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This report is a summary of observations and collections made by P.O.B.S.P. personnel in the eastern Pacific Ocean from 1-10 April, 1967. Participating observers included Brian Harrington (biologist-in-charge), Richard Heiden, and James Lewis. Superior cooperation was received from the officers and crew of the U.S.N.S. SHEARWATER (T-AG 177). The grid cruise track (see map 1) was followed closely, and all positions are considered accurate within five miles except on 4 April when they may have been slightly less accurate due to contin- uous cloudy weather which prevented an accurate fix. One major deviation from the nominal cruise track on 8 April near point "M" was a result of orders directing the SHEARWATER to follow and identify a Russian fishing boat. This report is divided into two sections; the first deals with the eastern grid survey while the second summarizes the non-grid portion of the cruise. EASTERN GRID SURVEY NO. 5 The eastern grid survey was conducted from 1215 hours 2 April until 1900 hours 9 April, 1967. A total of 94.8 hours of diurnal survey was conducted over 967 linear miles. A summary may be found in table 1. An additional 14 hours of nocturnal observation were conducted and are summarized in table 5. Weather data during this survey were recorded on appropriate forms and ADP sheets. In general, light winds and seas predominated during the first third of the survey, and were followed by moderate winds and seas over the remainder of the grid trip. These conditions were similar enough to those of the previous two surveys to make reasonable comparisons of populations between the three. In general, the bird population data collected on this survey confirmed the occurrence of migrational movements suspected of being under way during the previous two surveys. These changes will be discussed in the species accounts. Mammals comprised a very significant percentage of the total air-breathing animals recorded on this survey. In fact, from the standpoint of numbers, they were more common than birds by more than two to one. And as mammals are more
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difficult to see than birds in uncalm seas, they may have been even more abun- dant than observations suggested. As no method of weighting which allows for the state of the sea has been devised, it is unreasonable to calculate comparative densities. Thus suffice it to say that there were many mammals seen, and proba- bly more were unnoticed. A total of forty-one bathythermograph casts was made over the grid track at four hour intervals. No analysis of these has yet been made. FLOCKING As on previous cruises, very little flocking was noticed in the grid except for Red Phalaropes and storm petrels. Flocking of these two species will be discussed in the grid species accounts. GRID SPECIES ACCOUNTS Black-footed Albatross (Diomedea nigripes) 54 + 1 nocturnal Overall grid density was identical to that found on the last survey, and a north to south density decline was again observed. But east-west distribution was noticeably different, there being four times as great a density in the east than in the west. On previous surveys east-west distribution has been virtually even. During this survey an effort was made to make note of any birds which had a white rump (indicative of adult plumage), but only one was seen. This would suggest that few, if any, of the 1967 Hawaiian nesting population have yet returned to this area. Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) 4 The low numbers indicate that the grid winter population has migrated north. It is to be expected that a few stragglers will remain behind. All four sightings were of dark phase birds.
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New Zealand Shearwater (Puffinus bulleri) 3 Three sightings in the northwest portion of the grid represent the first record for this species in the grid. All were traveling north. Pink-footed Shearwater (Puffinus creotopus) 1 A single bird in the western half of the central section was the first grid recording for this species. Judging by non-grid observations, it was probably a migrant. Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) 31 Although most were identified as being either Sooty or Slender-billed Shearwater, none with good Slender-bill field marks were recorded. Also, judging from large non-grid collections, all were probably Sooties. The influx from previous surveys is accounted for by a northward migration from the breeding grounds in southern latitudes; virtually all of the observations were of single birds traveling north. It hardly need be said that because of this, north-south densities as calculated on table two are practically meaningless. But in view of non-grid observations, it is quite interesting that east-west densities within the grid were virtually even. As large concentrations were found off the channel islands and around Cortez Bank, one would expect that grid densities of northward bound birds would have been much higher in the eastern part of the grid. Additional surveys may explain this phenomenon. Herald's Petrel (Pterodroma heraldica) 1 The collection of this species constitutes the first reliable record for the grid. The field identification of one in January is the only other sighting for the grid. Leach's Storm Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) 125+ 7 Nocturnal Storm Petrel Species (Unidentified) 12 + 4 nocturnal Although not usually recorded to species, probably all of the storm petrels
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noted in the grid were Leach's. As has been noted before, the density distrib- ution followed no obvious pattern; although distribution changes since last cruise were evident, they are not explained. The south section of the grid had three times as great a density as the central area, and there appeared to be a general trend of storm petrel movement towards the north. This, along with data suggesting an influx into the north section, indicates that a northward movement is underway. Two specimens were collected during this survey. Both were in moderate fat condition, but neither had gonads near breeding condition. Jaegers 0 This was the first eastern grid survey on which no jaegers were recorded. Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens) 1 A single immature was noted in the central section. Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) 23 + 3 nocturnal The population decline of this species in the grid is continuing. Highest density was recorded in the north section, with a virtual absence in the central and southern areas. The gonads of one adult collected within ten miles of the grid were near breeding condition. Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) 0 This is the first grid survey to date on which no kittiwakes were seen. Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini) 1 A single sighting in the north section was the first grid record. Red Phalarope (Fulicius phalaropus) 285 + 23 nocturnal As on the last survey, the Red Phalarope was the most abundant species in the grid, even though the density has decreased. The distribution again appeared to follow no pattern, except that the highest density has shifted to the north
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NON-GRID SUMMARY The non-grid portion of this cruise includes two periods of observation. The first includes parts of two days while enroute from Long Beach to the grid, while the second was one day between the grid and Long Beach. Because the bird populations encountered on these two tracks are quite different, each is treated separately (see table 7). On the first track 9.2 hours of diurnal observation were conducted over 87 linear miles. Collecting of specimens was done shortly before entering the grid. On the second track, 11.7 hours of observation were made over 113 linear miles, and again collections were made. The activity of birds in both non-grid areas was similar to that recorded last month, with the exception of an influx of Sooty and Pink-footed Shearwaters. The exodus of some of the winter residents was noted and the occurrence of some transients was also noted. As on previous trips, an effort to determine movements of birds between the coast and the grid was made, but there are still insufficient data to make any reasonable statements. Coastal-types of gulls were noted within thirty miles of the north leg of the grid, and as far as 60 miles off of San Clemente Island. Herring Gulls were found in both pelagic and coastal waters, but whether they move freely between the two will not be possible to determine without more sophisticated methods than are presently employed. The same holds true for the Jaegers. Flocking was a prominent activity on both non-grid tracks; most groups were resting or traveling migrants, but some flocks of resident gulls were also seen. This activity will be discussed in the species accounts. NON-GRID SPECIES ACCOUNTS Albatross All but one of the sightings were outside the Channel Islands. On the north
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track 9 were seen, several of which were following other ships. One Laysan Albatross was seen on the north track. Shearwaters Fulmar were recorded in low numbers on the portion of the north track outside the Santa Barbara Channel. All were dark phase. Pink-footed Shearwater were recorded in good numbers (55) on the south track where one was collected. Most were scattered among resting or traveling flocks of Sooty Shearwater. On the north track only two Pale-feet were seen. Sooty Shearwater were very abundant (1980) on the south track. Many were just west of Cortez Banks, while most were between the Banks and San Clemente I. Most were sitting on the water in large flocks, but when flushed flew towards the north. A total of 27 was collected, and virtually all had full stomachs. On the north leg only five were seen, all of which were traveling north. Although recorded on the log as either Sooty or Slender-billed Shearwaters, none of the birds observed or collected had the field marks of Slender-bills. Storm Petrels One Leach's-type storm petrel was seen on the south track outside the outer banks. Cormorants Nine unidentified Cormorants were seen on the north leg, and five on the south track. In addition a single flock of Pelagic Cormorants was seen near Catalina flying towards the north. The sighting of a single cormorant about 60 miles off San Clemente wa the farthest offshore record for the Eastern Area Cruises. Black Brant Two flocks totaling 140 birds were observed traveling north in the Santa Barbara Channel.
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Red Phalarope Sightings of one on the north leg and 12 (one collected) on the south track approximate the number seen on the last non-grid cruise. Jaegers Three unidentified Jaegers and one Pomarine Jaeger were seen on the north leg. On the south track two Long-tailed Jaegers and 21 unidentified Jaegers (probably mostly Pomarine) were seen. Most were in areas where the Sooty Shearwater were abundant, but none were seen chasing the shearwaters. Gulls Western Gulls were observed on the north and south tracks, but more commonly on the latter. Some individuals were seen 60 miles off San Clemente Island, but most were closer to shore. Herring Gulls were not noted inside the channel islands on either leg, but may have been present in large groups of unidentified gulls. Outside the islands they were present in low numbers, increasing to seaward. Two specimens were collected on the north leg. California Gulls are the most abundant gulls along this coast. Probably most of the gulls on both tracks were of this species, but as it is all but impossible to make the careful identification of each gull in a large flock, most were unidentified. On the south track California gulls were noted as far as .50 miles off San Clemente Island. One adult Ring-billed Gull was seen in the Santa Barbara Channel. Highest numbers of Bonaparte's Gulls were noted on the north track. All sightings on both tracks (all inside the islands) were of adults in breeding plumage. A single Sabine's Gull was seen on the north track just before entering the grid.
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{ "text": "Ship\nDirection\n\nSMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION\nDIVISION OF BIRDS\nAT SEA DAILY LOG - E\n\nSPECIMEN\nor\nBAND NO.\nREMARKS\n\nTIME\nSPECIES\n#\nDIR.\n\nOBSERVERS:\n\nDate 3 April 167\nPg.# 2\n\n1237\nWRSP\n1\n5\n\nskiff over\n\n1300\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n [TRANSCRIPTION_TRUNCATED_DUE_TO_LOOP]
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Date 2 APR 1967 Ship SHEARWATER (FAG-17) Cruise No. 177-67-05 Organization POBSP Recorder Ship's bridge Sunrise: Time 0551 Position: Lat. 34° 06' N, Long. 121° 00' W Sunset: Time 1834 Position: Lat. 34° 55' N, Long. 123° 08' W Miles travelled from 0000 hours to sunrise = 59 Miles travelled from sunrise to sunset = 113 Miles travelled from sunset to 2400 hours = 57 TIME OF FIX TYPE OF FIX LATITUDE LONGITUDE 1. 0700 LO-RAW + VISUAL 34° 40' N 121° 13' W 2. 1900 CELESTIAL 34 55' N 123° 14' W 3. LO-RAW INOPERATIVE AFTER 1000 FIX. 4. 5. Hourly Positions: Time Latitude Longitude Wind Dir. Wind Sp. Wave Dir. Wave Hgt. 0100 34° 19' N 120° 04' W 295° 5 295 3 0200 34° 21' N 120° 20' W 290 8 290 4 0300 34° 23' N 120° 29' W 310 5 310 4 0400 34° 27.8' N 120° 42' W 350 2 350 4 0500 34° 32' N 120° 51' W 280 4 270 2 0600 34° 36' N 121° 02' W 234 4 270 2 0700 34° 40' N 121° 13' N CALM CALM 0800 34° 45' N 121° 25' W AIRS CALM 0900 34° 48' N 121° 35' W AIRS CALM 1000 34° 51' N 121° 43' W AIRS CALM 1100 34° 53' N 121° 49' W AIRS CALM 1200 34° 54' N 121° 56' W AIRS CALM 12 FT SWELL 1300 34 59' N 122° 10' W AIRS CALM 12 FT SWELL 1400 35.00' N 122° 24' W 300 5 RIPPLES 12 FT SWELL 1500 35.00' N 122° 42' W AIRS RIPPLES 10 FT SWEEL 1600 35.00' N 122° 53' W AIRS RIPPLES 10 FT SWELL 1700 34° 58' N 123° 00' W AIRS 3.15 2 1800 34° 55' N 123° 07' W AIRS 3.15 2 1900 34° 55' N 123° 14' W 025 9 3.15 2 2000 34° 55' N 123° 26' W 035 9 3.15 2 2100 34° 56' N 123° 38' W 010 10 010 2 2200 34. 56'N 123°. 50'W 010 10 010 2 2300 34. 56'N 124. 04'W 010 10 010 2 2400 34-56'W 124° 16' W 010 10 010 2 958b-ST-MNH Rev. 9/28/66
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Date 3 APR Ship SHEARWATER (FAC177) Organization Recorder Cruise No. 177-67-05 Sunrise: Time 0608 Position: Lat. 34°50'N, Long. 125°35'W Sunset: Time 1846 Position: Lat. 34°10'N, Long. 125°41'W Miles travelled from 0000 hours to sunrise = 59 Miles travelled from sunrise to sunset = 115 Miles travelled from sunset to 2400 hours = 56 TIME OF FIX TYPE OF FIX LATITUDE LONGITUDE 1. 0530 CECESTIAL 34°50'N 125° 46' W 2. Noon By L.A.N. 3. * cel Position D.R. after 1400 Sun line- 4. 5. Hourly Positions: Time Latitude Longitude Wind Dir. Wind Sp. Wave Dir. Wave Hgt. 0100 34° 57 N 124° 28' W 005 8 005 2 0200 34° 57 N 125° 45' W 005 8 005 2 0300 0400 34° 50' N 125° 06' W 320 10 325 3 0500 34° 48' N 125° 20' W 320 10 325 3 0600 34° 50' N 125° 34' W 320 10 325 3 0700 34° 50' N 125° 47' W 345 15 315 3 0800 34° 50' N 126° 00' W 345 15 315 3 0900 34° 51' N 126° 09' W 330 7 330 3 1000 34° 52' N 126° 21' W 330 7 330 3 1100 34° 41' N 126° 21' W 330 7 330 1-2 1200 34° 32' N 126° 20' W 330 9 320 1-2- 1300 34° 22' N 126° 24' W 330 8 320 3 +1400 34° 17' N 126° 24' W 325 8 325 3 1500 34° 13' N 126° 23' W 320 10 320 3 1600 34° 10' N 126° 20' W 320 10 320 3 1700 34° 10' N 126° 07' W 345 10 340 3 1800 34° 10' N 125° 50' W 000 12 000 2 1900 34° 10' N 125° 39' W 000 12 000 2 2000 34° 10' N 125° 28' W 000 12 000 2 2100 34° 09' N 125° 15' W 320 06 325 2 2200 34° 09' N 125° 03' W 325 06 325 2 2300 34° 09' N 124° 49' W 325 06 325 2 2400 34° 09' N 124° 37' W 325 06 325 2 958b-SI-MNH Rev. 9/28/66