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SOUTHERN GRID 
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PRELIMINARY REPORT AT-SEA SURVEY NO. 5 
27 February-5 March 1966 
This report is based upon the observations and collections made 
within the Southern Grid during the period 27 February-5 March 1966. 
A cruise track similar to those of the November-December 1965 and early 
February 1966 surveys was used (see Figure 1). Essentially all grid 
operations were conducted within 100 miles of Baker Island. 
The Smithsonian survey party included Richard S. Crossin (Biologist- 
in-Charge), Max C. Thompson, Dayle Husted, Brian Harrington, Norman 
Heryford, James Lewis and Frank Smith. The grid cruise was made aboard 
the USNS Shearwater (T-AG 177). Excellent cooperation and assistance 
was received from the officers and crew members. 
A total 6f 762 miles and 81 hours of diurnal observations were com¬ 
pleted during the grid period (Table !)• During this time 1430 birds of 
21 species were recorded and 40 birds of 6 species collected. 
Nocturnal observations were maintained from sunset to sunrise through¬ 
out the grid period except during island operations. During this period 
514 miles and 68 hours of observations were completed (Table 1). A total 
4 , 
of 159 birds of 13 species was recorded. Only one specimen was collected 
during nocturnal operations^ 
The total number of birds recorded during the present cruise was al- 
most exactly double that of the early February 1966 cruise. The species 
most affecting this increase were Sooty Terns and white-rumped storm 
petrels, both of which were approximately twice as abundant during the 
present cruise. There was also a tenfold increase in Bulwer^ Petrels 
