McKEAN ISLAND 
8 
Although McKean was to be hit on the second-haIf of SIC 12, 
we decided to try it for Sooty Terns the first-half since Hull Island 
had none* Vegetation was extremely dense as compared to February 
1965, making it difficult to get around. The grass was so dense 
the White-throated Storm Petrels were utilizing it for burrows where¬ 
as in 1965, they were confined to rock walls* A general rain fell on 
the island on the 18th and indications are rain has been regular* 
The central depression had one foot of water in it* 
The following is a species account: 
Wedge-tailed Shearwater -Present in the guano mounds near the ruins. 
A few were reported roosting on the east side of the island* All of 
the adults had young* Population 2Q0+-. 
Christmas Island Shearwater -Very few seen on the island* Population 50+-* 
Audubon f s Shearwater -Common in practically all habitats where rocks were 
present for nesting sites. Population 1,000+-* 
White-throated Storm Petrel ^Present in large numbers. They were 
utilizing dense stands of grass and also the guano mound for nesting. 
Mating has apparently only begun and no eggs were found. Population 
500+-. 
Red-tailed Tropicbird -Thtrty-six nests were found with eggs and one 
nest with a nestling. Several courting groups were seen over the 
island. Population 150+-* 
Blue*faced Booby -Three medium size clubs were present. About 200 
returns were obtained including a bird painted red from Baker. 
Population 1,000+-. 
