- 8 - 
of status over pest purvey** 
Shorebird Species (1 nocturnal): Thought to be a Ruddy Turnstone* 
Sooty Tern (3502 ♦ 127 Nocturnal): Kith the breeding colony on Howland 
at a stable phase, the grid density has remained virtually the same 
as the January data (6*lh vs* 6*51j)* A shift in feeding areas was 
vrry evident, however# The high densities in the N*, N*V* and W* 
found in January have almost disappeared entirely* Area 11 A n in 
January bad a density of 1*681* No Sooty Terns were recorded in 
Area !, A n or n B n in the February survey* The extensive feeding area 
to the East of Howland was not noticed in January, but it is evidently 
the most important area at present. The long-range feeding distances 
noted in January have also been reduced* Outside of 30 miles, little 
feeding was noted* This may reflect the fact that many Howland breeders 
are now feeding chicks* 
Gray-backed Tern (2): The two birds seen in a feeding flock with 
« 
Sooty Terns west of Howland are likely from the small breeding colony 
found on Howland by the island survey group* 
Flue-Gray Noddy (2): Birds breeding on the Phoenix Islands are evidently 
not actively nesting at present and birds may be ranging more widely than 
usual. (See at-sea non grid report) 
Fairy Tern (3) 
