R.S. Crossin 1966 Journal SIC 11 14 March X-mas Party went out to Cook Island about mid-day. The Sooty tern colony was just finishing a nesting cycle. About 500 adults were sitting on the ground, but only about 10 full grown, flying chicks were present. A few Crested Tern. Chicks were scattered about - 1/2 - 3/4 grown. A few Blue-grey Noddies appeared to be nesting. Fairy Terns were especially abundant in all the fringing Messerschmidia trees. Common Noddy and Hawaiian Noddy Terns present in low numbers and nesting. Banded Sooty Tern chicks and adults on the N end of the island (before PUR) from London. Roughly 7,000 banded in combination chicks here ranged from half- to full grown - Colony of ca. 150-200,000 birds. Cats are very abundant here as elsewhere in the vicinity of ______? and are taking a great toll of chicks. Finished banding after 0300 and broke camp and returned to Shearwater. 15 March - 2-30 N; 157-36 W - 4-35 N; 157-32W First day N. X-mas, numerous birds - 1210 total. dark Wedgetails very common - 345 total. Most WT going N or NW throughout A.M., many returning S. during P.M. Very large feeding flock at dusk (1750) Phoenix Island Petrels common throughout day 25. Sooty terns very abundant - 720. Most birds strung out traveling, except when in large flocks (feeding). Red-footed Boobies common in flocks up to dark. Probably the vast majority of the days' total were birds based on Xmas Id. - or others in the Line group. 16 March - 6-34 N; 157 - 30 W - - - 8-36 N; 157 - 31 W Considerable number of birds observed, but practically all confined to 3 flocks. Total of 459 birds, 418 in 3 flocks. Flocks composed of Sooty terns and Wedge- tails. One flock with 200 Wedgetails were 90% light birds, so apparently represent northern populations. A few Juan Fernandez and Phoenix Is./tahitian Petrels about, Storm Petrels have dropped off drastically since Xmas Island. Seas continue very rough and hinder collecting as spray shoots over the bow and it becomes impossible to stand watches from there. 17 March - 10-39 N; 157-33 W --- 12-36 N; 157 - 39 W Seas quite rough, wind strong. Very few birds. A total of 41, mostly Sooty Terns in 2 flocks (33). Only 9 sightings over entire day. 18 March - 14 - 40 N; 157-49 W - - - 16-52 N; 157-47 W Seas again very rough. Could not collect, supposedly because starboard engine controls were ready to break, but without doubt reason in activity was crew and Capt - alike - have chammel fever. 10 Phalaropes?/ Sanderlings. sighted but of course could not collect any. Appear to be Red Phalaropes, but uncertain until one is collected. 30 Sooty terns for a total of 44 birds. 19 March - 19-00N; 157-42 W - 20-58 N; 158-57 W Day similar to yesterday. Total of 45 birds few more petrels, 1 Sooty/slender bill; and possibly 1 mottled Petrel. 2 Phalarope sp. again today. Arrive Honolulu about 8-830 tonight. 2 Black-footed Albatrosses started following ship today.