McFarlane, R. W. Wake Island. 9 
I955 
of upper breast and lower neck, the egg being slightly to one side, and held 
in with the bend of the wing (wrist). 
Checked the VOR colony at 2230. No birds on ground. Still thousands 
flying above. 2 cats. 
June 12 
Photographed more of Wake I. this morning. Received cable from Chan. 
Most successful method of harassing birds on Sand I. was by killing a large 
number of them. 
Have indications from speaking with Wake residents that gray-backed 
terns also nest here in spring. Will check further. Have seen the gekko which 
is present here on the island. Have not caught one as yet. 
June 13 
A number of terns were drinking water just beyond the surf at the 
channel colony this morning. Also noticed quite a difference in behavior 
at different parts of the colony. ^ie birds immediately adjacent to the 
channel and spoil banks are constantly in the air, not too high. But the 
colony whihh runs along the beach from the fuel farm to the PMR is hardly 
noticeable, there being only a few birds overhead until someone disturbs the 
birds incubating. Eggs have now been laid on the beach itself. 
Birds banded regurgitated small squid and flying fish (2-V T ). 
Went to Weather Bureau, met Wes Body. Got copies of local climato¬ 
logical data. Also ran into Escobar, rode out to bird colony with him. The 
sooties have moved into the fuel farm area, within the fence, since this 
morning. Had a conference with Escobar, Amerling, Awana, and Pan Am’s 
Dick Connelly. Explained the pro’s and con’s of various solutions to bird 
