Grid - Introduction 
The grid was shortened to four days instead of the usual six in order 
to allow time for a possible survey of Laysan Island. Rough seas made it 
necessary to further shorten the two eastern legs in order to maintain the 
schedule and also made it impossible to run NW on December 3 (See map). 
A total of 45*3 hours of diurnal observations was conducted during the 
period 3-6 December, covering 357 miles. A total of 144 birds of 12 
species was recorded. Only three flocks were encountered, totalling 21 
birds, all on the two eastern legs. The highest densities also were recorded 
on these two legs (Tables 1 and 4). 
The expected decrease in migrating Slender-billed Shearwaters accounts 
for most of the sharp drop in numbers over November. If this species is 
excluded, about twice as many birds were seen in November. Md st of this 
difference is then due to the large decrease in Sooty Terns this period. 
Eight species recorded in November were not seen this period. Only 
three species “Were seen this period which were not present in November. 
Of species recorded both months, seven declined in numbers this trip. 
Blue-faced Booby, Red-footed Booby and Wedge-tailed Shearwater were the 
only species which increased markedly over November. 
