M . Thompson 
Field notes 
from SIC 12 
McKean Island - 17-18 April (cont.) 
depression had about 1 foot of water in it. Departed the island at O73O the 19th. 
M.Thompson 
Species Accounts 
Phoenix Island - 14-15 April 
Pterodroma alba : Present in low numbers. About 8 were banded. Population 25+ 
Puffinus pacificus : Common. The nesting season is advanced with young in each 
burrow examined. One pair observed copulating. One club of 50+ birds was found and 
4-3 banded. Population 3000 + 
Puffinus nativitatus : This species was in all stages of breeding from fresh eggs to 
3 ~F grown young. Most common just above the beach crest in the coral rocks. A few around 
the lagoon area where nesting sites were available. Population 1000 + 
Puffinus lherminieri : Abundant around the beach crest. Most all nests had fresh 
eggs but at least one had a 3A grown young. Population 1000+ 
Nesofregetta albigularis : Present in the dense stands of grass on the west side of 
the island. They are using old Wedge-tail burrows under the grass. Population 
350 +• 1 dark phade collected 
Phaethon rubricauda : Quite a few seen and had eggs and young. Some of the eggs were quite 
fresh. 
Sula dactylatra : Boobies were quite numerous with at least one club on the west side 
of the island. We took 75 blood samples. Very few nests. Population 500+ 
Sula l ecuogaster : A few nests and birds observed but very uncommon. Island population 
50+ 
Sula sula : A few dotted around the island but only 10-20 total 
Fregataminor : A few nesting on SE side of island. Area on NW side of island still 
has a few young thought to be this species on the ground. They werent banded becasue 
of poor health. Many dead young around. Population 1000+ 
Fregata ariel : Large flock (500 +) over SE corner of island over Greater colony. 
No known nests. 
Pluvialis dominica : Several seen around the island. Many in mottled plumage (4-7) 
Arenaria interpres : (14- April) Not too common but small groups observed. Most in 
breeding plumage. (15 April) Count was 4-6 
Heteroscelus incanum -- No entry in notes 
Numenius tahitiensis : Still present. High density population. I3IS 
