At Sea, North Atlantic
1909
August 1 [August 1, 1909]
(No 5)
of its tribe. In some resects, however, their flight was
unlike that of the species just mentioned.  They sailed
or passed much nearer in circles (only a few yards in diameter)
and not once did they descend to the water even when
over our wake & apparently looking for food. When moving
in straight lines they flapped their wings vigorously
yet very smoothly and progressed at a high rate of
speed. The set of their wings reminded me of that of
a Swallow's and their flight, on the whole, was I 
think, nearer Swallow-like than that of any gull
I have ever seen before. I was not a little surprised
to find them on this wide stretch of ocean where
the nearest land, the coast of Ireland, is at least
a thousand miles away.
August 2  
At 3.30 P.M. I saw nine more Parasitic Jaegers. At least
one of them was wholly dark colored. Of the coloring of the
others I could not make sure for they were three or four 
hundred yards off and against blinding sunlight. We 
had them in sight for five or six minutes. During most
of this time they kept abreast of our ship although
they seemed to be flying over the same spot, chiefly
in wide circles yet not soaring for their wings were
in almost constant motion. They maintained all the
while an almost perfectly uniform elevation of
about 100 feet. Although unquestionably of the same species
as the birds seen yesterday their flight was different
and less admirable I thought. As I have said they
moved their wings almost incessantly & in long, deep,
lashing sweeps. Altogether they behaved more like ordinary
Gulls flying in company in circles, at a moderate elevation.