These questions are being par- 
tially answered through a program 
of intensive at-sea observation by 
the Pacific Ocean Biological Sur- 
vey Program. Each month many hun- 
dreds of pelagic miles are being 
'covered in the search for birds. 
Shipboard watches are maintained 
from sunrise to sunset by relays of 
one or two men keeping an accu- 
rate log of all birds, including 
their numbers, direction of flight, 
association with other species, and 
their possession of color markings 
or bands. Many birds are collected 
in an attempt to recover bands or 
other markings. 
Since the inception of this pro- 
gram in August 1963 j over 150 
banded or marked birds have been 
observed or collected, while pre- 
viously unknown migratory pathways 
and non-breeding areas for at least 
10 different species have been dis- 
covered. 
Continued pelagic observations 
in conjunction with intensive band- 
ing and marking programs should 
result in a heretofore unparalleled 
expansion of our knowledge of the 
movements and distribution of ocean' 
ic birds. 
Smithsonian scientist stands watch on ship during program of sea bird study 
Photo by P.J. Gould, Pacific Project. 
