6 
Golden Plover (2) 
Ruddy Turnstone (4) 
There was no increase in the number of shorebirds in the Grid this month. 
Sooty Tern (5171+185 nocturnal) 
Sooty Terns were widespread in the Grid area again this month. Birds per 
linear mile was about the same as in August (6.233-6.19); however, since more 
time was spent in the vicinity of the islands this actually represents a decrease 
in numbers. During July when about the same amount of time was spent near Howland 
8962 birds were recorded while only 5171 were recorded this month. With the 
nesting cycle nearing a close on Howland, it is probable that the birds are slowly 
moving out of the grid area. This could be the cause of high linear density in 
area E near the edge of the Grid area and the large number of Sooties noted on 
14 September north of the area. This decrease also suggests that no large influx 
of birds from another area has taken place similar to last September and October. 
One bird in subadult plumage was collected. 
In many of the Sooty Tern flocks no concentrated feeding was noted. The 
birds were dispersed before the ship entered the flock. Also they moved quickly 
from one spot to another while chasing the fish. 
Gray-backed Tern (2 nocturnal) 
Common Noddy Tern (34) 
Blue-Gray Noddy Tern (l) 
Eairy Tern (3QJ 
All of these species have been recorded in small numbers on previous cruises. 
