS REPORT In view of the scarcity of birds on all inhabited islands we decided to forestall setting up camp and instead conduct a preliminary survey of the island. We landed at 9:30 A.M. and split into two teams which started around the island in opposite directions. All birds seen were censused. Because of the narrowness of the outer rim of the island it was possible to get an almost 100 percent coverage of the birds. We finished the circuit of the island after walking 8 miles each. A total of 24 channels were found, forded. We landed again after dark to collect geckos and left again at about 8 P.M. Birds: A total of 2994 birds of 10 species were seen, 2,300 of them being Hawaiian Noddy. Only 4 species were nesting. The Sooty Terns are reported to nest in tremendous numbers during June and December. Banding: 25 nestling Hawaiian Noddy were banded. Height and weakness of trees ruled out any attempts at night time banding of adults. Blood samples: Chief Giragosian obtained three samples from turtles captured by the natives. Mammals: Large numbers of cats and dogs kept as pets. At least 40-50 of each. One Polynesian rat? seen. Human population totals 590 plus or minus and all will be evacuated during November and December. Reptiles: Possibly two species of skinks occur. About 5 collected. 5 specimens apiece of two species of Gekko were collected. Shells of turtles were scattered all over the island. Three were caught while we were there. A survey of plants was made and some insects were collected. FCS/rbc