20 
the closely approaching ship. Numbers on the 26th represent the first 
influx of the wintering population. 
Phalaropes 
Eighty-seven on the l6th vs. none on the 26th probably resulted 
largely from differences in weather and observing time, but may also re¬ 
flect the passing migration. 
Gulls 
Numbers recorded on the l6th represent many individuals and groups 
sighted up to considerable distances on each side of the ship, some 
travelling with the ship, some not, but very few if any following closely 
behind. Numbers for the 26th represent maximum estimates of the large 
flock which followed steadily at one to two shiplengths astern, with a 
smaller flock over the bow. Most of the other gulls sighted on the 26th 
had either just left one of these flocks, or were en route to join them. 
The flock began in early morning with six gulls joining seven albatross 
in hovering over garbage just dumped. Numbers gradually grew to a maximum 
in late morning of 1501 in the stern flock and 40- at the bow. The bow 
flock was directly over the port railing just behind the bow, riding the 
updraft from the strong wind coming from about 10 degrees off the port bow. 
It was impossible to keep track of individuals joining and departing from 
these flocks, so that total gulls in the area during the day were cer¬ 
tainly much greater than the figures given. 
Species composition of gulls on the two days was significantly dif¬ 
ferent. Westerns, first, and Californias, second, comprised the over¬ 
whelming majority on both days. On the loth other species recorded were 
Bonaparte, Sabine, and Heerman, all smaller gulls which (except possibly 
for Heerman) seldom follow ships. On the 26th other species recorded were 
Glaucous-winged, Herring, and Ring-billed, all of them strictly winter 
visitants with strong ship-following tendencies. One or two Glaucous- 
wingeds were seen on the l6th near Golden Gate Bridge before official ob¬ 
servations began. On both dates well over half of the gulls were in im¬ 
mature or subadult plumage. 
Alcids 
Forty-three on the l6th vs. one on the 26th probably resulted largely 
from differences in weather and observing time. Most of the 27 recorded 
as ’’small alcids” were probably Cassin Auklets. 
