Memorandum Mr. Banko May 5>, IS' 6)4 p. 2 
I disagree with some of the other points rna.de also but perhaps 
this is a difference in study area. I don't see how anyone who has 
been on these cruises could deny the importance of predatory fish and 
the driving of flying fish (and I'm sure squid) to the surface. 
Needless to say we will continue to gather data and I for one will 
argue my opinions. 
I also have a few comments on the identification section of the 
Field Guide, but I hate to say much until I can find time to help. 
The most important point is to make it useful so that it will be used 
in the field. The earlier one was used very little. Descriptions by 
Peterson and Alexander are of limited use for the groups where needed 
(esp. petrels). 
It is going to be very difficult to prepare a guide which will 
satisfy even half of the people concerned since the needs at sea and 
on the islands are so different. Personally I favor a guide to distant 
live birds and feel that if anyone has a bird in the hand which he 
does not recognize, he should preserve it. T also question identification 
at the racial level since these are usually unreliable except with a 
bird in the hand and then certain only if the bird is preserved. 
Sampling for specific races over others can present problems unless 
the races are well defined. Such samples greatly bias any attempts 
to revise a group or species and a number of species in our area are 
in great need of revision especially Pterodrora and Fregata. There is 
something to be said for adding geographic variation in soft part 
colors also. The danger as I see it is to get the guide so complete 
and detailed that it can be used only with a dead bind in the hand and 
this can always be done at S.I. 
i4e ni'.f :<*+•*» 
To demonstrate that I'm not (a. complete pessimist I will try to 
work up a siirple guide to at-sea ^ 1 dietri - bution if time permits, if 
successful I will have Pat and Warren look at it and send a copy on. 
Please don't wait on it however - each time I get started a new 
problem arises. 
Sincerely, 
CluJL 
