and immatures are utilizing the island at rresnt. 
Sooty Tern. The large colony along the east shore contains 
heavily incubated eggs and chicks of all sizes. One segment 
contained 3,000 nearly fledged young. This colony has been in 
use for eight consecutive months and is* apprently, being con¬ 
tinually added to. On all visits it has contained all stages 
of development from fresh eg s to nearly fledged chicks. The new 
colony 9 on the lee shore near the Amelia Earhart lighthouse 9 
was increasing rapidly in size during our visit. All eggs checked 
were eitker fresh or barely incubated. This location has never 
\ 
been used in our experience. One bird wearing a Biological 
Survey band 38—312056 was captured in the new colony. A total 
of 11 9 866 Sooty Terns were banded and 43 returns were obtained. 
The returns were birds banded as nesting birds last July. The 
total populat e on was estimated at 75«000+ and increasing in size# 
Gray-backed Tern . Becoming increasingly teotmnon as a nesting 
V, / 
species. About 60 nest were located on the beach along the fringe 
of the new Sooty Tern colony. Previously, this species had been 
observed nesting only in an area 500 yeards south and east of 
the present location. 
Common Noddy . One 3/4 grown nestling was banded. Six adults 
were seen in the area. The nest with the young was on the beach 
crest along the west shore. 
Bristle-thighed Curlew . Previously an occasional bird was 
t observed but this time 10 birds were seen on the shorebird count. 
Waxndering Tattler . A total of 16 present. _ 
Ruddy Turnstone . A total of 79 present. 
Golden Plover . A total of 76 present# 
A total of 12,099 birds of 10 species were banded during the 
two day visit. One foreign recovery was obtained and 236 band re¬ 
turns recorded. 
It was interesting to compare the present island populations 
t 1 
with those of the February 1964 trip when cats were still present 
on the island© ^ew nesting species since that date includes Sooty 
i. *' 
Tern, Gray-backed Tern and Common Noddy, ^n February 1964, large 
flocks of Blue-B&ced Boobies came to the islaad to roost. These 
flights started lat« In the afternoon and increased in sis. and 
intensity until dark* On this trip the Blue—faced Boobies casts® to 
» // * *, 
TW—P—— ‘ - , - I - — —— — - - ~ -- -— — —f ~v » 1 - -'- ff i!- * • —• r * *r--r 
ft 
