Red-footed. Booby (15) 
Fifteen were recorded, compared to one this November and three in 
December 1964-. No explanation can be given for this unusually high number. 
The total included seven adults, six subadults and tvo immatures, distributed 
randomly. Sightings were of one - three birds, none in flocks. 
One orange-streamered subadult was seen on December 3 at 13°N, approx¬ 
imately 220 miles SSW of Johnston Atoll. 
Great Frigatebird (5) 
This species decreased sharply from 27 last month to five this period. 
Neither figure is comparable to last year's results. The decrease could 
well have been related to the strong winds. 
All five birds Were observed on December 4-. One was in a mixed feeding 
flock. Two were distinguished as adult males. 
Sooty Tern (3) 
Only three were recorded during diurnal operations, rJ 1 on December 4-. 
At least two, possibly five were recorded on the night of December 2 at the 
northeast corner of the grid. A few other birds possibly of this species 
9 
Were reported by the ship's watch between 2 A.M. and sunrise on at least 
two other nights. 
The substantial decrease over November seems to indicate that this 
species has essentially departed from the grid area. However, it is possible 
that some Sand Island birds have remained or that some may even already be 
returning, these birds remaining close to Johnston Atoll, outside the grid. 
Last December's total of 93 may have represented such returning birds. 
Common Noddy Tern (3) 
Three separate individuals were recorded on three days. None were 
seen last month or in December 1964-. 
