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A total of 1021 birds was recorded - 9$9 outside the Grid and 62 inside 
the Grid. In both cases this is a drastic drop from the December numbers 
(1932, lii5l and U81 respectively). This decrease was much greater than 
last year and produced a new low density for the Grid area. Twenty species 
were recorded with 11 occurring only outside the Grid (L s ysan Albatross, 
Phoenix Island Petrel, White-necked Petrel, Cook Petrel, Pcmarine Jaeger, 
Laughing (?) Gull, Common Noddy, Brown Booby, Fairy Tern, Sooty Tern and 
Gray-backed Tern). Seven birds of four species were collected. 
An average of 7 species was observed per day (8.7 outside grid; U.3 
inside grid). This was a drop inside the Grid end an increase outside the 
Grid as compared to December# 
Weather was very mild especially inside the Grid. Overcast conditions 
and rain squalls were rare. S ea conditions were mild and waves were two 
feet or less on all but a few occasions. Swells were often deep, especially 
during the return from Johnston Atoll. Several days were calm and almost 
glassy except for swells. At such times the water surface was gently 
rippled and with extensive slicks between the swells. 
The effects of these weather conditions on bird numbers is unknown 
but they may have been significant. It seemed however, that on this cruise 
no more birds were seen during the windy than during the calm periods. 
Boobies were observed sitting on the water in small flocks during one very 
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calm period. N 0 storm petrels were observed at any of the slicks. 
Visibility was always good (8 mile minimum) and usually excellent 
(10 or more). On calm days it was possible to distinguish details of cloud 
formations as they appeared above the horizon, '-'mall floating objects 
birds could be seen at a great distance# 
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