PROGRESS REPORT NO. 1 ---- ATF TRIP # 6 During the period October 1, 1964 to October 16, 1964.vists were made to Howland and Baker Islands and 8 days of at sea records were obtained during the trip from Pearl Harbor to Howland Island. The islands are discusse d briefly below and on the biweekly report sheets. No analyses of the at sea records has been possible but on this trip thousands of migrating Sooty Shearwaters were seen and a number of birds tentively identified as Collared Petrels were recorded for the first time in this area. Howland Island The field party , 8 people, landed here on the morning of the 9th and left early on the 13th. During this period all personnel were instructed in the various phases of the work to be accomplished during the remainder of the trip. 13,101,birds were banded, 35 were collected and 856 bande returns were obtained. Collections were made of shinks, gekkos and land crabs. Approximately 50 plant collections were made and numerous photographs were made of the island and the permant quadrats ( plant study). An activity study was maintained on bird movement for one day and numerous notes were taken on nest distribution,and construction. No mammals were found. Baker Island A landing was made here on the afternoon of the 13th and the party remained until noon on the 15th. Bird numbers have continued to increase and the number of nesting Blue-faced Boobies and Red-tailed Tropicbirds was more than double the number found in July. This is even more important when it is realized that July is the peak nesting month for these species with a father sharp decline from that period. In addition Great Frigatebirds -nd Brown Boobies were found roosting on the groud for the first time since the Smithsonian prtis started visiting the islands (March, 1963). No cats were seen and it can be assumed that they were eliminated in July, 1964. 288 birds were banded with 142 returns and 8 birds and 9 mice were collected. Collect/ons were made of skinks, gekkos, land crabs and fish. 53 plant collec- tions were made with the usual photographs of study plots. An activity study was maintained for one day. Nest distribution was plotted and several berlese samples were taken from the nesting areas. Information obtained on Hermit Crab density indicates that the species is seven to ten times as abundant on Baker Island as on Howland. Ship Cooperation To date the ship been very helpful and has done an excellant job of landing personnel and equipment on the islands and maintaining them there. The navigation lights now being used require daily boat runs to bright*in* bring in new batteries and take out old ones to be charged but the lights are far superior to anything else we have tried. Except for the daily battery change they are very little trouble and provide a reference point for the field party at night as well as for the ship. Accomodations, food and laundry service are all in pleasant contrast to previous trips.