4 
DI3CUSSI0N 
The survey data suggest two interesting hypotheses: 1) 
Sooty Terns were not ranging far south of Jl to feed. This may 
be due to breeding activity on the island, but also may be 
influenced by the strong north easterly winds. Birds flying any 
distance south to feed would have to " battle" these winds getting 
back to the island at night. 2) Strong winds nay cause Red-footed 
Boobies and Great Prigatebirds to move away from the island and to 
remain in the air rather than land as during calm weather. 
Heavy north easterly trade winds rangi^jg from oC . 
made observations difficult. Seas resulting from heavy winds 
reduced the effective radius of visibility and birds flying behind 
swells and waves would have been easily missed. 
The Analysis of the February data by quadrants can be 
misleading. Miles travelled in the quadrants varied from 113 
lies. Because of this large variation in sample size, the 
parameter birds per linear mile is not comparative from quadrant 
oo quadrant. Also, due to the low population of birds in the grid, 
presence of a feeding flock in one quadrant throws total birds 
per linear fliile for that quadrant out of proportion. 
—3 
