

among nestlings is considerable. Many birds are buried, or starved 
slowly when moved from their nest area. No counts could be made, but 
a conservative estimate of Laysan albatross chicks destroyed in this 
way would be 4000, of adults 200. Since rather detailed counts of 
nests of black-footed albatrosses were made early in the season, and 
the colonies are quite discrete, a more accurate estimate as to the 
number destroyed is possible. About 800 chicks and 25 adult black 
footed albatrosses were destroyed by construction (Figure 11). 
General observations indicate that almost daily, albatrosses, 
both adults and chicks, are willfully killed by people working on the 
island, There is no accurate means of determining how many. A station 
general order prohibits the unauthorized molesting or killing of "gooneys." 
Very few violators are apprehended however, and those caught are usually 
seen by chance and reported by the observer. 
Albatrosses are occasionally killed by striking wires, tele- 
phone poles, and trees. Some walk into open oil and asphalt sumps. Some 
are buried by storm-blown sand. These sources of mortality have not been 
evaluated, but combined are believed to be much less destructive than 
those created by man. 
The 4167 dead albatrosses picked up and disposed of between 
November 1, 1956 and May 31, 1957 represent an unknown fraction of the 
total killed during the period. Dead birds may be found at any time in 
many places and in various stages of decomposition. It is estimated that 
4O percent of the total scattered dead are not picked up. The total 
estimate (November through May) for albatrosses killed on Sand Island 
by unauthorized persons and by accidents is about 7000. We estimate 
that about one-third of these were chicks. 
wastern Island.-- A crew of 10-15 men, one jeep, and two dogs 
occupied Eastern Island during our study period. Few visitors are 
allowed on the island. 
Mortelity among both adults and chicks was negligible. A few 
birds were killed by striking aerials and guy wires. Very few dead 
from unknown causes were seen about the island. 
Ecological Factors Affecting Albatross Abundance 
Black-footed Albatross.--This species nests primarily in 
colonies, especially in open sandy areas near shorelines. It does not 
appear to spread inland to sheltered areas to any considerable degree. 
It is, therefore, subjected during winter wind storms to high mortality. 
Inecubating adults as well as young were seen buried by blowing sand. 
We believe that its effinity for a relatively harsh environment accounts 
for its relatively low populations. 
Laysan Albatross.--The population of this bird on Sand Island 
has increased from virtually nothing in 1891 to about 59,000 nesting 
pairs in 1956-57. This albatross nests inland in areas relatively 
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