PHOENIX ISLAND 
The central lagoon contained about 5 acres of water* The 
vegetation on the island was luxuriant, indicating rains were 
continuing to fall regularly* Light showers occurred while we were 
there* 
Both ticks and chiggers were present. A collection of live 
ticks was made and sent to HonDlulu from Pago Pago* Chiggers were 
responsible for severe reactions in several of the biologists. At 
least one biologist experienced cold chills and nausea a day after 
we had been on the island. The main concentrations of the infection 
was around the waist and groin areas. Some people were nearly solid 
welts around the entire body at the waist. Alcoholic collections of 
chiggers were made* 
Very few birds were nesting and the Sooty Terns were aerial. 
The following is a species account: 
Phoenix Island Petrel "Present in low numbers. Population 25+-. 
Wedge-tajled Shearwater -The nesting season was advanced with nearly 
all burrows containing young. One pair was observed copulating. A 
club of 50+- birds was found on a bare spot and 43 banded. Population 
3,000+-. 
Christmas Island Shearwater -This species was in all stages of the 
breeding cycle from fresh eggs to 3/4 grown young. Population 1,000+-. 
Audubon^ Shearwater »Most all nests had fresh eggs although one 3/4 
grown young was found. Population 1,000+-* 
White-throated Storm Petrel-Present in the dense grass on the west side 
