in shape. After chick hatches guano is gradually accumulated to form 
flat, solid platform cementing the sticks together. Old nests have 
rounded edges and sloping sides from wear of the accumulated guano. 
Nest Data: Average height 4 to 6 inches; eve. width 10”. Distance be¬ 
tween nest centers: 24”, 19, 19, 20, 18, 22, 18, 21, and 22”. 
Remarks: Several rsw nests were situated on low, broken-off stems of 
Oct. 12, 1964 
V 
Portulaca . Soiae fresh vegetation is apparently brought to the nesjr 
during incu"bation f as wilteci hut still green sprigs of Boerhaavis were 
fornd in several nests* 
~“~-Sibley* Birds handed yesterday already show some indication of 
legs swelling around the hand* Four individuals observed with badly de< 
formed hills* 
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL NOT FORMERLY EXTRACTED _ (RBC - 6/10/65) 
\ 
i 
HOWLAND 
LESSER FRIGATE 
Birds-Annotated 
List 
October 9, 
1964 - Hackman —— " (Off shore Howland) A large 
flock of frigates was also present above the terns 
(Sooty) and boobies (Blue-faced). Several were 
observed making passes at Sooty Terns. (Hackmannotes 
that both species were in the flock but that they 
were mostly Lesser Frigate) S! One frigate, a male, 
after making a pass at a sooty tern slipped down 
to the water and picked something up. No boobies 
were molested. The frigates apparently found 
fishing for themselves more profitable at the moment. 
Since 10 or more tuna were jumping at the same time, 
almost continually, there must have been a large 
amount of bait at the surface. The majority of the 
frigates were dipping down to the water capturing 
food. Unfortunately we had to break off observations 
in order to make the is land circuit. " (Notes 
earlier ;;; “Before starting off we observed a school 
of tuna jumping and feeding on the edge of the reef. 
Sooty ierns and Blue-faced Boobies were plunging 
into the water at frequent intervals. ") 
•> 
.. 
October, 
10, 1964 —Hackman — si It seems that the frigates 
prefer to chase Sooty Tera when that species is 
present. The Sooties apparently give up their food 
readily when threatened. Boobies'’require too much 
flying and manuevering in comparision to the smaller 
meeker terns. " 
