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All Cossin Journal SIC 14 1966 49 5 July Honolulu, Hawaii — 21-00N ; 158-10W) Total 3 608 Birds from 1655 till Sunset. Mostly Softy Terns and light phase Wedgetails. Crew looks real good (5). Shrieker sea sick — may says out of it. 6 July 1940N ; 159-27W — 17-54N ; 160-53W) Bird numbers dropped considerably today (224) but with a greater variety. 2 Shear-pets mostly Shearwaters. 12 Newell’s Shearwater seen. Black-wing and Juan Fernandez Common. 3 of 40 Wedgetails were dark phase. 7 July 16-26N ; 162-13W — 14-43N ; 163-44W) Bird numbers dropped still lower today (141). - Softy Tern and Wedgetail still the Dominant with Black-wing and Juan Fernandez still common. Few gulls and very little opportunity for collecting. Light phase and dark phase Wedgetails almost equal in number today (12 h ; 16 B.) 8 July 13-13N ; 165-04W — 11-36N ; 166-25W) Numbers up slightly today (12.50), still with Softy Tern and Wedgetail Dominant and Black-wing and Juan Fernandez Common. Mrs Black-wing, Chan T.P. 2 of dark phase Wedgetails have very become nearly 100%. Of 43 42 were dark. A Juan Fernandez & a Black Wing Collected. 9 July 9-58N ; 168-04W — 8-20N ; 169-42W) Numbers of birds rose considerably today, Originally due to our large flocks of dark phase Wedgetails (500). Total birds = 610. Petrels shining out. R Cossin Journal SIC 14 1966 50 10 July 06-51N ; 170-58W — 05-20N ; 172-24W) Bird numbers dropped very low today. Left our passing through a supposed good area ca. 5°S. Perhaps yesterday seen through 9°-8° was the "rich" feeling area at this time of year. A small concentration of Newell’s Shearwater occurred (6), I collected. Black-winged Petrel (26) again numerous, but apparently a different population than has been showing up — these new birds have only a thin white line through the underwing, the leading and trailing underwings black areas are very distinct. I collected. Otherwise they appear in all respects to the ones seen earlier — could be a different population? Wedgetail seems the most abundant bird, primarily dark phase birds. 11 July 03-58N ; 173-46W — 02-24N ; 175-12W) Very few birds today (61). Storm petrels (white-rumped) starting to show up. The few I noted appeared to be Leach’s, but they were not quite in gun range so I never had too good a look at them. Perhaps a few non-breeding Leach’s, but there is no Chance — they are Wilson’s from down South. Softy Tern Dominant (20) followed by Black- winged Petrel (17) and Wedgetails (7). Howland → B.K.E.V. → Howland 0-57N ; 176-45W — 0-40N ; 176-35W) 12 July Lighted Howland shortly after sunset. Put party of Wider and Shrieker ashore With 21 B. gear for 8 men, between 0700 and 0900. Left with 7 men for bale Survey. In abundance I Blue-foot Petrels and Lesser Frigate birds, but very very few Softy Terns. Apparently the Large Edotong on the Shannon had not settled in yet.
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R.D. Brown Journal - SFC 14 1966 51 Howland -> Baker -> Howland 0.51 N; 176-45 W — 0.40 N; 176-38 W 12 July cont. Large coral Coubders are present on the beach — washed up by some very heavy storms since the last visit in May. The outer beach front has been changed. Perhaps the storm which occurred were the reason for Sooty Tern failures. Spoke with Larry Hiler upon leaving Baker. He maintains that there are 200,000 Sooties on Howland. The large feeding flocks are still around Baker as apparently large numbers are still in the area. Most birds be likely settled down on chicks or eggs on Howland or out to sea in early a.m. thus few were noted. Arrived at Baker at 1220. Party D 7 went ashore. Sleek, HJF, Chandler and I spent most of the time working on the weather mechanics (setting one rig on for drive, changing rolls etc.). Nobody chummy with eggs to full-fledged chicks, few Sooty (blue-faced) young. About 200 Sootie- birds displaying and nothing on nest (no egg). Island very dry compared To past years. Shelled coral snails, 50+ Older House, 35° Paddy Terns, 12° Wood- spring Tatter. Few Sooty Terns flew over the island. Left at 1535. No problems with surf. We were roughly 7 miles from Howland at sunset. Huge numbers of birds between Howland and Baker. The large good feeding area is still around (immediately Offaker) Baker. This is roughly 4 months and that large feeding flocks have been seen, off Baker. Landed on Howland after dark — great up to 2000 banding and streaming Sooty Terns. The colony extends from near Starvation at the center of the island to nearly to the north end. They could 52 Howland -> Baker -> Howland 0.51 N; 176-45 W — 0.40 N; 176-38 W well be up to 200,000–300,000 birds present. Nesting ranges from fresh egg to chicks nearly ready to fly. The birds are sitting well on the deck of noon, but we are all very glad with the streamering. Only a few I’ve got 600, the rest 400 on known. Returns are coming in well. Left the island at roughly 0730, and started running a girl leg with crew of myself, HJF, + Chandler. Pulled 50 samples of Blue-faced Sooty Terns last night. Rain night watching 11-12 and only had a few birds (NE+D Howland). Howland to 1.04 N; 178-05 W 13 July Birds fairly numerous today (729). Began one leg of the grid out from Howland at 0800 to the W-WW — designed to be at Howland on the following morning. A few large flocks were noted up to 15 miles west of Howland and alternate small flocks with one large one at 1343 in the afternoon. The extreme western sector after this was devoid of flocks. During the night sun in to Howland birds were practically absent and sightings did not begin showing until ca. 0530 near Howland. Three Blue-streamered Blu-faced Sooties and one Howland-banded Sooty Tern was Sleeted/and Discerned on the first leg. These were all within the first 15 miles set from Howland in the morning. This demonstrates, however, that birds are feeding out to the west of Howland as well as SE about Baker. We doubt birds are moving out in all directions, considering the number that are now present on the islands.
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R. E. Grason Journal - SIC 14 1966 53 14 July Howland Is. to 1.56 N; 177-15 W Changed part of the crew at early morning on Howland. Retained Chandler to run bird + myself on today, grid run. Replaced Hoff and Huber with Pearson and Balcomb. Bonding and streaming still going very slow. The crew pulled 25 Red-faced Booby, blood samples off. Roger is mistuned in his many programs on the island and should come up with some good, much needed data. Saw my first Blue-streamered Sooty Tern this morning about 10 miles NW Howland. In the bright morning sunlight it showed up very well. Real great to see some of these terns quickly, and know where they are from. The next year should produce good results from the efforts of this cruise: Another Blue-streamered Sooty Tern and one Blue-faced Booby seen today. Couple of unmarked Sooties collected. Total 3 867 birds, mostly Sooty Terns 728. Floors were plentiful up to 1000, then dropped off drastically for the rest of the day. Night watches held - Total 3 760 birds - 175-57. Practically all noted upon approach to Howland from 0330 - dawn. Howland 0.48 N; 176-4 W - 1.45 N; 176-10 W 15 July Bird numbers only moderately abundant today. Balcomb ran the island. I remained on the island. Ran around measuring up Booby & Frigate nests + eggs for Roger all morning. During the night I was completely beat, couldn't hardly do any work. Then the rains hit about 0200 a.m. and I quit and took the crew back to camp. Everyone cached out, but Chen went out later by himself, banded + streamed a couple hundred Sooty Terns and collected 25 ST blood samples. Good man, this Chandler. Went backs on the shear water at daylight. Kennedy crew on the shear water had flocks up W till 1527 (ca. 60 miles out). R. E. Grason Journal - SIC 14 1966 54 16 July Run the Eastern leg of the grid today with Chen, Roger, + Pearson. Total 3 357 birds. Florence out at about 1400. No Blue Streamer sightings, but this I believe mainly due to very bad light in the morning as we traveled E into the sun. Collected 4 ST and 1 RPTB. The crew got 2 deads SP yesterday (one which flew aboard ship at night). One came aboard tonight about 2020 and was brought from the bridge by Louis Hahn. A few weird Phaethon types spotted today, appear to be Bonin Tern but have a very dark head (all about face + side of head). Night watches very slow until early in morning (ca. 0330) when we were about 20 miles out from Howland. Chandler collected 70 Sooty Terns, 1 Jack and 1 Juan Fernandez Petrel. 4 of the Sooties were banded, 1 of them, Blue-streamered. All from Howland, but old banding. Howland 0.48 N; 176-38 W - 0.12 N - 175-38 W 17 July Balcomb took the Cruise out today. But one Sooty Tern and 1 Blue-faced Booby with Blue streamers. Weather starting bad, heavy minds at night. Total birds 623. Mostly few, but distributed quite evenly through- out the entire leg. Howland 0.48 N; 176-40 W - 0.045 N; 178-05 W 18 July Took the long SW leg today. Very few birds (296). Only a few small Flocks seen throughout this day. 04 Blue-streamed Blue-faced Booby seen. Weather very bad - heavy swirls and rough seas (make for bad observations as well as little chance for collecting). Night Observation were a miracle with only 9 birds, nighted the entire 24 hr. period.
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Rd Crossin 1966 Journal - SIC 14 65 Opolu Island, Western Samoa 30-31 July 1 Aug. Maq - Gymnomyza samoensis Seen on previous trips in heavy rain forest - not noted during the present survey. Wattled Honey-eater Foulebaia caniculata: Common to abundant in all types of habitat from coastal to cloud forest. Usually in pairs or small groups - feed regularly in low vegetation or in the lower to mid strata of tall trees. Noisy. Cardinal Honey-eater Myzomela cardinalis Very abundant in all types of habitat from coastal to cloud forest. Most often seen in dense lower vegetation, but goes into tall trees whose ever flowers are present. FB seem to be more in abundance, but Pulmonaria agrees with this. I would guess FB are more abundant with due consideration that the deals & would be less likely seen. Red-headed Parrot-finch Erythrum C. cyanos Common in the higher reaches of the rainforest and in cloud forest. Most abun- dant in grassy areas. Flies through the low vegetation and often escapes detection. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer Common in all settled areas and in low elevations in the plantations of Coffee, Cocoa and Banana. Very ramming in posture, general behaviour odd cells besides color, shape etc., 2 Plainly platy Others apparently mating - hopping up a bank sideways, culling & raising crests to sitting? noted on two occasions. 66 Apis - Western Samoa 2 Aug. Shuffled the 0630 flight back to Pago, arrived 0715 - left Pago at 0800, Tutuila To 13-02S ; 170-48 W 2 Aug. Common Robbids abundant N. of Samoa, Fairy Terns and Red-footed Boobies also present in good numbers. As usual Fairy Terns completely absent in this area. White-tailed Tropicbirds strongly very low in number (7). We must go to Swains Island again to drop supplies. I voiced my displeasure to the captain that this forgetting to be a bad habit. 11-06S ; 171-05W - 10-16S ; 170-16W 3 Aug. Arrived Swains near daylight, surveyed the island. Collected a few skins: 3 Red Zealand Cuckoo, 3 Wandering Tattler, a few Golden Monarch, 1 Fairy Tern. Island appeared the same as all respect so last trip except for one striking chance concerning 2 species. During the present survey Common Robbids and Fairy Terns were almost completely absent from the island. During last previous survey they were extremely abundant - numbering into the thousands, breeding and appearing for all practical purposes - resident birds. Why both species should desert the island is a complete mystery to me at this time - I had always thought that Fairy Terns at least were resident in their island numbers on their southern islands throughout the year. Page has suggested that its large numbers seen on previous cruise were possible birds from the north. Most of both species appeared to be breeding on previous visits however.
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R Strosin 1966 Journal SFC 14 67 8-Aug. Total 11 birds seen today, practically all Breeding, 4 Cook's and they may all 10 sightings been of this species. 6-13S/166-03W - 4-54S; 164-55W 5 Aug. Only 10 birds today, again mostly Cook's Petrels. 3-35S; 163-38W - 2-27S; 162-30W 6 Aug. Number of birds were considerably Today (221). An abundance of Sooty Terns 163, and Fairy Terns 31. Indicator species such as Phoenix Island/White Petrels (3) seem to indicate some of the Jarvis Island Airfield pre-arr. Fairy Terns or likely Phoenix Island Petrels would appear to indicate Cheesman Island, since neither occur on Jarvis. 1-19S; 161-07W -> Jarvis Island. 7 Aug. Arrived at Jarvis ca. 1500. Sooty Terns very abundant and numerous. Total of 1292 from 5R to 1425. Looks like a large breeding colony in season. Jarvis Island. 7 Aug. Did a brief survey during afternoon of 7 and prepared for night banding operation. Sooty Tern colony all with large chicks nearly ready to fly. Colony extends from SW corner of island on around the south Pids and along the E side of island. Appears egulate to be about between 5p and 6 million birds. Enlarging by uniform age in all the chicks. Very few uninfertile eggs about, so apparently hatched eggs complete. Successful Banded 16,000 Birds. Collected 250 blood samples. R Strosin 1966 Journal SFC 14 68 Jarvis Island. 8 Aug. Took blood samples to ship about 0730. Spent most of the afternoons on Boaty journey. Roger working on R77B. Red-footed Boobies seen on low bushes, jump keeps or any sort of raised area and often on the flat ground. Except for those nesting on the ground at Kilauea light house on Hawaii, this is the first time these have been seen. Blue-faced Mollymawk large young and are scattered around the entire island with concentrations along the shoreline back of high tide line on W and N shores. Red-footed Terns nesting in heavy concentrations on the W beach. These are often found nesting in the grass, alongside rocks and of course under every conceivable type of cover. Several were meeting in the rooms in the house. Flocks looked like some sort of chicken coop for exotic chickens! Banded Sooty Terns all night - 20,000. Chandler set a new record (600). With these new hole-drilled pens, it will be impossible to beat such a record without using such pens as it speeds up the banding so. Also collected the remaining 50 blood samples from Frigate. 9 Aug. Roger continued with his journey and couldn't even go to the ship to eat. people are tired after such concentrated banding as has been occurring. Banded 16,000 again tonight for a total of 32,000. Went out after banding about 0300 and collected series of R77B. Hoff went out uns to shoot Sooty Terns got more. Pulman and taken 2 on 8 Aug. Left the island at 0700 on 10 Aug.
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R. B. Crossin Journal - SIC 14 1966 0-235; 160-00w Jarvis Island w → 0-18S; 161-52W 10 Aug. Birds abundant & the W of Jarvis. Rolly footy Terns. Large numbers of these and Blue-faced Borlin. Heading toward Jarvis at Sunset. We were then, ca. 120 mile distant, White-throated and White-rumped Storm petrel starting to show up in number Today. We lacked collected. I don't know whether there are returning alaska frecers or birds which have sccmagned along the Eyvibrid belt Wintering grounds all summer. 0-07S; 164-06W — 0-03N; 166-01W 11 Aug. Bird numbers fairly considerable Today as we get out an open ocean away from island influences. Still a number of Sooty Terns showing (906) and a few storm petrels still present. A few old storm petrels were seen at close range. Suspected White-faced and White-billed species. Many whales + porpoises about today. 0-07N; 168-05W — 0-20 N; 170-24W 12 Aug. Still fewer birds again today as we get get completely away from any island influences. Total 65, 34 Sooty Tern scattering & Storm petrels, + other sear pets. 0-28N; 172-31W — 0-36 N; 174-36W 13 Aug. Last day before entering the Southern Grid. Area practically devoid of birds - 14 total, 11 of these White-rumped Storm petrels. Night watches held, Sooty Terns becoming numerous as we approached Howland. Total of 99 for entire night watch. R. B. Crossin Journal - SIC 14 Howland Baker 70 14 Aug. First day in the Southern Grid. Arrived at Howland at daylight and put Chandler and Bulmer ashore with gear to set up Camp. We then went to Baker, put Clays + Pearson on island to survey from 1230 - 1630. I saw about in the raft of shore collecting. Sea was Too rough to use the shill and actually Too rough for the raft. Shooting from the raft is ridiculous. A strange mindlessly action results from every turbulence beneath the raft and with 4 moving variables (raft, shooter, gun and wind) pattern on a fast flying Tern. Collected & out of about a top and a half shells. Bakonh collected 2 off the Great Aler one of these banded (Howland - Feb. 105). Numerous flocks between the islands, Sootie and Frigate still feeding madly about Baker. Large numbers returning To Howland near dusk. Returned to Howland by 21:00 and everyone went ashore + banded + streamed Sooty Tern shulls all night except for party which went out to take Bostby Wood (100 samples). B taxable 4000. Party of 4 left the island To run a bag of the grid shortly after 0700 (15). Howland Island → 0-163; 125-38W 15 Aug. Run a SE leg today on the Grid. Sooty Terns abundant up through early afternoon (ca. 20 miles SE Baker). After this practically nothing. Frigates (probably the migrants here) associated with every good sized flock of feeding Sooty Terns. Can night watchers very few birds until we approached Howland.
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Red Baronin Journal - SEC 14 1966 71 16 Aug. Norland 5 → 0.35S; 176-5→W Worked North of Baker - birds not as abundant as had been suspected. They appear not to range out from Norland much beyond 30-40 miles. Total of 395, 258 of these Sooty terns. Eight birds, premably the majority, Laccas, more commonly associated with all Sooty Terns feeding flocks. Flocks greted out at 13/10 (roughly 10 miles) below (3) at Baker. Night watches, practically devoid of birds. 0.41N; 176-47W → 0.21N; 178-03W Then to the SW of Norland. Birds relatively numerous, 256, mostly Sooty Terns (756), a few immature beginning eature up in flocks, especially near the island (Norland) anomalies are very evident in the offshore tern configuration. At sea the young always appear to be closely chipped by shells - if a young bird flies sheer near the belly, an adult is sure evolved to quickly come flying up, calling. Flocks were abundant until 1530 when they abruptly stopped. Norland observator back to Norland were practically devoid of birds - 33 terns, a bird? which were also likely terns. Blue streamer Sooty terns were practically every flock that could be seen. 0.41N; 176-54W → 1.15N; 175-25W 18 Aug. Run a line NE of Norland. Bird numbers feel off quite markedly - 372 total, mostly Sooty terns 537. Only 2 small flocks were recorded NE Norland, so apparently birds are just feeding in this area. & blue-painted Norland BTEB were seen early in the morning W of Norland and a blue - streamer from BTEB seen recorded on the afternoon. 72 18 Aug. Last day in Southern Grid. Bird numbers lessening as we move out from the Seland - 200 total, mostly Sooty terns, one black - streamer showing affected link with Norland. 20 Aug. 3-30N; 174-35W → 5.63N; 173-18W Suddenly dark-phase wet-tubsters show up How been practically absent from the grid but are concentrated north of it. - Total of 220 birds, we believe, unbudgeted 58 & Sooty terns 84. 21 Aug. 6-39N; 171-52W → 9-46N; 176-44W After leaving the grid numbers are down extremely low - total 163 bird only, practically all Shear Pet mostly Petrodromus. Non-sort & Sooty tern range - total 8. 22 Aug. 9-05N; 169-59W → 10.38N; 167-36W No Sooty terns, 39 birds, practically all Shear Pet - few Sooty Terns will starting to move through going south. 23 Aug. 11-56N; 166-21W → 13-17N; 165-07W Sand muders still down - 49. Small number (16) of Sooty terns - next Pleats- oma with fled Puffinio pacificus - Gaseus/ and/or aluminaria. 24 Aug. 14-31N; 163-58W → 15-55N; 162-39W Bird numbers still low. Total 737, (of which 45 were Petrodromus) & of which 45 were Petrodromus other terns. Birds in fresh following are difficult. S. Thulea men are white necks for Dark Crown, but black not top white with new black-tipped feathers.
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R.S. Corwin Journal SIC 14 1866 55 19 July 1-105; 1772-17 al To Howland Island Bird numbers low again today in SW Sector. Total 276, mostly Soft Tern 242. Only 8 small flocks amounting to 207 birds. 20 July. Howland to —— To Howland Is. Birds picked up tremendously Today as grid lag was run NW of Baker Island and ca 15 miles to S. Total 1457; mostly Soft Tern 1353, 6 Blue-streaked Soft Tern, 1 Brown Booby and 1 Blue- facial Booby were noted, Banded on Howland again tonight. 21 July. From a day between Howland → Baker → Howland today. Had Shift in 470 a short time (1230 - 1410) about Baker, Collecting 27 birds. 3 Banded and 1 banded and three Streaky Soft Tern were collected. 5 Blue-streaked Softies and 1 Red- facial Booby and 1 Blue-facial Booby were seen. Banded on Howland again until 0230. Left Island at 0245. Returned all night (what was left of it) and netted only 12 birds. 22 July Last day in Southern Grid. Total of 1069 birds most of these in flocks. (855). Frigate, mostly lesser, were numerous as many Soft Terns. 3-095; 174-34W —— 3-355; 174-08W 23 July Seas very rough due to arrive at McKean at 1100. Very few birds between, Baker & McKean. Struck ca 1115 - hit the beach at 1345. No bird problem although it was high, Soft Tern shore failed for some reason. Slip entire W beach side of the island R.S. Corwin Journal SIC 14 1866 56 23 July McKean Island Had ½ to ¾ incubated eggs which had been deserted and were mainly in various stages of sitting. appeared to be less than 1/3 of batch. These few young were from hatching to 1/4 grown being attacked by the few gulls throughout the entire west side. On Chumpy Side (s) flocks The birds seemed to hand somewhat better Quarters and in areas around the Stone walls on the side, small grouping of Softies were found either on eggs or attacking small chicks. There was no apparent reason for desertion. Of the vast numbers of eggs laying about throughout his years belt on the west side. Some eggs were found around the north and east sides of the island and a few small colonies Still in incubating in the Sids or the N side and around the lagoon. Some of these are oddly, small groups of 10 - 12 pairs, isolated by hundreds of birds from the rest birds. Due to the full moon for most of the night, birds were almost impossible to band in any number. Softies roosting in groups of up to 5000 about the lagoon were very jumpy and all would rise as soon as we entered the edge of the group. Almost the entire night of 23 was spent in collecting 200 Blue- Gemples (blue-faced Boobies), Lesser Frigate and a few Softies. Survey work, nest count, & population estimates made throughout the day - Banking performed at night. Strid, jumped out after completion. Left Shortly after daylight 25.
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R.B. Grossin Journal - SEC 14 1966 57 25 July Between Mclean & Gardner Islands. Approaching Sidney at 1335. Very few birds around mostly Sooty Terns (182). Total 127 birds. Survey & collected on Gardner not 7 day. Gardner Island Surveyed & collected on 9 A.M. left island 28 noon. Tern birds from 1315 - 55. (4 Total). 26 July 0-30 S; 173-25W - 9-19S; 172-41 W Total 120 birds seen today mostly Sooty Tern & Fairy Tern. 27 July 11-17 S; 171-52 W - 12-56 S; 171-10 W Total 19 birds. 28 July Arrive Lago Lago at 0600. After clearing up mail details and getting report off to Mr. Figs, caught the 1330 PSL plane for Apia, Western Samoa. Accomplished very little more than getting the hotel squared away and a car rented throughout the rest of the day. Vitralathaini Mrs. Annie Jones still is running the Heatherfield Hotel - cheap - £3.00 a day and we wound up getting our meals for £1.50 per day after. Car is very expensive, £1.50 a day. A D&atyp, usually breaking down daily. However, there is only one place to rent cars from on the island (has 2 Dulam) so not much choice. Following is an annotated list of the bird species observed from 30 July, 31 July, 1 Aug. R.B. Grossin Journal - SEC 14 1966 58 30, 31 July Opola Island, Western Samoa. White-tailed Tropicbird: Phaethon lepturus Commonly seen flying over the forest and especially common in the large barranca that parallels the road to the seismograph station. One bird was noted landing in a large semi-deciduous tree at side of the road about 50 feet up - possibly nesting - but the rex was too large & better looking to climb. As in American Samoa (Tutuila) the species probably nests in the large fruit trees which are completely clad in liasters, mosses, ferns, Orchids & other epiphytes. Fairy Tern Gygis alba Seen commonly over the forest and along the large barranca paralleling the seismograph road. None more seen to land in the trees, but they probably nest in the trees in the mountains. Common Woldy Anuis stelidus A few were seen along the large barrana paralleling seismograph road cord. A few seen along the coastal areas. We endorse of nesting, but probably do so in the palm ool. Reef Heron Demignetta sacra sacra A few (3 or 4) were noted along the coastal road from the airport to Apia. These were usually seen perched on rocks along the shoreline or just offshore. One was noted along the coastal road beyond Apia. All noted were dark phase birds. Banded Rail Gallus philippensis goodsoni Common from sea level to woodland edge wherever clearings with short, dense vegetation occurred. This species was not
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R.B. Russin Journal SFC 14 1766 59 Opitu, Western Samoa Bonded Rail cont. abundant in the thinly settled ranch and fern areas on the seismograph road above Opitu. In the rock-strewn pasture land as many as 10-12 could be noted in early morning or at dusk in a few acres of grazed area. The birds can disappear in a flash in any types of vegetation. Also flights of up to 2-30 yds were noted. No young were found seen. The birds appear to be in good plumage at this time. Intensive feeding occurs during early morning and late afternoon until dark. On rainy days, the birds are evident even in mid-day. About the residential area of Opitu, rails can be seen on the lawns and as even noted among the domestic chickens feeding in the yards. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio samanea Only a few seen - about one mile to the seismograph station above Opitu. There two were noted flushing from dense vegetation at the edge of the road. Huler saw several feeding on the grass strip at the airport - sea-level. Crimson-crown ed Fruit Dove Ptilinopus porphyriacus fasciatus This species was encountered in only one area at about 500 ft in fairly open pasture land with large trees interspersed. In places an orchard of some type of fruit tree was present. This area is on the outskirts of Opitu toward the airport. At a transformer (ca. 3 mi) out of Opitu a road eachable left toward the sets. Large estates are spread out at the end of the road with coffee, cocoa and a few banana and papaya trees in est groups. The open pasture land stretches R.B. Russin Journal SFC 14 1766 60 Opitu, Western Samoa Crimson-crowned Fruit Dove cont. off to the left facing the sets. The birds were not noted feeding here as more Many-colored Fruit Doves in other areas. Rather, nesting seemed to be in progress. Birds were noted booting communally in late afternoon of 31 July. Call is a short cooing note followed by a variable number of lower cooing notes, usually 2 - but apparently when a bird is slightly excited it continues the calling. On the following day (1 Aug) birds were heard plicalling about mid-morning in this area but only a few were seen. Distinctive field character separating it from Many-colored is the yellow tail tip. Otherwise they look much like females Many-colored. Many-colored Fruit Dove Ptilinopus peronsii This is the abundant species on Opitu and probably on Tutuila as well. We found them ab eguent at about 2000 ft near the seismo- graph station. There the birds were coming into fruit trees (Fig 3) of immense height 7,120 ft. As many as 10-12 was noted g to congregate in one tree. Samoan Starlings were also feeding in these trees. The birds called frequently in early morning but seldom while in fruiting trees. Call appears gine more subdued, faster and more frequent notes than the Crimson-crowned. Huler found the birds very abundant at sea level (Cresta) areas feeding in large fruiting trees (Fig). Apparently elevation is of no consequence in their distribution. Food trees likely are transplanted to wherever they come into fruit at the right stage. The yellow-tailed race is distinctive. The more somber females might be mistakes, at distance for the Crimson-crowned.
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R.B. Grosin Journal SEC 14 1866 Opia Island, Western Samoa 30-2jul 1aug. Pacific Pigeon Duscula pacifica White-throated Pigeon Columba vitensis One of the 2 above species (perhaps both) were misted on several occasions, newly seen flying. My impressions were always of a large (Bonitic pigeon size) slate gray bird with whiteish about head or sides. weeks. Singles or pairs were seen at all doctrinaries, but most commonly along the large barraner paralleling the Seismograph road up near cloud forest. Friendly Grand Dove Gallicolumba staitii One individual of this species was seen flying across the road about 5 mi above Apia, on the seismograph road in settled area. This is the only time I saw the species on the island, but am fairly certain it was this bird. Blue-crowned Tern Vini australis Several birds were seen in the large fruiting trees at about 500 ft on road out of Apia from the electric transform. (see Crimson- crowned fruit dove). Birds were feeding in small numbers here in a large fruiting ime with bright red seeds. A few pairs were noted. An andiclined twittering call is mixed when the birds fly from tree. Bulmer claims he heard this call and saw bird in other areas (in the coastal coconut groves, and in the cloud forest). Certain calls of Dajage maculosa and perhaps the Myiagra, deckar also give similar calls however. The distribution would appear to be widewid over all habitats wherever fruiting ua provide food for this species. They should be common in the second from left at this time, I saw no coconut trees in flower - Logee perhaps the reason for their scarcity, at this time in coconut cover! R.B. Grosin Journal - SEC 14 1866 Opia Island Western Samoa 30-2jul 1aug. Barn Owl Tyto alba Individuals were seen in all types of habitat. Behaviorally, like any mainland U.S. bird I have experienced. White-rumped Swiftlet Collocalia spodiopugia Abundant from cloud forest to coastal lowlands. At times many birds can be seen fluttering throughout the crowns of large trees, otherwise a fluttery flight out in the open is most characteristic. None were ever seen to land. From their distribution in forested areas, I would assume nesting this place in the large fruit trees, but this is only a guess. Probably one of the most abundant birds on the island. Flat-billed Kingfisher Halcyon recurvirostris Common but not abundant in allreeds of habitat from cloud forest to coastal areas. Birds are seen, most commonly, eriched on telegraph wires, bared wire fences or on dead limbs in the more heavily vegetated areas, I saw no indicator of nesting. Polynesian Driller Dajage maculosa Very abundant in all types of habitat, but most numerous in grass-covered ets such as pasturland on the airstrip and about lawns. Full grown bigger were seen. The birds are most prone to feeding on the ground. Very frequently hopping for rocks or making short flights of a few feet from spot at to spot on the ground. Saman Teller Halcyon s. sharpia Very scarce and seen only a few
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RDBernin 1946 Journal - SEC 14 63 Opale Island, Western Samoa 30-31 July 1 day. Samson Thrush Turdus pistorophalus samoensis Common in cloud forest. The birds usually fly low, often seen flying through the dense vegetation. Usually seen low to the ground. Samson Fantail Rhipidura sechelae Common - abundant in all habitats from cloud forest to coastal areas. Always very nervous and taking short flights through vegetation. Often prone to fighting with one another with dramatic displays. Large, full-fledged young were seen. Samson Barredbill Myiagra albikentris Observed a few times in low rain forest and in open tree stands pasture land at about 500 ft. elevation. The birds act very much like barbets, with slow deliberate movements through the foliage, head turning as if the birds are intently peering for insects, which they probably are. Usually in pairs. Sarclt Robin Petroica multicolor Abundant in high rain forest and in cloud forest. Birds very tame and come in almost immediately to a squeak. A few dull-colored flying immature were seen. This species is seen most commonly in low shrubbery. Also common along pasture land in drier rain forest area clearings. Ciller Whistler Pachycephala rufifrons Common in all types of habitat with vegetation. Usually found in densely RDBernin 1946 Journal SEC 14 64 Opale Island, Western Samoa 30-31 July 1 day. Ciller Whistler (cont.) Followed trees or bushes. In low brush habitat in cleared over pastureland some species several were noted in a flock frequenting several brush heaps. About 12 birds that were together. Most stayed down low in the brush, a few in the open on higher dead twigs. Three flew on top were constantly being supplanted by other individuals from the brush beneath. Common also in cocoa planta- tion and in coffee growth. Variations in throat color were noted, but most birds were not seen clear enough to get an idea of sex differences, besides there is probably age + sex difference. Polynesian Starling Aplonis tabuensis Found in all habitats from coastal to cloud forest but not especially common any- where. Usually seen in high trees. One bird was noted going to a hole in a banyan fig about 45 feet up - sticks protruding from the hole, but the bird did not stay and later nothing flushed from the tree so we assumed nest-building was probably taking place. As such I did not deem it worthwhile to make the difficult climb. Samoa Starling Aplonis atrifuscus Found in all habitats - abundant everywhere. Reminiscent of good old Sterna vulgaris by its agility. The birds most often frequent the upper stores of trees but are not against going into underbrush and even on the ground in search of food. Seen in drier rain forest feeding on banyan fig and other fruiting trees. Typical S. vulgaris behavior!
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R.S. Crossin Leawards #13 1966 42 Honolulu Harbour → 21-19N; 158-23W 6 June. Departed Honolulu at 1610 Crew of 7 plus Binion Amerman, and Jeff Turkoff burning a ride to French Frigate Shoals. Birds were fairly numerous (897 total). There were predominantly Wedge tails & Sooty terns, common Noddies. 21-44N; 160-22W — 22-35N; 162-42W 7 June. Crew should shape up fairly well. The two new men (Pearson & Chandler) are catching on fast, Shatton is sea sick again today so I suspect he will be out of it until daypan. Passed by Kaua at sunrise - few nowells about, but no birds. Sumped Petrels. Only a white-rumped Storm Petrel seen all day, one of these I noted was almost certainly a Leachio with a prominent wedge of black extending posteriorly through the White rump. Numerous small to medium flocks (28 total amounting to 1353 of the 1740 total birds). Terns = 1303, the bulk of the rest were light phase Wedge tails & Bulwerio Petrels. 23-16N; 164-31W — 23-51N; 166-26W 8 June. Bird numbers were down considerably from yester day, but numbers still R.S. Crossin Leawards #13 1966 43 23-16N; 164-31W — 23-51N; 166-26W 8 June cont. Impressive - 996. An abundance of small flocks - 24 = 399 birds. All tern species were abundant. A series of 5 Blue grey Noddies were collected from near Necker #2. 5 terns - almost certainly one or the other of Crepion, or Crested Terns not sighted E of FF Shoals. Although good sightings were made overhead, the bird was out of gun range. Albatrosses are becoming more numerous - 480q to 55A, and 9 L.A. Worst men seen about a dead sperm whale. Surprisingly no storm petrels were about. An excellent oil slick was spread out from the dead animal and all condition looked excellent for Storm petrels ??? A few Dolphin - (Mahi mahi) and a few sharks were about the whale. Let Binion & Jeff T. off at French Frigate Shoal in good shape toward our sit. Attempted to collect a por- poise, but was unsuccessful. An adult Sooty tern was noted perched on a piece of Driftwood about 5 miles off Necker - the bird flew off when we approached. Newman Noddies were noted to land frequently on the rock.
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RS Cassin, Leewards 13 Journal 1966 24-37N; 168-13W — 25-14 N; 170-25W 9 June Bird numbers still holding slight. An increasingly greater number of Albatross, preominantly, Black-tet as Day proposed. Very few old terms (CN, BEW, HN, FT) practically all Sooty — 426 — Probably Dayaan breeding birds. Another Caspian, prov likely, treated term spotted Today. Great abundance of wedgetail, 391. 75% over half? were rested within last hour before sunset when we were stopped over Haro Reef. I took the sniff out about an hour before sunset and worked huge flocks of pure wedgetail and both Albatrosses all mixed. At one point out in the shift I Observed a large number of birds on the water all crowding around an object (ca. 50 Black-tet Albatrosses, 5 Dayaan Albatrosses, and 40-50 Wedy- tails — The object of attention was an old Aircraft Red light bulb about 6 inches long — the large end all shiny where apparently the albatross had been drilling it in last testing Only a very few terms (ca. 10-12) were encountered in 7,150 Wedgetail and 7,68 Albatrosses. Sooty terms more abundant all afternoon however. Due to arrival at day's end of sun. RS Cassin Journal: Leewards trip #13 1966 Dayaan Island 10 June Landed on island 0545. No incident, water calm. The vegetation (specifying the Scaevola) is much lower than last August. (Both species?) Albatross Chicho look to be farther along than last year. Set up camp and took the terior crew around island for a pourney of Shroliuids, Seals & Albatross count. Banded 9,500 Southern at night. 11 June Started breaking people in on making out banding schedules etc. Spun a small collection of blood. Banded 10,000 Sooty term at night. 12 June Spun down a small collection of blood, processed the collected Shroliuids etc., bed breaking schedules, returns to, made complete Dayaan teaklout Banded 10,200 Sooty Terms, collected about 70 samples of blood. 13 June Brought the entire crew out to the ship's sleep. The flies are almost as bad as last August. Spun down blood samples and set off new astrolab to band Albatross. 14-16 June Still banding Sooty term adults. The birds are amazingly dense, well well for banding out. We are averaging 10,000 esp a night with a seven man crew.
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R.B. Caron, Journal - Laysan Island 46 14-16 June Laysan Island Balcony banded 2000 57 ad m night of 12-14 June so I attempted to beat his record on the night of 14-15. I began at 1800 on 14 while still light by spilling 57 ad 33 eggs. At 2015 (darkness set in) I had 600 and by 0130 I had 3100. I then decided to try for Huber's record of 4300. At 0415 it began to get light and I had 4100. I dumped 400 into the backing bag and began to get adult off eggs in the tall grass. At 0610 I finished with a total of 4500. I don't believe I would ever attempt this again. All the crew is working wonderfully. Phil Shelton using his slow method was able to band 2000 one night. Frank Smith managed 3000 one night. Our goal of 100,000 birds well within the realm of possibility. Broke camp on the 15th leaving only skeleton gear on the island - banded until 0230 on morning of 16 and then was aboard and bound for Laysan. Laysan, 16 June Landed at Laysan after supper 1630 on 16 June. Banded & took blood until dawn. Worked as such for 3 nights and spent about R.B. Caron, Journal - Laysan Island 47 18-19 jun of the 4th night collecting ticks etc. Left the island at 02130 m night of 19-20. Bound for Laysan. Have over 98,000 banded and the 100,000 is realized. ALL Pertinent details concerning species may be found in the Species Accounts! Laysan 20 June Arrived at 1300. Rain onset of afternoon, screwed every thing up. Guys so tired, every body is walking around in a day. Too much work to do. Banded the remaining 3,000 # 3 Sooty Tern bands for the 100,000 block and 300 Wedgetail and about 400 albatross. This finishes the banding with about a 105,000 total for the 10-11 days of banding. Still here. Worked on Laysan Terns most of day & did a bit of syllaterring & playing with Bulwark Petrels, etc. Departed Island 2245. 22 June 25-15 N; 170-44W - 24-39N; 168-15W Few birds, mainly Sooty Terns & Wedgetails. Sea quite rough. We completely exhausted. No collecting possible with the rough sea.
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R.S. Brown 1966 Sooty Tern Dayman particular is nesting in sparse Stoner on the E side. The birds are nesting extremely well for banding purposes. Those in the dense grass clumps are especially reluctant to leave the eggs and it is rather easy to band up to 300 per hour in broad daylight by taking parents (mostly 99%) of eggs. In certain areas (see Dayman Finch section) the egg loss to dayman finches is amazingly high. This is one of the very few natural controlling factors that I have noted in the numerous Sooty Tern colonies in the Pacific. Band returns are considerable (up to 100 per night with 7 max. ears); most of these are from the massive hatching July - August 1965. To date (15 June) one Lisianski bird has been recorded and at least 4 orange streamed Sand Shooter birds. It is unknown whether these were breeding or not on Eto Dayman. A small number (ca.3) Two egg clutches were noted by me during banding operations. From the uniformity of the two eggs in each respective clutch, it would almost certainly appear to be the work of one female in each case. This, I would imagine R.S. Brown 1966 Sooty Tern Dayman: is quite possible and besides, birds are anatomically equipped with two perfectly good functional brood patches. We doubt there has been selection against two eggs for the species in the past evolution since one egg = 1 chick appears to be enough to maintain the species and at an extremely high population level. Last year's July and August surveys are actually a poor companion to use in estimating population numbers because at that time practically all birds had varying sized chicks and a good portion of the adult population could have alternatively been at sea in pursuit of food. However, I believe the adult population is considerably greater the present year. I would tentatively raise last year's population of 1,000,000 to 1,250,000. This might over be low as more birds seem to be coming down all the time. The majority of birds use the shelter of an overhanging clump I guess to place the egg. Some nests are elaborate depressions in fallen grass cover but the majority are laid in shallow sand scrapes.