2 
Species Accounts 
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (182) 
Wedge-tails comprised nearly 17 percent of the total birds observed 
within the grid. Over twice as many wedgetails were present in the grid 
this month as compared to last June and nearly three tijnes as many as were 
encountered July 196U. Although the numbers were high, distribution within 
the grid was erratic. On the 7 and 9 July no wedgetails were recorded. 
Positions during these two days were primarily in the south and west quad¬ 
rants of the grid. Dark phase individuals comprised over 51 percent of 
the total. A good number of dark phase birds were also seen northwest of 
the grid between Johnston and Oahu. These dark phase birds were already 
present within the grid area last month, forming over 70 percent of the 
wedgetail population. 
Newell 1 s Shearwater (U) * 
The low number recorded is slightly under that encountered last July 
within the grid. Very large concentrations were seen through the Leewards 
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this cruise, but apparently were absent from that area last July. 
i 
Christmas Island Shearwater (2) 
This number compares exactly with last July. None were observed last 
month within the grid. 
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Juan Fernandez Petrel (6l) (188) 
White-necked Petrel (127) 
The large concentration of this species within the grid area this month 
cannot be explained at this time. During July 196U not a single individual 
of either form was observed in the grid area. Last month a total of 32 was 
observed. At that time the white-necked variety was present in about equal 
number to the Juan Fernandez. 
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