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iiowland west to about 35 miles, excellent observations and counts were 
made of flocks of Sooty Terns, All birds moved past the ship in strong direct 
flignt toward the island. Most individuals called as they passed, but 
there was no tendency to circle the ship. 
inclement weather conditions throughout the entire grid period prevented 
use of the skiff during most days. The average hourly wind speed for the 
entire period was 18 knots. Under such conditions, wave action is built 
i* 
up to a point whereby the skiff can barely maintain a speed comparable to 
L'ie support ship and attempts to collect birds have proved futile. During 
period of high winds, observations are adversely affected, especially so 
while running courses into the wind. 
f'iocks consisting primarily of oooty Ferns were abundant north ind 
west of Howland. Both flight direction and density north northeast cf 
lowland indicated that Sooty Terns from that island are utilizing the north¬ 
east comer of the grid. This area has invariably shown low densities on 
previous surveys. Although birds were still plentiful about ^aker, tne 
large feeding flocks prevalent there during the 1966 Howland breeding 
cycle ..ave diminished and the colony presently nesting on Howland a- '•rontly 
is utilizing waters to the west, north, and northeast. 
Twenty blue-streamered or blue painted Blue-faced Boobies were recorded; 
all but two were immatures. The majority were noted within l£ mile of 
.lowland; the most distant sighting was lj8 miles from the island, -ne 
blue-streamered Sooty Tern was observed in a flock $6 miles west of wland. 
A small, but undetermined, percentage of birds in the current Howlano 
breeding colony are also blue-streamers having beeh put on during tee April 
f 
to October 1966 breeding season. Of 10 adult Sooty Terns collected one 
mile offshore Howland, 6 had b*re brood patches and interrupted fli t 
feather molt (1-6 primaries new, rest old); three others had bare b? *od 
