Great Frigatebird (1). 
Unidentified frlgatebirds (36), 
Frigatebird numbers have been extremely low during the two previous 
cruises. The present increase corresponds with the advent of a new 
breeding cycle of Great Frlgatebirds on Howland Island# The majority 
of unidentified frlgatebirds are probably referrable to this species. 
Golden Plover (4+3 nocturnal). 
Ruddy Turnstone (2+1 nocturnal). 
As expected, the considerable numbers of wintering shorebirds are 
beginning to move about with the advent oof spring migration and at-sea 
sightings should increase during the following spring months. 
Sooty Tern (937 + 85 nocturnal). 
Numbers have approximately doubled over early February. This in¬ 
crease is apparently the result of prebreeding birds moving into the 
area to begin nesting on Howland Island. Numbers fluctuate widely in 
different portions of the grid. Most birds were recorded south of Baker 
Island and between Baker and Howland during the present cruise, whereas 
during early February the area south of Baker was practically devoid of 
terns. According to all indications the colony on Howland Island should 
begin nesting sometime during March# Five specimens were collected, none 
of which were banded. 
% 
Gray-backed Tern (1+1 nocturnal). 
Common Noddy Tern (2)• 
Blue-gray Noddy Tern (2)• 
Fairy Tern (5+4 nocturnal). 
These four species have always been recorded in low numbers in the grid 
