Area greater than 110 = 3.4-. The region of highest Sooty Tern density 
was in section 0, 120+ miles south of Howland. Almost one-third of the 
Sooty Terns observed on the Grid were found along the 14-7 miles of cover¬ 
age in section 0 (linear dens. = 8.2). The shearwater/petrel abundance 
rose from the January and February surveys but still only accounted for 
1.6 percent of the total birds (l8.4 percent of the non Sooty Tern total). 
Storm Petrels accounted for 21.9 percent of the non Sooty Tern total and 
were distributed rather evenly over the grid area. The booby group was 
notably low, accounting for only 1.4 percent of the total birds and 16.1 
percent of the non-Sooty Tern total. Frigates were localized around the 
Howland area where two thirds of the sighting were made. Frigates 
accounted for 35*1 percent of the nonSooty Tern total. 
Weather conditions moderated considerably after the January and 
February cruises. Gentle 4-8 knot NE/E wind on the l6th gradually in¬ 
creased during the 6 days to 15-18 knots. Ten of the 15 "square" areas 
were covered diurnally on a course of 270°T allowing for optimum, with- 
the-wind, observations. Observing conditions were excellent - very good 
throughout the survey. 
The seven personnel were split into three parties to man the three 
vessels. When two or three ships were traveling together a minimum 
separation distance of six miles was maintained in order to insure 
statistically independent observations. Diurnal observations and 
collections were made from the two LT's on parts of five days. Round the 
clock observations from the EASTMAN were made for six days. 
v 
Excellent cooperation and assistance was extended from the support 
vessels T personnel. 
SPECIES ACCOUNTS 
Sooty Shearwater Total Observation 7 
Slender - billed Shearwater Total Observation I 
Sooty or Slender - billed Shearwater Total Observation 8 
These are the first birds recorded since the fall peak faded out in 
November 1966 . Only one bird was observed inside the 60-mile circle. 
Undoubtedly these are straggling birds from a main migration route to the 
east . 
Wedge - tailed Shearwater Total Observation 24 
Most birds recorded on the survey were seen from the LT k s. The lower 
observation height may give a better opportunity to spot this dark species. 
Pink-footed (?) Shearwater Total observation 1 
* ^ 
A bird which resembled an intermediate phase wedge-tail in color pattern 
was thought to be this bird. After seeing Pink-foots in other areas I am 
more doubtful of this identification. The species has not been recorded 
before from the Grid and should not be added to the list of Grid accident 
