SOUTHERN GRID 
SURVEY No. 4 
PRELIMINARY REPORT AT-SEA SURVEY 
5-11 February 1966 
SOUTHERN GRID ONLY 
This report is based on the observations and collections made within 
the Southern grid during the period 5-11 February 1966. A cruise track 
similar to that of the November-December 1965 survey was used (see Figure l). 
All Grid operations were conducted within 100 miles of either Howland or 
Baker Islands. A portion of 5 February diurnal operations was carried on 
west of Howland-Baker to provide a more thorough coverage of the leeward 
side of these islands. 
The Smithsonian survey party included Richard Crossin (Biologist in 
Charge), Max Thompson, Dayle Husted, Brian Harrington, Robert Delong, Jeffrey 
Tordoff, Norman Heryford, James Lewis, and Frank Smith. The Grid cruise 
was made aboard the U.S.N.S. SHEARWATER (T-AG 177)- Excellent cooperation 
and assistance were received from the officers and crew members. 
A total of 585 miles and 8l hours of diurnal observations was completed 
during the period 5-11 February 1966 (Table l). A total of 714 birds of 
l8 species was recorded and l8 birds of 5 species were collected. 
Nocturnal observations were maintained from sunset to sunrise from 
4 February to midnight on 11 February. During this period 678 miles and 
169 hours of observations were completed (Table l). A total of 255 birds 
uf 10 species was recorded, only one specimen was collected during nocturnal 
operations. 
The total number of birds observed during the present cruise was the 
* 
lowest yet recorded for the four surveys, although the overall density of 
1.22 (birds/linear mile) was slightly higher than that recorded during the 
