SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON 25, D. C. ATF Progress Report During the period from Feb. 3 to Mar. 6, 21 days were spent ashore on 7 islands. 20,045 birds were banded. 1880 returns were obtained, 70 birds were collected, and 230 blood samples were taken. In addition, collections were made of fish, crustacea, and mammals on various islands. Each island visited is discussed separately in the body of this report. At-Sea Observation Two-man watches were maintained during daylight hours from Pearl Harbor to Howland Island and from Canton Island to Pago,Pago, American Samoa. The raw data is enclosed with this report. Various observations were made as we approached islands on the maximum range at which a bird could be seen. Masked Bobbies are not visible to the naked eye at distances over one mile and Sooty Terns are not visible at distances over 3/4 of a mile. It is unlikely that these birds would be seen at these distances unless one knew that a bird was there, before one began observing. Radar Despite considerable time spent on the set it still hasn't functioned properly. The ship has hopes of fixing the wiring but so far no luck. Any attempt to use the repeater completely ruins the radar image on the ship's radar. Photographs Good photographic coverage of the islands was maintained until two of the focal plane shutters ceased to function. Blood Samples The need for 8 cc. samples has greatly reduced the number of samples which can be taken in a given period as well as eliminating some birds from consideration entirely. (If one must sample more than 40 individuals to get 10 samples it is hardly worth the effort.