SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 
HULL ISLAND ** PROGRESS REPORT 
In view of the scaroity of birds on all inhabited islands we decided to 
forestall setting up camp and instead conduct a preliminary survey of the 
island. We landed at 9s 30 A.M. and split into two teams which started 
around the island in opposite directions. All birds seen were censused. 
Because of the narrowness of the outer rim of the island it was possible to 
get an almost 100 percent coverage of the birds. 
We finished the circuit of the island after walking 8 miles each. A 
total of 24 channels were , 
We landed again after dark to collect gekkos and left again at about 8 P.M. 
Birds: A total of 2894 birds of 10 species were seen, 2,300 of them \ 
being Hawaaian Noddy, Only 4 species were nesting. The Sooty Terns 
are reported to nest in tremendous numbers during June and December. 
Banding: 25 nestling Hawaaian Noddy were banded. Height and weakness 
of trees ruled out any attempts at night time banding of adults. 
Blood samples : Chief Giragosian obtained three samples from turtles 
caught by the natives. 
Mammals: Large numbers of cats and dogs kept as pets. At least 40-50 of each 
One Polynesian rat? seen. 
Human population totals 590 plus or minus and all will be 
* 
evacuated during November and December, 
Reptiles: Possibly two species of skinks occur. About 5 collected. 
5 specimens apiece of two species of Gekko were collected. Shells of 
turtles were scatterred all over the island. Three were caught while we 
were there. 
A survey of plants was made and some insects were collected. 
FCS/rbc 
