SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
WASHINGTON 25, D. C 
SIDNEY ISLAND ** PROGRESS REPORT 
Because of the rapid coverage of Gardner and Hull Islands it became 
necessary to spend a few days on Sydney regrouping. Time was spent 
skinning birds, repairing equipment and generally catching up. 
A complete coverage of the island was made including about 2 miles of 
swimming, encumbered by life preserver, to and from the islands in the 
lagoon. 
Birds: 1040 individuals of 14- species were observed. There were only 
two nesting species and both of these were restricted to the central 
lagoon. 
Banding: 11 Gray back Tern nestlings were banded. 
17 Common Noddy nestlings were banded. 
Blood Samples : 4 samples from cats were taken. 
Collecting: Sandpiper No. 4 1 
Ruddy Turnstone 2 
Reptiles: 1 species of skink and 2 species of gekko occur. Turtles 
were not found although numerous tracks were seen on the beach. 
Mammals: All humans evacuated in 1961. 3 dogs were seen. Rats were 
numerous (Polynesian) and 3 were collected. 5 cats including 3 kittens 
were killed. No others were seen. 
There was good coverage of insects and plants plus photographs of 
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* 
various habitats# 
FCS/ rbc 
