On July 12, Huber and Schreiber were put ashore on Howland Island 
to erect camp and make a preliminary survey of the island. They were 
joined by the rest of the Smithsonian field party after it had completed 
its survey of Baker Island. On subsequent days four members of the 
party were on.shipboard running the SIC grid and the other five worked 
on the island,. Crews were alternated irregularly. (See Itinerary on the 
preceding page.) 
During the day most emphasis was placed on nest counts, descriptions 
of nesting habitat and nests, measurement of bird's eggs, calculation 
of nesting densities, and collection of lizards. Parts of several 
evenings were spent blood sampling various species. (See table 2) Host 
of the nights , however were spent banding and streamering Sooty Terns. 
In all 33,9'83 Sooty Tern adults and chicks were streamered. (This figure 
represents the sum of the new birds banded plus the returns which were 
also streamered. If other species are included a total of 3^,336 birds 
was streamered. (In addition to the Sooty Terns: 38 Red-tailed Tropicbirds 
222 Blue-faced Boobies, 87 Red-footed Boobies, and 5 Brown Boobies) 
Upon arriving at Howland, Crossin reported that large clocks 
of coral have been recently thrown up on the outer beach, indicating 
heavy wave action since the last SIC visit. This supposition is supported 
by the finding of many large cowries in nearly fresh condition on 
the northwest beach; shells which are only infrequently found along 
the Howland shoreline. 
Further details on our observations are given in the following 
annotated list: 
ANNOTATED LIST OF BIRDS PRESENT ON HOWLAND ISLAND * JULY 12-22,1986 
Wedge-tailed S hearwater - One dark phase bird was seen flying over the 
northeast beach crest on July 15th at about 2330# 
Christmas Island Shearwater - A single bird flew over camp towards 
the center of the island at dusk on July l8th# 
Phoenix Island Petrel — A single bird flew over camp at dusk on July 
19th flying inward towards the center of the island# It was la^er 
collected (at about 1830) as it soared over the southeast corner of 
the island. Another bird, coursing over the area had its wing tip 
shot off but failed to fall. On the next night at least three other 
birds were seen over the island# 
