I 
Mandering Tattler ( 1) 
shorebird species (2+1 nocturnal) 
Shorebirds are presently in their lowest numbers on the southern islands* 
An increase in all species can soon be expected in the grid area as fall 
migrants move into the area from the north* 
Sooty Tern ( 8962 + 20l|0 nocturnal) 
This species was dominant during every day of the cruise period and 
accounted for approximately 90% of total birds (diurnal and nocturnal)* 
Actual density (birds/linear mile) were higher(8.9l) than during April (6.66) 
and May (6.53)* and have been exceeded only during September 1965 (11*99) • 
Since the species was not breeding on Howland last year * the high September 
concentrations were presumably from other areas. Four Hull banded oirds 
collected in October indicated that large numbers of birds from the Phoenix 
Island group may have been moving through the grid* Lduiiteo. dispersion to 
Howland from the Phoenix Islands is still in progress as evidenced oy a small 
percentage of band returns taken on Howland from Phoenix end McKean Islands 
during the present survey. A total of 23 banded and/or blue-streamered birds 
recorded in the grid during the present survey were all from Howland and 
indicates that the vast majority of terns utilizing the grid are Howland-based 
birds* The percentage of banded birds taken at sea also corresponds closely 
with the estimated percentage of banded birds in the Howland island breeding 
population® A total of 80 birds were collected at sea during both diurnal 
and nocturnal operations (12.5% banded). Peak days were noted on .*.2*20 and 
21 July in close proximaty to Baker Island. 
