SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON 25, D. C. SYDNEY ISLAND ** PROGRESS REPORT Because of the rapid coverage of Gardner and Hull Islands it became necessary to spend a few days on Sydney regrouping. Time was spent skinning birds, repairing equipment and generally catching up. A complete coverage of the island was made including about 2 miles of swimming, encumbered by life preserver, to and from the islands in the lagoon. Birds: 1040 individuals of 14 species were observed. There were only two nesting species and both of these were restricted to the central lagoon. Banding: 11 Gray back Tern nestlings were banded. 17 Common Noddy nestlings were banded. Blood Samples : 4 samples from cats were taken. Collecting: Sandpiper No. 4 1 Ruddy Turnstone 2 Reptiles: 1 species of skink and 2 species of gekko occur. Turtles were not found although numerous tracks were seen on the beach. Mammals: All humans evacuated in 1961. 3 dogs were seen. Rats were numerous (Polynesian) and 3 were collected. 5 cats including 3 kittens were killed. No others were seen. There was good coverage of insects and plants plus photographs of various habitats. FCS/ rbc