Bird Species Accounts
Diomede nigripes. Black-footed Albatross. This species was first sighted
north of Tanaga Island one hour and thirty-two minutes after leaving Adak.
They followed us throughout our cruise but were not as abundant as the
Laysan Albatross. Three specimens were taken, all with bands:
697-73041 Banded at Midway, 15 January 1963,
recovered 47° 18'N, 173° 13'E, 9 October 1965.
737-45140 Banded at Kure, 29 October 1963,
recovered 47° 13'N, 173° 14'E, 9 October 1965.
737-45577 Banded at Kure, 8 November 1965,
recovered 47° 03'N, 173° 16'E, 9 October 1965.
The total number of Black-footed Albatross recorded in approximately
2,000 miles was 120.
Diomede immutabilis. Laysan Albatross. As in 1964, the Laysan Albatross
continues to be the more common of the two albatrosses currently found in
the Aleutian area. A total of six was sighted in the Bering Sea which
is the first record north of the Aleutian Islands. The trip total was
287 individuals. Two specimens were taken, one of which was banded:
737-96286 Banded at Kure, 14 March 1965,
recovered 44° 25'N, 173° 02'E, 13 October 1965.
The Laysan Albatross responds very well to chumming behind the ship.
Although it is more difficult to see the bands on the Laysan, it seems
the proportion of Black-footed Albatrosses banded was higher than in
this species.
Fulmarus glacialis. Fulmar. In contrast with the Bering Sea area, the
area south of the Aleutian Islands is populated by predominantly dark
phase birds. This species was seen south to 43° 51'N, 173° 00'E on
13 October.