Weather during the cruise was quite variable. For the first six 
days it was considered to have been ideal for making bird observations; 
seas were almost flat calm with only a gentle swell coming from the 
northwest. On the lkth winds began to increase, and by the 15 th v, f ere 
quite strong with moderate to high seas and a high swell. At times the 
seas approached 20 feet. These conditions prevailed through the 17 th 
when the wind began to drop. From the l 8 th through the 20th the seas 
were again mild, hut a high swell continued until the 19 th. On the 21. 
seas and winds again rose, but by the 22 nd and 23 rd were again relatively 
calm. 
- *0 
Nocturnal observations were maintained periodically in the vicinity 
of Johnston Atoll, but because they were felt to be of no significance, 
uhey are not covered in this report. Virtually all that was recorded 
was an occasional Sooty Tern call. Daily log sheets for these nocturnal 
observations are filed with the diurnal log sheets. 
Species Accounts 
(Supplementing the information presented in Tables and Maps) 
Laysan Albatross 
Laysans were regularly sighted north of 20°. The counts as recorded 
are probably inaccurate as it was virtually impossible to determine how 
many individuals were seen each day. The daily tally was determined by 
the highest number seen at any one sighting, and no doubt more were pres¬ 
ent than indicated. 
Although none were seen from the CROMWELL, Mr. Barkley who was 
aboard the USFWS C. H. GILBERT reports that one and possibly two Laysans 
were following that ship for two days while It was operating within 52 
miles of Johnston Atoll. 
Black-footed Albatross 
Counts were recorded in the same manner as for Laysans out are con¬ 
sidered somewhat more reliable as Black-foots are prone to follow ships 
for longer periods and at closer distances than Laysans. However, there 
is little doubt that more were seen during a day than Indicated in the 
counts. 
The ratio of dark- to mottled- to white-rumped birds was 
throughout the -cruise; no particular patterns were evidenced 
higher proportion of dark-rumped birds in the northern areas 
variable 
save a 
of the cruis 
Juan Fernandez Petrel 
Found in very low numbers 
track. 
~ne cruise 
in the northwest portions of 
