San Nicolas Island (contd) Larus occidentalis ca. 3,500 The numbers of this species have increased from the estimated 2,000 birds on the island on 5 March. The birds continue to defend territories. There are a small percentage (less than 10 percent) of the birds that are now paired. In three hours of observation, only one bird was seen to de- demonstrate any"breeding/nesting behavior". The animal was tearing vegeta- tion from the ground, but it did nothing further with the vegetation after it had been broken loose. This may have been an effort to clear an area for a "scrape" in which to place the nest as the nests of this bird are generally in scrapes with only a small amount of nest material. On 5 and 6 April the birds were present on the territories. But on the morning of 7 April all but a few of the birds had departed the island. This behavior is apparently normal for gulls in early stages of the breed- ing cycle. Numenius americanus (Long-billed Curlew) While observing the Western Gulls on the west-northwest end of the island, one curlew continually circled over my head, calling loudly. The bird was seen in the same area on two different days, and, although they are not recorded as breeding on the island, I believe this bird was on territory. Mirounga angustirostris Predictably, the age structure of the San Nicolas population has changed since the March visit to the island. There are now no adult males and few adult females on the island. The yearlings which were in low numbers during the last visit have returned to the island. Some of the pups have departed the island but a large percentage remains. The tags which were placed on these animals in March are holding up well, although some of the numbers on the plastic tags are showing signs of wear. There is no sign of necrosis (in the tissue) around either the plastic or monel tags. The plastic tags are easily read by an observer walking through the sleeping animals. The numbers can be read without disturbing or having to handle the animals. Table 1. summarizes the Mirounga survey. TABLE 1. Census of Mirounga angustirostris, San Nicolas Island, 7 April, 1968. Age Female Male Unknown Adult 13 - = Subadult 6 2** 132 Yearling - 6 165 Yearling/Subadult* - - 90 Pups 93 - - 112 8 387 Total 507 * Yearling/Subadult group closely packed together and ages not distinguish- able. ** One of the animals with a small proboscis, age ca. 7-8 years.