1.S.Bosman 1768 Leven Frigatebirds Mckean Island 270t. Interestingly enough, this species is feeding the young or almost a pure squid diet. The one sample contained a 172 mm Scomberoides amounting to 45% of the sample. Great frigate, on the other hand are feeding considerably on Scombrids - more parasitizing Robins etc ??. If we assume our population count is reliable, then each of 22,000 young frigate + their 44,000 parents each consuming an average of 51.1 jugs of squid per day equals 3,372,600 jugs = 7,929 lbs = ca. 3 3/4 tons. If the July estimate was correct, and if this 40,000 old birds which presumably had not failures are still about, then we add another 4,502 lbs (2 1/4 tons) to the total, coming up with about 6 tons of squid per day to feed that much 2 minutes. The average, in fact is probably quite low, since a few sample probably constitutes the feeding if one parent and perhaps each parent feeds more than once per day. Thus 51.1 jugs is probably quite low. Some Leven Frigate clues: 1635 3 ad S? hours drove a costly turn, for about 15 seconds - chase successful then disgorge, food out all 3 swoops, one picking it up. 1651 one ad S? turn drove an ad S? for about 8 seconds unsuccessful. 1701 3 of fins ad S? hours drove over ad S? for 21 seconds - unsuccessful. 1714 2 ad S? hours drove a Blue Gey Molly for 9 seconds, successful. Boorum & Pease "Nolae" 1.S.Bosman 1768 Leven Frigatebird McKean Island. 270t. Frigate class out. The frigates are picking birds, returning from the large feeding flock offshore. Cannot determine which one they pick as terms are all over. They usually dive at one bird, over the water ignoring those flying on high at that level. Blue-faced Brothers were noted to come in at great height - well over 1500 ft and then start flowing in as they come over the beach area to drop in at the lagoon, perhaps the high approach is something to avoid frigate. This group of 5 or six ad S? frigates are appearing along the beach over here. Incredibly one or 3 come out of their chucking and dive in for a closer. Dawning time frigate out in its feeding flock, all seemed to be working as hard as the terns over the tuna and there is no doubt that most if not all frigates on the main flock were feeding for themselves. 1743 Two ad S? frigate driving an ad S?y, only 2 squawjets, and the attempts along with the 2 frigates and about 3 Silver S?ty Terns to pick up the dropped food. I think one of the frigate was successful. 1745 3 ad S? frigate driving an immature RFD for 35 seconds - unsuccessful - at times the body was splashing in the water. 1748 Three ad S? frigates, driving a S?ty Tern for 12 seconds - ten dropped food and all three frigate and another S?ty Tern dove in for it - ? could know if any body got it. 1813 Two S. Frig & S? driving an audubon's Shen and 3 Common Nodules, right with the frigate ! Slim white. Like the water, frigate Molly, but the 3 nodules continue to pursue the shrewwater for some 20-30 yards after it takes off from the bird - I never saw any- things like this! Are these birds getting some ideas from the frigates ?