EXTRACTIONS FROM THE UNPUBLISHED SPECIES ACCOUNTS OF A. WETMORE 
GYC-IS ALBA 
groups between 20 and 250 feet from the sea. Even these had their eggs and young 
at dizzy heights above the ocean. The colony mentioned above were clustered perhap 
150 pairs in an area 200 by 100 feet. When at a distance the rock seemed yellow 
and of a different nature than the surrounding stone. On close approach however I 
found the yellow appearance due to guano deposited by the birds over the edges of 
their nest edges. For thirty to forty feet above the water the ledges were 
washed clean though scattered pairs of birds were nesting. Evidently surf 
reached that high. 
There was much activity among these terns as they fluttered out and back 
continually at intervals; a pair sailed out in a great circle with set wings each 
synchronizing its movements with the other so that they maintained a set distance 
of 10 or twelve inches apart. Occasionally three individuals joined in these 
mating flights. A few came out to investigate the ship and more to hover with 
their curious little grunting cries over the surf ■ boat but the main colony 
went on undisturbed in their usual activities in spite of loud shouts intended to 
frighten them. 
I have not seen the Frigate-bird molesting these terns. 
June H-l6, 1925 . Abundant on the high cliffs of the west, north, and east 
faces of the island but not seen on the slopes that lead down into Adams Bay 
on the ledges that front it. Those collected were taken on shelves at the summits 
of the high outer cliffs. About 4000 pairs was my estimate for the entire 
island. Some were just beginning to breed others seemed to have young. 
Necker Island, June 17-19, 192J. Common. Eggs and young. 
June 20, 1925. About 400 pairs. 
King Island, French Frigate Shoals, June 22-25, 1925 • Pass occasionally from the 
high rock. 
La Perouse Rock, French Frigate Shoals , June 27 , 1925 » 300 pairs. Occasional 
