2 . 
was caused by observers being restricted to the lee side of the pilot 
house as frequently the windward side was taking heavy spray. This 
effectively limited the angle of observation; created a blind spot of 
90-135 degrees, i.e., the horizon was cut by one-third. Also due to 
the fast, erratic, and severe motion of the vessel in even moderate 
seas the observer is not able to use field glasses extensively to 
scan the horizon. This greatly lessens his radius of visibility 
which in turn causes him to record fewer birds. 
Were heavy seas (10+ ft) encountered during a survey on these 
vessels, observations would have to be secured as all hatches are 
then secured as green water covers the pilot house. Even in more 
moderate seas if the vessel is headed directly into the sea the same 
"wet” conditions result. 
Over 826 miles and 82.8 hours of diurnal observation, 390 birds 
of 13 species* were recorded. One bird (a Shovel6r) was collected. 
The low number of land birds recorded is thought to indicate lack of 
attraction to the small vessel. However it is possible this marks the 
end of their.'migration/dispersion movements. 
Synoptic highlights: 
1) High numbers of migrating Sooty Shearwaters. 
2) Increase in ’'Leach* s M Storm Petrel numbers over last survey 
and their apparent southern migration. 
3) Continued low number of phalaropes. 
4) Only one land bird recorded. 
5) Few marine mammals recorded. 
Black-footed Albatross 40 
The number of albatross recorded on this cruise compares favor¬ 
ably with that of the last three cruises. This strongly suggests 
that albatross do follow small vessels as readily as they do larger 
vessels-(the previous three surveys were taken from a 400+ ft. vessel). 
There is no apparent explanation for the occurrence of the 14 
recorded albatross in sector 4. 
On 34 of the 
breakdown follows 
total 40 albatross, 
Dark rumped 
White rumped 
Mottled rump 
rump "color was recorded; the 
28 (82 io) 
•4 (1 2 io) 
2 ( 6 *) 
I 
*Albatross are not included in either of these totals. 
