SPECIES ACCOUNT 
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (448) 
This species was commonly observed every day during the grid cruise* Nearly 
90 7. of the total was dark phase southern hemisphere birds* Greatest con¬ 
centrations were noted in feeding flocks on 19 September west of Baker Is¬ 
land a*nd on 20 September southeast of Baker. Although usually represented 
in all sizeable mixed feeding flocks, the percentage of Wedge-tailed Shear¬ 
waters was considerably less than in comparable flocks around the Hawaiian 
Islands* Two specimens were collected* 
Sooty/Slender-bilied Shearwater (28,580) 
One, or more likely both species combined accounted for approximately 80 7. 
of total birds recorded. Peak numbers were seen in the vicinity of Baker 
Island on 16 September (14,985) and on 20 September (11,845)* During these 
peak days, birds predominantly showed dark underwing pattern and may tenta- 
tively be referable to Slender-billed Shearwaters. Practically all birds 
were headed due south in fast direct flight. No feeding activity was noted, 
nor was there any indication of feeding upon examination of stomachs of 
collected birds*• The two specimens collected had very heavy fat and en¬ 
larged gonads. 
Newells Shearwater (1) 
The one individual was observed at close range on 18 September about 40 
miles south of the equator. None was collected. 
