-9- 
migration for 19 66 . If this is the case then next month’s (November) 
total should be very high. If November totals are not high then an¬ 
other explanation, possibly that of sampling error which can be great 
when dealing with migrating birds, must be investigated. 
Pale-footed Shearwater : Although only eight birds were recorded this 
is still a remarkably high number, but may be explained by improved 
field capabilities on the part of the investigators. 
Pink-footed Shearwater : One bird with a large pale-colored bill was 
observed at close range on 12 October. This is the first record for 
the grid area. 
Pterodroma externa ; Although former records for this group are rela¬ 
tively unreliable, the 50 $ increase over the expected density may be 
meaningful. 
Pterodroma hypoleuca : The high density this month as compared with 
previous years is probably mostly due to past problems in identifica¬ 
tion. 
Phoenix Island/Tahitian Petrel : The three birds recorded this month 
constitute the first reliable record of this species pair within the 
grid area. 
White-tailed Tropicbira : Although expected, these are the first 
October records for the grid area. 
Ped-footed Booby : In former years the first birds of the season did not 
appear until November. Four birds is thus a large number to be found 
at this time of year. 
Gray-backed Tern : This is the first record for October within the grid 
area. 
