Kermadec Petrels (8) 
Five of the eight were in a mixed feeding flock on the fifth day; the 
remainder were individual sightings• The majority (6) were dark phase birds* 
i i 
Only three were noted in the grid last month. 
Dark-rumped Petrel (1) 
The single individual of this species was recorded in the south quadrant 
of the grid on 17 August. One individual was also noted last month. 
Pterodroma hypoleuca (60) 
Included in this category are Bonin Island Petrels, Cook* s Petrels, and 
unidentified small Pterodroma . The group as a whole showed a decline of $6% 
c crap are d with July. Only two Bonin Island Petrels were recorded this month, 
in contrast to 29 last month. Cook's Petrels were reduced to 30 from 99 in 
July. The majority of Cook's Petrels and individuals unidentified to race 
ft 
were of a type seemingly intermediate between what have previously been 
called Cook’s and Bonin Island, with the back and bead uniformly colored 
as in the Cook's type but also with the black underwing border noticeably 
wider than in previous Cook's. This border is darker and more solidly 
black than that of Bonin Island Petrels from the leeward Hawaiians, and 
does not protrude into the central white portion of the underwxng as much 
as in that type. Both Cook's Petrels collected this month were of the type 
described. These birds may represent Cook's Petrels in new plumage pre¬ 
paratory to departure from this area for their breeding grounds. This is 
consistent with the reduction in numbers. Both specimens collected had 
bluish-pink feet rather than pink, which may also be indicative of onset 
of breeding condition. More likely is that these birds represent a 
