SOUTHERN GRIT 
PRELIMINARY REPORT AT-SEA SURVEY NO. 10 
15-24 September 19 66 
This report summarizes the observations and collections made within the 
Southern Grid area during the period 15-24 September 1966 . The cruise tract 
for this period was similar to that followed the past two months (see Figure l). 
Most of the observations were made within 100 miles of the two islands, Howland 
and Baker. An effort was made to make the cruise under the most favorable 
observing conditions. This meant that legs to the west of Howland went out from 
the island and returned at night while legs to the east started in the evening and 
returned to the island the following day. 
The Smithsonian survey party included Paul Woodward (Biologist in-Charge), 
Walter Bulmer, Richard Chandler, Richard Heiden, Lawrence Huber, David Hoff, 
John Fitch, Frank Smith, Chris Thompson, and Robert Tuxson. As usual the cruise 
was made aboard the U.S.N.S. SHEARWATER (T-AG 177). Excellent cooperation and 
assistance were received from the officers and crew. 
During diurnal observations 828 miles were traveled in lOo.l hours. A 
total of 27,450 birds of 25 species was recorded and 32 birds of 6 species were 
collected. There are still enough streamered Sooty Terns in the area to make it 
more worthwhile to scan flocks in hopes of seeing a streamer than trying to collect 
banded birds. 
Nocturnal observations were maintained from sunset to sunrise. A total of 
741 miles and 9^*9 hours was completed during the cruise period. During this 
time 612 birds of 10 species were recorded. Parts of two nights were spent drifting. 
On the night of 22-23 September l6 birds including 10 Slender-billed Shearwaters 
were collected. This type of activity is very profitable because many species that 
avoid the ship during the day are readily attracted to the ship's lights at night. 
