2 
Birds per linear mile rose to 33«1^- compared with only 7*68 last month. 
This is due almost entirely to the large number of Slender-billed Shearwaters 
which were migrating through the area. Last year when the shearwaters were 
migrating 65.29 birds per linear mile were seen. Sooty Terns are still common 
in the Grid and are the dominant species in the feeding flocks. Again this month 
very few shearwater-petrels were noted in the feeding flocks. Large concentrations 
of feeding birds were not present this month in the Immediate vicinity of Baker 
Island. 
Last September’s cruise and the present cruise are very similar except for 
the almost complete absence of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters this year. The only other 
noticeable differences are the large numbers of storm, petrels and frigatebirds this 
year compared to last. The difference in the number of frigates is due to the 
difference in the breeding status of the species on Howland between the two years. 
This year the species is nesting abundantly on the island while las^ year tney 
occurred on Howland in only small numbers. It is probable that the Leach’s Storm 
Petrels have returned to the Grid earlier this year than last. 
4 
