McFarlane, R. ¥. Wake Island 10 
19S3 
problem. I think that they may let it slide for now and see what happens. 
I have also learned from these and other sources that sooty terns 
also breed here during the winter. It would be interesting to learn if 
this is a separate population or perhaps a 6 mos. cycle. 
Banded 300 more terns after dark. A large number were roosting on the 
beach itself, not with eggs. Hermit crabs are definitely opening and eating the 
eggs. The 99 crabs also have eggs in their shells, attached to abdomen. 
At least 50 Frigates roosted at PMR. 
June l4 
Wrote a report summarizing the conference which I had with FAA and 
PAA officials yesterday. Escobar is having this typed. It was written at 
his request. 
The sooty tern colony is rapidly increasing in size. They have now 
settled in the bare ground immediately surrounding and within the Mid-Pac 
fuel farm. Eggs have already been laid outside of the fence. 
Large numbers of terns are sleeping on the beach at several spots 
between the channel and PMR. Area is much too rough for nesting. Birds are 
sleeping on the rocks. 
Banded 300 more terns after dark. Saw 2 Fairy Terns over Peale I. 
Supply ship arrived today. Cargo is ferried ashore in LCM's. 
June 15 
Got typed report from Escobar. Spoke to Amerling about importance of 
allowing terns to settle on Mid-Pac fuel farm. 
Photographed sooty /terns again today. 
Banded 800 terns in 3 hours 20 minutes tonight. One every 15 seconds. 
