C.R. Long 
1964 
Vegetation - Avifauna Association * 
The distribution of the major number of bird species found on 
Eastern Island in late May 1964 correlates significantly with the 
low herbaceous type of vegetation found adjacent to the runways. 
The terns and albatross nesting groups are found in the Lobularia 
or Fimbristylis association. The red tailed tropic birds nest under 
Scaevola on the sw and mid south portion of the island. 
One group of sooty terns observed along the ew runway in Area VI b. 
had settled near the clump of Casuarina adjacent to the ew runway. 
There within a radius of 10 feet, the nesting birds had laid their 
eggs. The other nesting birds in the club were without eggs. 
The albatross nest areas tend to become bare and somewhat elevated- 
a soil rim being formed. The Lobularia seedlings were numerous 
in these bare areas. 
Heavy nesting on the unused runways was not observed by any species. 
The albatross do utilize the bare runways for their takeoffs. 
Disruptive Effect of Man 
It may be assumed that a drastic reduction in the bird population 
of Eastern Island has taken place in modern times. The leveling 
and paving of large areas, the erection of large antennae and 
the various other activities of man have been most harmful to the 
bird populations. At the same time the flat areas containing low 
herbaceous type of vegetation are limited further by the planting 
of Casuarina . The significant area covered by these self-reproducing 
trees represents an additional reduction in potential nesting area. 
* Refer to vegetation map of Midway Island, Eastern Island, constructed by C. R. Long 
from observation and field note taken during period May 22-26, 1964. 
