BAKER ISLAND 
PRELIMINARY REPORT 
SIC# 14 - AUGUST, 1966 
Field Party —— Richard S# Crossin (Biologist in Charge), Kenneth C # 
Balcomb, Walter Bulmer, Richard D# Chandler, Roger B# 
Clapp, David I* Hoff, Lawrence N# Huber, and David L# 
Pearson# 
Itinerary -- August 14 - 1215 - Clapp and Pearson arrive Baker# 
- 1600 - Clapp and Pearson depart Baker# 
Man-days Spent on Baker : 0#5 
Upon our arrival at the island we noted that Baker, although very dry, 
must have had a fair amount of rainfall since our visit in July# Most of 
the Lepturus whowed neitf green growth above the dead stalks and the Mimosa 
along the west beach crest was far greener than on our previous visit# 
Some Portulaca , Boerhaavia , Tribulus and Sida plants were flowering, but 
only the latter two plants were flowering in most areas where they occurred 
The two Cordia at the northwestern end of the island, although possessing 
several dry and yellowed leaves, seemed to be in good condition# 
Another indication of increased rainfall since our last visit was the 
increased depth of water in the small lagoon which was notably dry on our 
last visit# The water level had risen at least six inches in the past 
month# 
A single butterfly, a male Hypolimnas bolina, was seen flying over 
the north end of the island# 
The four most notable differences in the avifauna since the previous 
month were the decrease in the number of tropicbirds, the changing status 
of the Common Noddy nesting cycle, the increased number of shorebirds, and 
the presence of two species (Gray-backed Tern and Fairy Tern) not seen on 
the previous visit# 
Three Berlese samples and four bird specimens were collected# 
Additional notes on the fauna and specimens are given in the following 
annotated list# 
BIRDS ANNOTATED LIST 
Red-tailed Tropicbird Estimated population -------: 12 
(Phaethon rubricauda) Nest count: Nests/ egg ------: 1 
Fewer tropicbirds were seen on this visit than in July# The 
