I 
I 
PRELIM IUAHY UKPf)l(,T 
Non-Grid Pelagic Olmervations 
Northern Grid CruiGo //36 
January 16-19 196? 
This report covers 6l»7 hours and 7P9 iniles of diurnal observations 
between Oahu and Smithsonian Grid ffli. A total of l,61il birds of 20 
species (and 1 additional sub-species) were observed and h specimens 
of 3 species were collected. Observations were held during h nights 
and bird incidence .was very low. The Siui tlisonian party consisted of 
Walter Bulmer, John Fitch and James Lewis. Excellent cooperation w-u. 
received froin Captain Churchy his officers and cr6?w of the U#w)*d. .ncirge 
Kastman (Yag 39)# 
A new technique of picking up birds facilitated the rapid recovery 
(less than 30 minutes) of shot birds. An inflated 11 man rubber raft 
was tossed overboard and an outboard motor lowered to it. The bird 
was then retrieved by the raft and returned to the ship. The raft and 
motor were pulled back on board as the ship got underway. The use of 
fluorescein dye as well as a smoke bomb aided in approaching the drowned 
bird. 
The largest concentrations of bireJs was in the iinmeJiate vicinity 
of Johnston Atoll, t)oth going to and returning from the Grid. Another 
area of increased bird activity v;as about 200 miles vSouthwest oi Oaliu. 
Tables //I and 2 may reflect some misconceptions if compered with December 
1966 because of the ship’s close approach to Johnston Atoll. Ji’ ill 
but the days around Johnston Atol]. are 
compared, biris/lin. mile will 
show that there is a decrease from the December trip. Most of luis 
decrease comes from t^ie absence of Sliearwa f<ers and Petrels. 
