1868
Laser Frigatebirds
McKean Island
270t. Interestingly enough, this species
is feeding the young on almost a
pure squid diet. The one sample
contained a 172 mm scorched
amounting to 45% of the sample.
Great frigate, on the other hand are feeding
considerably on Scombrids — more
participating fish, etc.?
If we assume our population
count is reliable, then each of 22,000
young terns + their 44,000 parents
each consuming an average of 51.1
grams of squid per day equals 3,372,600
grams = 7,829 lbs ± ca. 31/4 tons.
If the July estimate was correct and
there were 85,000 birds about, and if
this 40,000 old birds which presumably
had not failures are still about, they
we old another 4,502 lbs (21/4 tons).
As the 3rd, coming up with about
6 tons of squid per day to feed that
bunch 2 minutes. The average, in
fact is probably quite low, since
a beef sample probably constitutes
the feeding if one parent and perhaps
each parent feeds more than once
per day. This 51.1 grams is probably
quite low.
Some three frigate classes:
1635 3 old terns drive a costly ton,
for about 15 seconds — chase successful
then disigny, food out all 3 swoop,
one picking it up.
1651 one old tern drive an ad Soty
for about 8 seconds unsuccessful.
1701 3 of fins at 2 terns drive an
ad Soty for 21 seconds — unsuccessful.
1714 2 of 3 terns drive a bluejay
Nolly for 4 seconds, successful.
BOORUM & PEASE “NEAR”
1868
Laser Frigatebirds
McKean Island.
270t. Frigate dives out.
These frigates are picky birds, returning
from the lary feeding flock off days. Cannot
de termine which one they feed as terms are
all over. They usually dive at one foot
over the water, ignoring those flying in
high at this level. Bluejaid Bobbies
were noted to come at great height —
well over 1500 ft and then shed flying
in as they come over the beach area to
drop in at the lycos. Perhaps the high
approach is something to avoid frigate.
This group of 5 or 6 of Blesser
are operating along the beach over here —
Sparingly one or 3 come out of their
chasing and dive in for a chase.
Observing three frigates out in the 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 with the main
flock were feeding for themselves.
1743 Two old terns driving an ad Soty,
only rejuvinate, and then attempts along
with the 2 frigates and about 3 Silver Soty
tons to pick up the dropped food. I think one
of the frigate was successful.
1745 3 old terns, driving an miniature
RFD for 35 seconds — unsuccessful.
At tennis the bobby was splashing in the water.
1748 They of 4 ad S terns driving a Soty ton
for 12 seconds — one dropped food and all
their frigates and another costly ton, done
in for it — ? could know if any bobby got it.
1813 Two 2. Frigate & Common Noddies, right with
the frigate! Slownets hit the roller, frigate
missing, but the 3 noddies continue to pursue
the thermometer for some 20-30 yards after it
takes off from the tide — I mean paveling,
Chong like this! Are these birds getting
some ideas from the frigates?