19 
Non-Grid Observations 
R. L. Tyle 
Diurnal observations were conducted en route from San Francisco to 
point Ash on October l6, and again October 2 6 returning to San Francisco 
along essentially the same track. Virtually calm winds and smooth sea 
on the l6th were very favorable for observing birds at a distance and on 
the water. However, strong headwinds and choppy sea on the 26th, par¬ 
ticularly in the morning, severely hampered observation of most species, 
but probably were a significant reason why albatross and gulls followed 
the ship closely in large numbers on the 26 th but not on the l6th. 
On the l6th observations were recorded continuously for six hours 
up to sunset. On the 26th recorded observations were limited to one hour 
in the early morning, one hour in midmorning, and three-fourths hour in 
the early afternoon, because of the strong winds and preoccupation of ob¬ 
servers with Grid data analysis and other e.nd-of-cruise chores. Occasional 
spot observations between these periods confirmed the general picture, but 
were not officially logged. 
Because of differences in weather conditions and observing time, far 
more birds other than gulls were recorded on the l6th (195 gulls, 256 
others) than on the 26th (200t gulls, 18 others). Table 4 summarizes the 
non-Grid observations. Comparisons between the two dates are discussed 
in the species accounts which follow. 
Black-footed Albatross 
None recorded on southbound leg. On northbound leg, seven were fol¬ 
lowing when observations began in early morning, three were still follow¬ 
ing during the midmorning observation period, and none were recorded in 
the afternoon. Records of previous trips between San Francisco and the 
Grid should be checked for the possibility that albatross tend to be re¬ 
corded farther north when following northbound ships than when following 
southbound ships. 
Shearwaters and Petrels 
Recorded in good numbers on the l6th but virtually absent on the 
26th. Beside winds and observing time, this decrease probably also re¬ 
flects the disappearance of fall migrating birds, as was experienced in 
the Grid. Of the 32 Pink-footed Shearwaters recorded on the l6th, 28 
were in one group sitting on the water. On the 26th, four probable storm 
petrels together were reported by the bridge officer, but not officially 
recorded. 
Fulmar 
The single bird on the l6th was on the water, and may have been in 
abnormal condition as it did not flush but only fluttered aside to avoid 
