Ely, Charles A., 1963-1964
Page 47
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Transcription
Ely, Charles A. 1964 feathered, two (one near building; one along southwest and with adult) were small, covered with down and with only the shortest rudiments of remyis. Two unbanded young were found dead. Two adults were captured with their young (one unbanded; one 635-20019 with the very small young along southwest beach). In addition two unbanded adults were captured with no egg or young in evidence. The adult with young in southwest area regurgitated the posterior 4 inches of a "herring type fish" about 2 inches thick at the pectoral area - no head or dorsal fin present. In all I handled fifty birds and didn't have any bands with me. I'm sure most of these birds will fledge within a month. Sooty Tern - One adult heard and seen over island shortly after arrival. Later saw and heard two adults over antenna field. Found remains of several - long dead and no bands. Captured an immature that had on injured left wing which had apparently healed. The bird was lively but couldn't fly. It was unbanded and thin but in good plumage. The white edges of the feathers were almost completely gone but there was no evidence of molt to adult pattern. A second immature was observed in flight at very close range near the restricted area on the south port of the island. It was flying normally. White edges to some feathers could be clearly seen. Common Noddy - Saw a few birds overhead and along the beach at intervals. Later saw twenty birds on sand bar at southwest part of island. Near antenna field captured an immature in excellent plumage but with an injured wing. The bird was thin, active but could not fly. Parallel of the Sooty mentioned above.