PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP
BULLETIN

Volume 16

1988

Number 1

The Editors Page

The Chair's Page

Pacific Seabird Group News

Proposed Minutes of the Executive Council Meeting .

Resolutions

The Treasurer's Report

1989 Annual Meeting

Conservation Committee

Seabird Journal

F i fteenth Annual Meeting

The Program Chair's Comments

Abstracts

Regional Reports

British Columbia and Washington State

South Africa

Southeast

Southern California

Report from the Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee

Workshop on Research and Management of Marbled Murrelets

Abstracts

Seabird News

Conservation News

The Washington Report

International Council for Bird Preservation

New Publications

Bulletin Board

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1

EDITOR'S PAGE

The Pacific Seabird Group Bulletin has a nice collection of line
drawings that we have used in the bulletin. During the last couple of years
Mark Rauzon has sent us very nice additional material. However, because of
the limited supply, I have been forced to use some material again and aqain
I encourage PSG members to send me new material to brighten future issues
of the bulletin.

Malcolm C. Coulter

3

THE CHAIR'S PAGE

Greetings to all, especially all of you PSG members that I missed at the
Washington DC meeting, which is nearly all of you. We had an excellent
meeting, although I really like to meet with PSG members at a PSG meeting.

Significant events have happened within PSG in the last year. Our 1988
annual meeting was a joint meeting in Washington DC with the Colonial
Waterbird Society, a special meeting planned when the CWBS came to San
Francisco in 1986 for our first joint meeting. The meeting had many
important interactive executive committee and planning sessions in which the
members of the two groups got to know one another better, and the meeting was
a success for that reason alone. The scientific paper sessions were
excellent, with more than 80 platform and poster papers presented. The
abstracts from the meeting are, as usual, presented later in this issue.
Unfortunately, because of the distance to Washington DC and the October
timing of the meeting during the fall school term, the PSG attendance was
low, with just a core group of about 20 PSG members attending. A great deal
of work was accomplished, and interaction between PSG and CWBS initiated much
thinking within both organizations about the need and desirability for PSG
and CWBS to sponsor and publish a first rate ornithological journal. More
about the journal later.

Much of the conservation work at this year's meeting dealt with issues
surrounding Marbled Murrelets. The dearth of knowledge about this species,
its population size, at-sea distribution, nesting territories, and the
threats to nesting habitats posed by plans for logging of old growth timber
have combined to make this a critical year for learning more about this
unlikely forest seabird. 1989 should undoubtedly be declared "The Year of
the Murrelet" for the letters and prodding to be given to agencies to
enlighten them about the need for Marbled Murrelet research.

In addition to murrelet conservation issues, a unique bi -national
conservation program is. being undertaken in Southern Cal iforni a and Mexico to
protect esturine and beach lands on both sides of the border. The project,
Pro Esteros , was described by Barbara Massey at the Washington meeting, and
really deserves attention and publicity. The concept could be extended to
all four corners of the US border, especially the Rio Grande Valley, Puget
Sound and the San Juan Islands, the Great Lakes, and the Bering Sea. I
encourage all interested parties to contact Barbara for ideas and advice on
setting up such an international cooperative conservation movement.

I would like to do everything possible to encourage a record turnout at
our next annual meeting in Victoria, British Columbia, February 21-24, 1990.
The Victoria meeting promises to have an excellent program, including an
important update symposium on "The Status, Ecology, and Conservation of
Marine Birds of the Temperate North Pacific" Feb. 22 and 23. Kees Vermeer
has really taken off and is under full steam, already planning the meeting
and symposium. Vancouver Island is guaranteed to be beautiful, and the
meeting will surely be a success. Plan to join us in Victoria.

The most exciting issue to come before the executive committees of both
PSG and CWBS in Washington DC was the need for a first-rate international
ornithological journal devoted to seabirds and colonial waterbirds. Papers
on seabirds are now sprinkled throughout the literature, making it an almost

5

impossible task to keep up with current seabird research. The CWBS has made
wonderful progress with its attractive journal Colonial Haterbirds , but the
need for a truly international journal for all of our members (and
researchers from the other 6 or 7 seabird groups) started our executive
committees thinking out loud about the possibility of undertaking a joint
publication which could grow with input from other seabird groups and an
international editorial review board. Some internal correspondence has
occurred between the groups, and later in this Bulletin is a letter from
David Nettleship succinctly presenting the need for cooperation between PSG
and CWBS. I would like to plead for comments from all members, as I will be
exploring such matters as organization, costs of publication, and financial
obligations which will be required of PSG if we decide to embark on such an
important endeavor.

D. Michael Fry

6

PACIFIC SEABIRD GROUP NEWS

PROPOSED MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, 13 OCTOBER 1988,
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Scott Hatch called the meeting to order at 19:15. A quorum was present
consisting of Scott Hatch, Dan Anderson, Roger Clapp, Malcolm Coulter,
Michael Fry, Joel Hubbard, Lora Leschner, Clare Lloyd. , Barbara Massey,
Vivian Mendenhall, C.J. Ralph, Doug Siegel -Causey, and Kees Vermeer. Proxies
were held for Ken Briggs, Tony DeGange, Ellen Chu, Judith Hand, Roy Lowe, and
Mark Tasker.

1. Scott Hatch proposed a number of additions to the meeting's agenda
which were approved by the Council.

2. Vivian Mendenhall read the minutes of the 1987 Executive Council
meeting held in Asilomar, California. The minutes were approved
unanimously by the Council.

3. Doug Siegel-Causey read the interim Treasurer's report for Ellen Chu.
That report is present elsewhere in the Bulletin. Siegel-Causey
warned that figures for total income, expenditures and balance for
1988 are provisional because no accounting has been received yet for
the 1987 meeting in Asilomar or from the Marbled Murrelet workshop in
September.

Siegel-Causey raised a number of problems related to the Treasurer's
position for consideration by the Executive council. First, many
important issues arise that should be considered by the entire
Executive Council rather than just the Treasurer, e.g. should there be
a family membership category, should PSG contribute to the Savannah
River Ecology Laboratory to offset their expenses for assisting in
publication of the Bulletin. Siegel-Causey suggested that an ad hoc
finance committee be established to help the Treasurer make important
financial decisions and for financial planning and budget preparation.
Siegel-Causey also stated that the Treasurer has too much to do and
suggested that another committee be formed to look into transferring
some of the Treasurer's duties to the Secretary. A committee composed
of the Chair, incoming Chair-elect, Treasurer and Secretary was
appointed to look into the latter problem. A motion was made to

accept the Treasurer's report. The motion was SECONDED and PASSED.

4. Malcolm Coulter summarized his accomplishments over the last year and
reported that one issue of the Bulletin was published in the spring,
and another is in press. Coulter has expanded the journal exchange
program with other organizations including one in Spain. Currently
the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory is arranging for the printing of
the Bulletin. Estimated cost of publication is about $1,100 per issue
plus $200 for postage. Coulter said that he pays the SREL for their
expenditures periodically but that the arrangement is informal. He
suggested that if PSG were bigger, the IRS would require stricter
accounting of the costs of publication. Coulter believes that
publication costs of the Bulletin are fair. A motion was made to
accept the Editor's report. The motion was SECONDED and PASSED.

7

5. Reports of Standing Committees

Conservation Committee and Seabird-fisheries Interaction Committee:
Art Sowls read the report of the joint meeting of the two committees.
Sowls mentioned that comments on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan
for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge are due on 26
October. The plan will become final sometime after that date with the
exception of potential Congressional action on wilderness issues. Art
also mentioned that funding has been found for the Alaska seabird
disturbance brochure and that it will be drawn professionally and
published in 1989. During the joint committee meeting, A1 Manville, a
lobbyist for Defenders of Wildlife, reviewed recent legislation to
control plastic pollution at sea as well as other proposed legislation
on the subject. Also, Stan Senner reviewed ICBP efforts to promote
more work on non-game birds (including seabirds) by the government,
particularly the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He urged all
interested PSG members to provide comments to the Fish and Wildiite
Service on their non-game management and research programs. Kilauea
Point on the island of Kauai has been added to the Hawai i an Isl ands
National Wildlife Refuge. The issue of entanglement of seabirds and
whales in gill-nets in the Sea of Cortez was also raised It was
decided that more information from Enriqueta Velarde will be needed
before PSG responds on the issue. Other issues that were discussed at
the meeting included mortality of Brown Pelicans along the west coast
from bacterial infections and the recent inhabitation of remote
islands, often seabird colonies, which allows the colonizing country
to claim offshore waters as part of their territory. The last issue
was discussed in a letter by Robert Pitman in the last issue of the
PSG Bulletin (Volume 15, Number 2) and has been passed on to the
International Council for Bird Preservation.

Fund-raising Committee: The report of the Fund-raising Committee was
read jointly by Lora Leschner and George Divoky for Judith Hand. Lora
and George reported that the Endowment Fund now stands at $16,000.
Life Memberships and sale of T-shirts have been the principal sources
of the fund. PSG needs to raise $50,000 before any money can be
obligated for funding symposia, providing honoraria for speakers and
Davinq for travel of students and invited speakers to meetings. More
funds need to be raised soon to reach this goal and to , prevent
inflation from eroding the endowments value. The Committee s plans
for the upcoming year include production and sale of a new T-shirt,
and development of a slide show for presentation to yacht clubs which
might donate money. The slide talk will feature lst-class slides and
a text developed by Lora, George and Dan Anderson. The text will
include information on local seabirds and conservation issues. The
report of the Fund-raising Committee was accepted by the Council.

6 Malcolm Coulter read the report from the ICBP. The ICBP passed a
statement supporting "Threatened" status for the Marbled Murrelet.
This statement appeared in the last bulletin (Volume 15, Number 2).
Malcolm's comments regarding the ICBP's position on nongame work of
the Fish and Wildlife Service paralleled Stan Senner's.

8

7. Lora Leschner reported for the Marbled Murrelet Technical Group and

reviewed the workshop of 27-28 September. The workshop was very well

attended by researchers from all states with Marbled Murrelets, by

representatives from all National Forests with Marbled Murrelets, and

all appropriate state Fish and Game agencies except Alaska. A
considerable amount of research completed in 1988 was reviewed.

Research objectives for 1989 have been drafted and include refinement
of census methods, completing intensive inventories of forest stands
to identify those with murrelets, and locating more nests. Besides
new research thrusts, courses of action that resulted from the
workshop included drafting a new letter to forest agencies emphasizing
concerns over logging of old growth and proposing a moratorium on such
logging, drafting a letter to the Fish and Wildlife Service proposing
protected status for the Marbled Murrelet, and increasing public
education, specifically production of a poster about the Marbled
Murrelet. It was MOVED that the $300 earned from the workshop go

towards production of a poster, the motion was SECONDED and PASSED.

8. The 1989 annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group will be hosted by
the Royal Museum of British Columbia in Victoria, B.C. in February,
1990. Kees Vermeer is organizing a symposium for the meeting entitled
Ecology and Conservation of Marine Birds of the Temperate North
Pacific. The symposium proceedings will be published by the museum
and the Canadian Wildlife Service. Co-editors and most authors have
been selected. Ken Briggs, Kees Vermeer and Stewart Fefer will lead
the symposium sections. Doug Siegel -Causey will serve as Program
Chair and Kees Vermeer as interim Chair of the Local Committee. Dave
Nettleship reported that raising funds to publish the symposium may be
more difficult that in 1983. It usually takes about $20,000 to
produce 750 copies of several hundred pages.

9. New Business

A motion was made to establish an ad hoc committee of a few members
that will develop budgeting procedures and that will have oversight
over the Treasurer, to be headed by the Chair-elect. The motion

carried and Malcolm Coulter, C.J. Ralph were appointed to establish a
second ad hoc committee to reorganize the duties of the Secretary and
Treasurer with members to be appointed by the Chair. The committee
will be composed of the Chair, Doug Siegel -Causey, the Secretary, and
Treasurer.

Regarding a response to the Fish and Wildlife Serviced non-game
program, a motion was made that the Chair appoint someone to review
the document and draft comments before 1 December, 1988. The motion
was SECONDED AND PASSED. Scott appointed Malcolm Coulter and he
agreed to solicit comments from other members, assemble them and pass
them along to incoming Chair Fry.

A draft of a letter asking that the Oregon Department of Fisheries and
Wildlife reconsider allowing fishermen to harass cormorants that are
supposedly eating trout smolts was read. A discussion ensued during
which Doug Siegel -Causey pointed out that there are at least a dozen
studies that show cormorants have no impact on trout populations.

9

After a brief discussion of wording, the letter was approved by the
Council .

Drafts of two additional letters were read, discussed and approved by
the Executive Council. The first concerned itself with the
disturbance of seabird colonies off the Oregon coast by boats
participating in a new sea urchin fishery. In the letter PSG urged
the Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife to close the fishery
seasonally to avoid disturbing breeding seabirds. The second letter
to the California Department of Fish and Game urged the department to
fund inventories of wildlife impacted by oil spills. To date such
inventories have been done voluntarily by various organizations
resulting in variable and inconsistent treatment from spill to spill.

It was felt that it would be better to have formally funded, organized
studies that would provide data of more use to those interested in
seabirds.

George Divoky read the Historian's report and stated that photos from
the 1987 meeting are now in PSG's archives. George suggested that PSG
buy a gavel and plaque that would have engraved names of past Chairs
and that it be passed down each year to the new chair. A motion was
made to buy a gavel and plaque which was SECONDED and PASSED.

A discussion ensued concerning who should be responsible for back
issues of the Bulletin formerly kept by Ralph Schreiber. It was
suggested that the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology would be
an appropriate repository and it will be looked into by the Chair.

It was suggested that PSG join the Entanglement Network, a consortium
of groups that oppose plastic pollution in the ocean. The Executive
Council agreed to look into the network but will not join if it turns
out to be primarily a lobbying organization.

Barbara Massey moved that PSG provide formal support in the form of a
resolution to Pro Esteros, a new joint U.S. -Mexican conservation
organization formed to save estuaries in Baja California from
development. The motion was SECONDED and PASSED.

Through a motion, the Executive Council decided that the location for
the 1990 meeting will be Asilomar, provided Dan Anderson finds that it
is available. Other suggested venues were New Zealand (to coincide
with the 1990 IOC meeting), Hawaii, Ensenada (Mexico), and Davis
(California). It was decided that PSG should meet close to home after
two more distant meetings. Anderson thought it too late to get Davis
for 1990 and that a meeting there would be expensive.

Concerning joint meetings with the Colonial Waterbird Society, Don
McCrimmon of CWBS stated that they are interested in participating,
perhaps at a four-year interval. A motion was made that FSb
investigate the proposal of future joint meetings with the Colonial
Waterbird Society at four-year intervals. During discussion of the
motion, it was pointed out that each organization historically meets
at different times of the year. It was suggested that the host of the
meeting decide on the dates. The motion was carried.

10

Scott Hatch announced the results of the election for 1989 Executive
Council members. They are as follows:

Chair - Michael Fry
Chair-elect - Doug Siegel -Causey
Treasurer - Ellen Chu
Secretary - Tony DeGange
Regional Representatives
Alaska - Joel Hubbard

British Columbia and Washington - Kees Vermeer
Oregon and northern California - Roy Lowe
Pacific - Dan Mori arty
Latin America - Juan Guzman Poo

Palmer Sekora resigned as chair of the Elections Committee.

There was a lengthy discussion about the prospects of a new journal to
be published as a collaborative effort between the Pacific Seabird
Group and the Colonial Waterbird Society. Ralph Morris, editor-elect
of Colonial Waterbirds , and several others spoke out in favor of a
jointly supported journal. Morris stated that two issues are produced
each year but that CWBS could probably support three issues.
Eventually they hope to publish quarterly. Although Colonial
Waterbirds was dedicated primarily to wading birds, they have been
receiving more and more manuscripts on seabirds. A motion was carried
to appoint a committee headed by the incoming chair to the Executive
Council at the 1989 meeting in Victoria. Committee members include
Michael Fry, Doug Siegel -Causey, Malcolm Coulter, C.J. Ralph, and
David Nettleship. The Colonial Waterbird Society has a similar
committee looking into the journal issue.

A motion was carried to ask the Navy to stop using Sea Lion Rocks off
Washington for bombing practice. The Navy is doing this despite the
results of a study they commissioned which showed negative impacts to
wildlife. A resolution on the same topic was passed by the Executive
Council .

Doug Siegel -Causey announced that he has received an invitation from
public and private organizations in the USSR that wish to organize a
joint symposium on problems affecting birds of the North Pacific, to
be held in the USSR probably in 1990 or 1991. Siegel -Causey requested
formal approval from he Executive Council for him to try to obtain
funding for such a meeting. A motion was made to that effect and it
was SECONDED and PASSED.

A motion was made that the Executive Council approve the same budget
for 1988 as 1987 with the exception that receipts from the Marbled
Murrelet workshop go towards production of a poster. The motion
carried.

11

10. Other business

It was pointed out that Point Reyes Bird Observatory, the permanent
home of PSG, has been forwarding mail to the Chair only occasionally.
C.J. Ralph said that he would look into this.

The status of the Marbled Murrelet symposium in 1987 was discussed.
It was supposed to go to the printer by the end of 1988. C.J. Ralph
pointed out that the symposium is rapidly becoming out of date.
Michael Fry said he would look into this.

It was moved that the Colonial Waterbird Society be thanked for
hosting the 1988 meeting. The motion was SECONDED and PASSED.

Scott Hatch adjourned the meeting at 22:50.

Respectively submitted
Anthony R. DeGange, Secretary

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution by the Pacific Seabird Group on support of Pro Esteros

BE IS RESOLVED THAT Pro Esteros a new bi -national conservation organization
formed to protect and preserve the esturine wetlands of Baja California,
Mexico, receive the approval and support of the Pacific Seabird Group.
Support will consist of technical assistance, dissemination and exchange of
information via the PSG Bulletin and other forms of contact with members ,
and through joint involvement in projects of mutual interest. Adopted this
day of October 14, 1988.

Resolution in appreciation of The Colonial 1/iaterbird Society's hosting the
1988 joint meeting

WHEREAS the Pacific Seabird Group is an organization dedicated to the study
and conservation of seabirds, and

WHEREAS an exchange of information with other professionals is goal of the
the Pacific Seabird Group, and

WHEREAS an ornithological conference is an opportunity for such an
exchange,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Pacific Seabird Group expresses its
appreciation to the Colonial Waterbird Society for hosting this joint
meeting, October 12-15, 1988.

12

TREASURER'S REPORT, 1988

After five years as PSG Treasurer, Douglas Siegel -Causey turned the
office over to Ellen Chu, and routine PSG banking migrated west to Kirkland,
Washington. Our savings and endowment accounts are still held through Dean-
Witter Reynolds and a New Jersey Bank.

CARRYOVER FROM 1987

Main checking account
Bulletin checking account
Savings
Endowment

$614.90

158.69

1,341.54

13,825.54

INCOME

$37,688.96

Dues 5,825.00
Fund raising 1,766.11
Annual meeting

La Paz 86 meeting (net) 864.25

Asilomar (gross) 25,757.04
Marbled Murrelet workshop 1,757.00
Interest on savings 87.71
Interest on endowment 1,530.29
Miscellaneous income 101.56

EXPENSES

Bulletin and related costs 2,876.07
Annual meeting, Asilomar 23,580.46
Marbled Murrelet workshop 1,605.55
Fund raising 245.17
Officers (supplies, postage, etc.) 620.67
ICBP dues 200.00
Bank account expenses 74.00

$29,201.92

INCOME OVER EXPENSES $8,487.04

ACCOUNT BALANCES

Main checking account 576.39
Bulletin account (as of 12/31/88) 1,542.47
European dues account approximately 193.00
Savings (as of 12/31/88) 3,329.25
Endowment (as of 12/31/88) 17,813.22

Income

The accounts for both the 1986 annual meeting in La Paz and the 1987
meeting at Asilomar were settled this year, together bringing PSG a total of
$3,040,83 net income. The Marbled Murrelet workshop in Portland, Oregon,
netted $151.45. PSG earned no income from the Washington, D.C., meeting with
the colonial Waterbird Society. Fund-raising income came mainly from T-shirt
sales at the Asilomar meeting. As usual, the bulk of our income came from
membership dues, which were increased as of 1988.

13

Expenses

PSG incurred no expenses from the Washington, D.C., meeting. Officers'

The Bulletin costs between $2,000.00 and $3,000.00 per annua
produced.

Endowment Fund

The endowment fund is in the form of UJ- Government Securities,
brokered through Dean-Witter Reynolds. At the end of 1988 PSG owned l, ay i
chares at a market value of $9.42 per share (compared with 1,418 shares ax

$9.75 per share in December 1987). All life membership dues and fur ! d “ r ^^

income are deposited directly into ^account; for 1988, this
totaled $2,161.50 (compared with $2,4300.00 for 1987).

Membership

The master membership list is now being kept as a A 1
nn t hp treasurer's Macintosh SE computer. At the end of 1988, Pbb naa
members ^compared ^ith 1 391 in 1987)" of whom 133 were in arrears a year or
moreon their dues. Letters have been sent to every member still on the
rolls - paid or unpaid - encouraging people to get their dues “P

whill we get our mailing list up to date. In addition, 50 institutions

worldwide subscribe to the PSG Bulletin.

1989 ANNUAL MEETING

The 1989 annual meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group will be hosted by
thP Rnval Museum of British Columbia in Victoria, B.C. from di to «
February 1990. Kees Vermeer is organizing a symposium for the meeting
entitled’ Ecology and Conservation of Marine Birds of the Temperate North

Pacific.

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Two guest speakers highlighted the annual meeting. Dr. Albert Manville,
Chairman of the Entanglement Network (a coalition of Environmental groups
lobbying Congress on ocean pollution) gave us an overview of recently passed
and current legislation on ocean pollution and recycling. Dr. Stan Senner of
International Council for Bird Preservation - U.S. Section, gave an overview
of a recently completed draft Nongame Management Plan by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. The Service is seeking comments on this draft. About
fifty people attended including several interested members from the Colonial
Waterbird Society.

Following our guest speakers the conservation committee met jointly with
the Marbled Murrelet Technical committee and the Seabird-Fisheries
Interactions Committee to save time and to- discuss issues of joint concern.
Main topics discussed included:

1) Seabird Disturbance Brochures - A second draft of the Alaska version was
presented. The brochure will be finished this winter and printed
through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Natural History
Association, and the Prince William Sound Recreation Association. Many
thanks are extended to those PSG'ers who helped design and review this
brochure.

2) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Management Plan -
PSG's recent comments to the draft version were discussed. Of future
importance is the wilderness designation part of the plan which Congress
must pass. We feel the Fish and Wildlife Service's recommendations are
incomplete. They did not consider many very important refuge lands
(Semedi, Barren, Shumagin Islands, etc.) because they have Native land
claims filed on them. Many of these claims will be found invalid, since
they have filed for many more acres than they are entitled. Therefore,
we feel they should be considered for wilderness designation to cover
any lands not transferred to the Natives.

3) Tongass National forest Logging Plan - It was decided that PSG should
review this plan because the Tongass Forest is perhaps the world's
stronghold for Marbled Murrelets, a species that has been reduced in
numbers along much of its range. Vivian Mendenhall will review the
plan.

4) Marbled Murrelet - Lora Leschner gave a review of the Marbled Murrelet
Technical Committee meeting in Portland. We all agreed that the
committee had done an excellent job. We agreed that letters about
Murrelet concerns should be sent to West Coast Federal, State, and
Provincial agencies.

5) Gill Net Mortality in Puget Sound - To date, little has been received
from a widely circulated PSG letter sent regarding the need for more
information of mortality of seabirds from fishing nets in Puget Sound.

6) Cormorant Harassment - the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has

given a permit for the harassment of cormorants for Tillamook and
Nehalem Bays. the intention was to prevent cormorants (primarily

Brandt's Cormorants) from preying on steelhead and salmon smolt. PSG

15

will send a letter to the Department stating that numerous studies have
found cormorant predation to have no significant effect on fish stocks
and that harassment will disturb cormorants and other species.

7) Urchin Harvest - a newly developing commercial urchin harvest off the
Oregon coast is causing disturbance to seabird and marine mammals. Fish
boats are coming very close to islands off the Oregon Islands National
Wildlife Refuge which contains colonies and sea lion rookeries. PSG is
sending a letter expressing concern and some management options such as
seasonal closure of the fishery during critical times for seabird
breeding and marine mammals.

8) California Oil Spills - California has had two recent oil spills. PSG
feels that there was a lack of damage assessment and coordination of
efforts by Federal and State agencies. PSG will send letters expressing
our concerns.

9) Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaii - Additions have been
made to this refuge through Federal purchase of 37 acres and about 86
more acres donated in a deal with a land developer where he gets permits
to sub-divide other lands. The Trust for Public Land arranged the deal.
The project turned out to be a great success, largely through the work
of Dan Moriarity.

Art Sowls

16

SHOULD PSG BEGIN TO PUBLISH A SEABIRD JOURNAL?

During the the 1988 Washington DC meeting, outgoing PSG Chairman Scott
Hatch addressed the Executive Committee of the Colonial Waterbird Society
with the idea that both CWBS and PSG should investigate the desirability of
jointly publishing a journal devoted to research papers of marine and
colonial waterbird ornithology. CWBS is already publishing Colonial

Waterbirds in an excellent format, and Scott's idea was the first hint of
possible cooperation between the two societies.

The discussion at the Washington meeting immediately turned to the

reality that CWBS already is publishing a journal, Colonial Waterbirds , and
how would an independent journal published by the PSG interact or compete
with Colonial Waterbirds ? Members in both organizations then envisioned the
possibility of jointly publishing a journal, building from the existing
Colonial Waterbirds framework, and perhaps editorial and printing staff.

Quickly it was realized by everyone that a joint journal also presented
several potential problems: 1) Name of journal. A "neutral" name not

identified with either organization would be desirable. Several names were
suggested, including Aquatic Ornithology , Marine and Freshwater Ornithology
(how does it exclude ducks?), and International Journal of Marine
Ornithology . No one was completely satisfied with any of the above, and
other names should be considered; 2) The financial obligations of the two
organizations would be considerable. CWBS is doing an excellent job at

present in publishing their journal at a cost to subscribers of about about
$20 per year for two issues. PSG would have to closely examine its financial
situation to be able to consider such an obligation; 3) If our two groups
(and, eventually, other seabird groups) jointly participated in the journal,
how would an independent editorial board be established, with both
organizations giving up authority to that board. 4) How would both
organizations restructure their dues payments so that persons belonging to
both groups would have to pay for and receive only one Journal, but still
receive both the CWBS Newsletter and PSG Bulletin?

General sentiment among the PSG members at the Washington DC meeting was
agreement. The logic was: "PSG is now nearly 20 years old, and to be a
lasting and successful organization, PSG should publish a first-rate marine
ornithology journal". The most emphatic advice I have received since the
meeting has been to the effect that there are far too many mediocre
speciality journals and newsletters available today, and PSG should not begin
publishing anything but the best available manuscripts. If PSG were to
initiate a journal on our own, however, it would inevitably cause great
competition between PSG and CWBS, who are already publishing Colonial
Waterbirds . But, if a format for cooperation could be found, I believe the
advantages to both societies would be great.

The advantages for PSG to participate or publish a marine ornithology
journal would include: 1) recognition of the PSG as a bona-fide scientific

organization; 2) Probable consolidation of the seabird literature into a
single main journal; 3) Increasing PSG's membership and providing a
significant product for its members.

The significant, difficult, elements of publishing a journal include:
1) the organization and running of an editorial board; 2) finding a good
editor; 3) financial obligations (including the necessity of maintaining a

17

large, consistent dues-paying membership at a reasonable price); and 4) the
initial difficulty in obtaining quality manuscripts, etc.

I personally would like to see PSG participate in publishing a primary
avian journal. The enclosed editorial letter by David Nettleship indicates
the same desire. I would like comments and journal name suggestions from
everyone, so that we might seriously develop a proposal to put to both
organizations by this summer. If we could include the proceedings of our
1990 Seabird Symposium as part of the first joint issue, it would be
fantastic.

D. Michael Fry

Dr. D. M. Fry
Chair, PSG

Department of Avian Sciences
University of California
Davis, California 95616

7 December, 1988

Dr. D. A. McCrimmon
President, CWBS

Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory
Salsbury Cove, Maine 04672

Dear Donald and Mike,

My apologies for taking so long in responding to the discussions at the
joint meeting in Washington. I was away from my office and have just
returned. I hope that the delay has not inconvenienced you too greatly.

On the basis of the substance of the letter from PSG to CWBS, I wonder
how much room there really is to negotiate a consensus for a single journal.
If the issue of a change in journal name is the main barrier preventing us
(CWBS and PSG) from coming together , then I question whether there exists a
genuine desire by either party to come to a mutually satisfactory publication
arrangement. That being the case, then maybe we shouldn't waste each others'
time in attempting to put together something that is clearly unattainable.
But on the other hand, if CWBS and PSG truly wish to produce an end product
that stands out as a primary avian journal, then let's sit down and resolve
whatever problems there seem to be. If we fail to reach an agreement, I
believe we will have failed the membership of each group by missing an
unparalleled opportunity to create a world-class publication whose value as a
whole far exceeds that of its individual member organizations. The
alternative is to produce separate journals with considerable overlap in
subject material which inevitably will relegate both (should they manage to
survive) to something far less than the ideal. The waterbird community is
looking for an international journal that can serve as the primary outlet for
its research findings (applied & theoretical) and be a comprehensive
information source for that branch of avian science -- now's the time to
provide that instrument.

Please give the above some careful consideration. I will contact you
shortly. Following this I shall submit my recommendation as to whether we
should proceed or not with further discussion.

Sincerely,

David Nettleship

18

THE PROGRAM CHAIR'S COMMENTS
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING

National 4-H Center
Chevy Chase, Maryland
October 12-16, 1988
D. Michael Fry

The 1988 PSG Annual meeting was a joint meeting hosted by the Colonial
Waterbird Society in Washington DC. The meeting was organized by the Local
Committee chaired by Michael Erwin with Jeff Spendlow, Roger Clapp, Sean
Furniss, Karen Ensor, Dan Brinker, Joan McKearnan, and Velora Anders. The
meeting was held at the National 4-H Center in suburban Washington, just as
the leaves were turning color and the weather turning crisp. The CWBS
Program Co-Chair was Herb Kale, who, as the Host Organization representative,
took primary responsibility and organized the entire program. The program
was excellent, with 80 papers presented in nine platform and two poster
sessions, plus a workshop convened by Malcolm Coulter on Hading Bird
Reproduction in 1988.

Herb Kale deftly organized the papers papers at the 1988 meeting into
sessions on Population Dynamics and Distribution, Behavior, Foraging Ecology,
Population Ecology, Pollution Ecology, and Management. Interesting papers
included accounts of the foraging behavior of Tierra del Fuego Indians who
ate shags (D. Siegel -Causey) , forest ecology and distribution of nesting
Marbled Murrelats (C.J. Ralph), several species distribution and status
reports, the Chaos of Christmas Bird Count data (D. McCrimmon), and several
studies of contaminants and their effects on specific populations of
waterbirds throughout the continent. Dan Anderson gave a particularly
disturbing account of panhandling pelicans dying in California, and many
other papers were excellent observations and reports of manipulating
reproduction and behavior in breeding birds.

The overall quality of papers was very good, again demonstrating the
worth of attending PSG and CWBS meetings. We hope to see everyone in
Victoria BC in February, 1990.

19

ABSTRACTS

PANHANDLING PELICANS: ARTIFICIAL FEEDING CREATES ANOTHER WILDLIFE CONFLICT

Anderson, D. W., D. L. Jacques (Department Wildlife and Fisheries Biology,
University California, Davis, CA 95616), D. L. Hunter (Wildlife
Investigation Laboratory, California Department Fish and Game, Rancho,
Cordova, CA 95670), and A. Baldridge (Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove,
CA 93950)

Recently, there has been an increasing number of Brown Pelicans
overwintering at various locations along the California coast, mostly
coincident with a recovering breeding population on the Channel Islands.
Marinas at many locations have also greatly increased the practice of selling
fish to be fed to local marine birds and mammals; but, a recent ecological
problem has arisen through the co-occurrences of several new factors along
with several that have involved pelicans for some time. Many pelicans die or
become debilitated as a result of bacterial infections, mostly caused by a
common pathogen, Erysipelothrix rhustopathi ae. What is most alarming is the
loss of large numbers of birds, including about 34% adults. 300-400
individuals perished in the Monterey Bay area alone in 1988, but the dieoff
was widespread from Oregon to Southern California, resulting in a significant
and needless loss of birds, perhaps several thousand.

RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE ENDANGERED ROSEATE TERN IN THE NORTHEAST

Andrews, R. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, One Gateway Center, Newton
Corner, MA 02158)

In November 1987, the Roseate Tern population that breeds on the
Atlantic Coast from New York to Maine and into adjacent Canada was added to
the list of Federally Endangered Species. The Caribbean population was
determined to be threatened. The actions were taken because the populations
have declined and suitable nesting islands have been greatly reduced by human
activity, competition from expanding numbers of large gulls, and predation.
A recovery team has drafted a recovery plan for the northeast population and
distributed it for review and comments. The plan outlines recovery
strategies that will restore population levels and colony distribution,
insuring survival and leading to removal from the endangered species list.
The strategies include gathering of information on population dynamics and
habitat needs and management actions for the use and protection of various
habitats and the implementation of educational programs about the Roseate
Tern. The plan must be approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after
consideration of review comments.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN LEAST TERNS

Atwood, J. L., and B. A. Hamilton (Manomet Bird Observatory, Box 936,
Manomet, MA 02345)

As a preliminary study of sexual dimorphism in breeding Least Terns
(Sterna antillarum ), a total of 11 characters were measured on 26 females and
27 males that were trapped on nests after being sexed on the basis of
courtship feeding, copulation, or egg laying. Analysis of covariance, in

o n

which date of nest initiation and the number of days between capture and
clutch completion were included as covariates with sex, obtained significant
n^ d ],^ er L ences in . 4 of these characters (Head + Bill Length, Culmen Length,
Bill Width, and Bill Depth). Length of the Black Tip on upper and lower
mandibles was negatively correlated with the date of nest initiation; Body
Mass (log transformed) was related to both date of nest initiation and the
number of days between capture and clutch completion. Paired t-tests,
comparing within-pair sexual dimorphism, found significant differences in
Head and Bill Length, Culmen Length, Bill Width, and Bill Depth, with males
being the larger sex. There was no relationship between date of nest
initiation and degree of within-pair sexual dimorphism. Discriminant
function analysis, based on Head Length, Bill Depth, Wing Length, and Length
of White "Eyebrow", correctly classified 96% of both males and females.
These results suggest that it is possible to accurately sex Least Terns
without the time-consuming process of making extensive behavioral
observations.

STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE LEAST TERN IN VIRGINIA - 1975-1988

Beck, R. A. (Biology Department, College of William and Mary,, Williamsburg,
VA 23185), J. W. Akers (Charlottesville, VA 23901), J. W. Via (Department
of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA
24061), and W. Williams (Will iamsburg- James City County Public Schools,
Williamsburg, VA 23186)

Small, scattered colonies of the Least Tern (Sterna anti 11 arum) occur on
the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and large colonies are located on Grand View
Beach in Hampton and on Craney Island in Portsmouth. Survey data from
fourteen consecutive breeding seasons shows a fluctuating population on the
barrier islands with an overall decreasing trend. The colonies at Grand View
Beach and Craney Island are increasing in number. The colonies on the west
side of the Chesapeake Bay currently represent more than half of the total
Virginia population. The total population shows a decreasing trend.

Mammalian and avian predation, and human disturbance has influenced
production, and in some cases, prevented successful nesting. The Least Tern
populations have responded positively to management strategies employed to
protect nesting habitat. Several management techniques have been
successfully implemented to attract terns to specific areas at the Craney
Island site.

WADING BIRD USE OF A NEWLY CREATED COOLING LAKE AT SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT NEAR
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

Bildstein, K. L., D. E. Gawlick, D. P. Ferral (Department of Biology,
Winthrop College, Rock Hill, SC 29733), I. L. Brisbin, Jr., and G. R. Wein
(Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P0 Box E, Aiken, SC 29802)

Wading bird use of a 405-ha cooling lake (L-Lake), built in 1985 at the
Savannah River Plant (SRP) was compared with that of two 30-year-old lakes on
the SRP: Par Pond (1130 ha) and Pond B (87 ha). Although approximately 25%
of the shoreline of L-Lake was planted in 1987 with 1 i ttoral -wetl and
vegetation in an attempt to speed the establishment of a Balanced Biological
Community (BBC), L-Lake has less wetland vegetation, especially floating-
leaved species such as Melumbo lutea , than either of the two older lakes.
Seasonal surveys of the birds using the three lakes were initiated in the

21

Fall of 1987. Results indicate that (1) at least six species of wading birds
use L-Lake, ( 2 ) wading bird density is higher at L-Lake than at the other two
lakes, and (3) wading birds represent a higher proportion of the total avian
community at L-Lake than at the other two lakes. Our observations may be the
result of differences in fish abundance or in fish vulnerability to predation
by wading birds at L-Lake compared with the other two sites.

POST-FLEDGLING DISPERSAL OF ARDEA HERODIAS OCCIDENTALIS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

Bjork, R. and G. V. N. Powell (Research Department, National Audubon Society,
115 Indian Mound Trail, Tavernier, FL 33070)

Movements of post-fledgling Great Blue and Great White Herons were
studied using radio telemetry during 1987 (n=12) and 1988 (n=56). Fledglings
remained in the vicinity of the nest for 38+19 days in 1987 and 54 - 19 days
in 1988 after which time they left Florida Bay, dispersing northward where
they settled into a variety of habitats; predominantly freshwater often
human-modified wetlands. After remaining in a localized area for several
months, some birds have returned south to Florida Bay and the south Florida
mainland. In this presentation we analyze possible factors influencing
dispersal including juvenile foraging efficiency and access to foraging
sites. The significance of dispersal relative to human development of south
Florida will be discussed.

AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF HERRING GULLS
Brittingham, W. A. (Manomet Bird Observatory, Box 936, Manomet, MA 02345)

I examined foraging behaviors of Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus ),
during September - November 1987, at two feeding sites in Plymouth County,
Massachusetts: a "natural" beach site and a nearby dump. Results from

Manomet Beach showed that 1) foraging success and efficiency increase with
age, and 2) foot paddling as a foraging method is inefficiently and less
frequently used by gulls less than three years old. Preliminary results from
the Manomet dump suggest similar age-related differences in foraging success
and efficiency. However, observed age ratios suggest that young birds
concentrate their feeding activity at the dump rather than at the beach.
These findings are consistent with earlier explanations for a deferred age of
first breeding. They also suggest that human refuse, as a food source that
possibly increases the over-winter survival of young birds, may be a critical
factor involved in the population explosion of Herring Gulls in this century.
Finally, I suggest that human refuse may also play a much more crucial role
during the breeding season than has been previously observed.

NEST INITIATION PATTERNS AND AGGRESSION OBSERVED IN THE BIRDSVILLE WOOD STORK
COLONY, 1987 - 1988

Bryan, A. L., and M. C. Coulter (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P0 Box
Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802)

The availability of prey during the breeding season may affect reprod-
uctive success. Aggression within the colony can also affect reproductive
success through loss of eggs and young. In 1987, high densities of prey were
available and reproductive success was high. Prey densities were much lower
in 1988 and reproductive success was also lower. To determine if differences

99

in behavior occurred within the colony among years, patterns of nest
initiation, reproductive success, and occurrence of aggression, including
mobbing and nest takeovers, were examined. In 1987, over 80% of the nests in
the observation area with eggs eventually fledged young, nest trees were very
synchronous, and only a single nest takeover by conspecifics was observed.
In 1988, only 34% of the nests raised chicks to an age of six weeks and
subsequent raccoon predation allowed only 12.5% to fledge young. Nest trees
were far less synchronous and nest takeovers were common.

DISTRIBUTIONS OF FORAGING WADING BIRDS IN A NEW JERSEY ESTUARY

Brzorad, J., and K. Parsons (Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA 02345)

Foraging wading birds were censused along a 3 km section of the Rahway
River in northeastern New Jersey from June to August 1988. Tide level and
locations of individual birds were recorded on a map. The greatest number of
birds were found during ebb tide. Abundance decreased from low to flood tide
and was lowest at high tide. Fish and shrimp were censused during ebb and
flood tides. Shore shrimp and mummichog fry were most abundant during flood
tide. The opposite was true for adult mummichogs. Distributions of wading
birds were non-random.

SOCIAL FACILITATION AND SYNCHRONY IN BLACK SKIMMERS

Burger, J. (Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854)
and M. Gochfeld (UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
08854)

Social facilitation occurs when the frequency or intensity of behavior
increases disproportionately to the number of individuals present performing
this behavior. In Black Skimmers ( Rynchops niger) vocalizations are not
randomly scattered across time, but are significantly clustered. Similarly,
other behaviors such as courtship feeding, copulations, sand kicking, and
aggression are clustered. Breeding synchrony was greater within colonies
than between colonies.

COMPETITIVE FORAGING AND HABITAT MATCHING IN HERRING GULLS

Cezilly, F. (Station Biologique, La Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc F- 13200 Arles,
France)

In natural habitats, many animals exploit resources competitively. An
important theoretical problem in behavioral ecology is how competitors should
use patchily distributed resources in order to maximize their intake rate.
The ideal free distribution of competitors in a heterogeneous environment
often predicts habitat matching, while the equilibrium number of consumers in
a patch is proportional to resource abundance. In this study, we first use
simple simulation models as tools, where individuals may or may not differ in
their abilities to compete for food. According to the rule of decision for
switching between patches, distribution can result in habitat matching. We
then report results from experimental work with Mediterranean yellow-legged
Herring Gulls and discuss them in relation to the observed distribution of
wild Herring Gulls on natural feeding habitats.

23

RANGE EXTENSIONS OF TERNS AND BLACK SKIMMERS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Collins, C. T., W. A. Schew (Department of Biology, California State
University, Long Beach, CA 90840) and E. Burkett (California Department of
Fish and Game, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve)

In recent years a number of bird species have either been added to the
California list or have increased their breeding range. Notable among the
water-oriented species is the Black Skimmer which in the last decade has
steadily increased in numbers and breeding range. More recently, both Royal
an Elegant Terns have expanded northward their previously restricted breeding
range. The chronology of these changes will be presented along with some
more detailed observations of the new breeding colonies at the Bolsa Chica
Ecological Reserve near Huntington Beach, Orange County, CA.

CHANGES IN TIME BUDGETS DURING REPRODUCTION IN RELATION TO VARIATION IN FOOD
AVAILABILITY FOR WOOD STORKS IN EAST-CENTRAL GEORGIA

Coulter, M. C. (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC
29802)

The importance of food availability in affecting reproduction has been
stressed for many avian species. It has commonly been assumed that when food
is plentiful, birds spend less time foraging and feed chicks more frequently
than when food is less plentiful. Yet foraging is only one component of the
entire time budget. As food availability varies, the entire time budget is
likely to change. Among Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) in east-central
Georgia, prey density is an important factor affecting reproductive success.
I compare the time budgets of breeding storks in 1986-1988. Food was most
plentiful in 1986 and least plentiful in 1988. Chicks fed at similar
frequencies in all three years, but other components of the time budget, such
as collecting nest material, varied considerably.

EGG SIZE AND LAYING ORDER IN BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS, SNOWY EGRETS, AND
GREAT EGRETS

Custer, T. W. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Wildlife Research
Center, Gulf Coast Research Station, P0 Box 2506, Victoria, TX 77902)

In 1988, nests of Black-crowned Night-Herons, Snowy Egrets, and Great
Egrets in a colony in Lavaca Bay, Texas, were marked and repeatedly visited.
Egg volume of individually marked eggs was determined by egg measurements.
Laying order was either observed directly or determined by hatching order.
The volume of Black-crowned Night-Heron eggs was related to laying order
(A>B>C egg). In Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets, the A and B egg were similar
in size and both were larger than the C egg.

WOOD STORK PREY IN EAST CENTRAL GEORGIA

Depkin, F. C. and M. C. Coulter (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E,
Aiken, SC 29802)

The Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) population in the United States has
declined in the last 50 years due largely to degradation of foraging habitat.
Although early studies have examined stork prey in South Florida, there has

been no work on prey in the northern part of the range. An examination of
prey of storks from the Birdsville colony in east-central Georgia, the most
northern colony, was conducted during the breeding seasons 1984-1988. Prev

re 9 ur 9 i tat i on samples, from stomach contents, and by
visual identification of species from an observation platform in the colony.
Tadpoles, crayfish, and fish were the most common species recorded. Sunfish
were the most abundant. All prey items were greater than 24mm in length We
compare our results with those from studies carried out in Florida.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR, PARENTAL CARE, AND CRECHING-
WHITE IBIS CHICKS.

A CHRONOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT IN

Dinep, A. (Department of Biological
Mississippi State, MS 39762)

Sciences, Mississippi State University,

i ooo 1 obsen ' e .d White Ibis ( Eudocimus albus) chicks from ca. 75 nests in

l/3 8 nf n tho UII, h k - lr l Seed Isl - a "® ar Geor 9 e town, South Carolina. Approximately

nnt-i hlC h kS + We . r i e ] nd 1 V1 d^Hy col or-marked . Parents continually tended

first i^smai^th 11 i days 0 d ‘ Chi ^ ks began t0 leave nests ’ and gathered
first in small, then larger groups (creches). Siblings were seldom seen

ogether, except during feedings. Little movement of chicks occurred between

creches until about a week before leaving the island. Adults continued to

feed creched checks, but forced chicks to follow increasingly greater

distances to be fed. Chicks left the island at ca. 45 days of agef

CHANGES IN NESTING POPULATIONS OF SEABIRDS AFTER FIVE YEARS OF nil i
MANAGEMENT AT PETIT MANAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, MAINE

Drennan, M. P.(P0 Box 162, Hulls Cove, Maine
Higgins Terrace, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609)

04644) and D. C. Folger (4

Petit Manan island was among the largest tern colonies in the Gulf of
Maine through the 1960's and early 1970's. Following automation of the

Grlat d Rl Jk 9 hLklH tl0 ii and h the end *? f human habitation in 1972, Herring and
Great Black-backed gulls began nesting in large numbers. By 1980 no terns

nested on Petit Manan. In 1984 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated

k ^ U a control program that has resulted in the recolonization of the island

by Arctic, Common, and Roseate terns, as well as Laughinq Gulls Common

Eiders, and Black Guillemots. Judicious use of avicide combined with full

time human occupancy during the nesting season has given nestinq birds

particularly terns, a major island stronghold in the Gulf of Maine.

SYMPATRY OF TWO PENGUIN SPECIES ON THE COAST OF CHILE

D o. C *, (EsC n Ue1a n de f 1 i ® ncias Ambientales, Universidad Nacional, Heredia,
Costa Rica), R. P. Wilson, M.-P. Wilson (Institut Meereskundp
Dusternbrooker, Weg 20, Kiel, F.R.G.), and B. Araya M. (Instituto Oceanol . ’
Universidad Valparaiso, Casilla 13-D, Vina del Mar, Chile)

The foraging ecologies of Humboldt ( Spheniscus humboldti ) and Magellanic
(S. magellamcus) penguins at four sites along the Chilean coast between 29-
53 degrees South differed more between sites than between species. In

tb tu t '!'° dif f er ed in their breeding seasons and this may

a ccount for their difference in range. The two species may not have been
able to extend their breeding seasons because of: limited time of contact

25

since the last glacial period, exclusion of the rarer species from foraging
groups, and competition for nesting sites. Our study suggests that
ecological relations between such species-pairs are likely to be complex and
perhaps unstable over time.

FORAGING ECOLOGY OF WADING BIRDS NESTING AT LAKE HANCOCK, FLORIDA

Edelson, N. A., and M. W. Collopy (Department of Wildlife & Range Sciences,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611)

We began a study of the temporal and spatial use of foraging habitats by
wading birds nesting at Lake Hancock, a large, hypereutrophic lake in central
Florida, in early 1988. We located seven mixed-species

tagged eight adult Snowy Egrets (Egretta thula) and three ?dult Little Blue
Herons (£. caerulea). These birds were monitored to identify foraging
locations during the breeding and post-breeding season. The location ot
foraging birds was analyzed in relation to distance from colony, habitat
type, and flock size. We examined characteristics of nesting and foraging
habitat of the lacustrine system, based on weekly surveys. Many of ^ the
natural habitats surrounding the lake have been severely altered by human
activities; some new wetlands have been created. Snowy Egrets foraged at
several of these altered, but nutrient-enriched areas, which included
phosphate mines and sewage treatment plants.

INTERANNUAL VARIATION IN TIMING OF BREEDING AND MOLT IN CASSIN'S AUKLETS
^LEOTJCI/5) ON S.E. FARALLON ISLAND, CALIFORNIA

Emslie, S., P. Henderson, H. C. Carter, and D. Ai nley (P°int Reyes Bird

Observatory, 4900 Shoreline Hwy., Stinson Beach, CA 94970}

Cassin's Auklets were captured in mist nets monthly from 1979-1985 at

S.E. Farallon Island, California. Captured birds were banded, weighed, and

examined for iris coloration and primary wing molt; wing length, gular pouch
length, and bill depth were also recorded. These data were collected to

obtain information on interannual variation in population structure and molt.
Here, we present data on molt initiation compared to seasonal variation in
food availability and timing of breeding. Cassin's auklets bred earliest on
SEFI in 1979, 1981, and 1985, and latest in 1983. A greater percentage of
birds captured in nets had initiated molt earlier in 1980 and 1985, and
significantly later in 1983, than in all other years
fluctuations in the proportion of breeding vs. nonbreeding birds, the latter
of which begins annual molt earlier than the former, may account for some of
these differences.

AN EVALUATION OF THE COLONIAL BIRD REGISTER

Engstrom, R. T. (Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road,
Ithaca, NY 14850)

The Colonial Bird Register (CBR) was designed to make data collected on
seabird and wading bird colonies easily accessible to researchers and
resource managers. The CBR has several strengths. It fills a void because
colonial birds are not well -monitored by other bird-counting programs.
Centralization makes data more accessible and can provide abundance data for
species from a large geographical area. The CBR is potentially cost-

26

effective because of volunteer support and it gives a focus of the many
colonial bird monitoring programs going on at the state or local level. Some
of the weaknesses of the CBR include, (1) difficulty in quality control and
coordination of the timing and methods used in data collection, (2) no
clearly defined service, such as data analysis, in return for data provided
and (3) the chronic lack of adequate funding. *

INDUSTRIAL-STRENGTH HERONS: THE BLACK-CROWNS OF BALTIMORE

Erwin, R. M. J. S. Hatfield, and W. A. Link (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD 20708)

We observed flights of Black-crowned Night-Herons from a large colony
near the industrialized Patapsco River - Baltimore Harbor estuary from May to
duly 1988. Birds were followed visually from land, by boat, and small
aircraft during morning and dusk periods. Even though expanses of natural,
relatively undisturbed wetlands and creeks were available, most herons
concentrated in the more industrialized (contaminated) areas to feed and/or
roost. We statistically evaluated departure intervals and flight directions
from the colony, developing a new z-test to determine whether departure
directions were independent. Both interval and directional data suggest that
individuals are strongly dependent upon each other when foraging. We also
found some differences in group foraging in morning vs. evening.

COLONY - SITE REQUIREMENTS AND HABITAT AVAILABILITY OF HERONS IN ITALY

Fasola, M., R. Alieri, A. Gariboldi (Departmento Biologia Animale, Pz, Botta
9, Pavia, Italy)

The availability of suitable nesting habitats for waterbirds has rarely
been evaluated in relation to the characteristics of colony sites. In
Northern Italy, the heronries occupy small patches of seminatural vegetation
in the intensely cultivated landscape. We measured 12 characteristics of the
heronrie: the sites occupied by colonies of Black-crowned Night-Heron, Little
Egret, and Grey Heron were above minimum thresholds of surface and width of
vegetation patch, percentage of perimeter protected by canals, and safety
from human disturbance. In the same region we analyzed 140 other, non-
occupied patches of seminatural vegetation: only 2 non-occupied patches

fulfilled the above thresholds, and were apparently still available for new
heronries. In Northern Italy, the breeding herons seem to be limited by the
availability of nesting sites, particularly in a region where foraging
habitats abound but suitable sites are lacking.

FORAGING ECOLOGY AND BREEDING DISTRIBUTION OF A MEDITERRANEAN SEABIRD
COMMUNITY

Fasola, M., G. Bogliani, L. Canova,and N. Saino (Department of Biologia
Animale, Pz. Botta 9, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy)

We studied trophic niches and the relations among foraging dispersion,
prey type, and colony distribution of 4 terns and 4 gulls, breeding in the
delta of river Po, Italy. The 8 species segregated their niches by their
preferences for certain foraging habitats, and for prey of given size; the
overlaps in the spatial and in the dietary dimensions of the niche were

27

complimentary. Smaller-sized species took significantly smaller-sized prey,
closer to their colonies, and aggregated into larger colonies.

AN INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN DISTURBANCES IN WADING BIRD COLONIES: EFFECTS OF

FREQUENCY AND DURATION OF VISITS, AND EGG MARKING ON REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS

Frederick, P. C. and M. W. Collopy (Department of Wildlife and Range
Sciences, 118 N-Z Hall, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611)

During an intensive study of reproduction ecology of Ciconi iformes in
the freshwater marshes of south Florida, we evaluated three specific effects
of researcher disturbance. Using two nearby (within 2 km) colonies of
Tricolored Herons (Egretta tricolor ) we were able to control for size of
colony, vegetative substrate, access to foraging locations, species
composition and other variables. The colony visited frequently (each 4 days)
showed no significant differences from the infrequently visited one (each 8
days) in dates of nest initiation, clutch size, number of young per
successful nest, or overall nesting success (Mayfield method). By marking
eggs with a conspicuous letter on one side, we found that all six species of
herons, egrets and ibis we studied showed a highly significant tendency to
turn marks down in the nest. This consistent orientation apparently did not
result in reduced hatching success. By measuring heat gain in telemetered
eggs exposed to direct and indirect sunlight, we derive recommendations for
maximum duration of researcher visits at different temperatures.

BAND LOSS FROM SHEARWATERS: IMPLICATIONS FOR LONGEVITY ESTIMATES

Fry, D. M. (Department Avian Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA
95616), and J. D. Swenson (600 E. Pine, Seattle, WA 98122)

898 adult Wedge-tailed Shearwaters ( Puffinus pad ficus) were banded with
US Fish and Wildlife Service stainless steel butt end closing bands on both
legs to identify birds in an oil toxicology study from 1982-1985. 465 birds

were recaptured one or two years after banding, with 30 birds having lost one
band. Bands of four number series were compared for loss rates, weights,
thickness, strength (force required to open band), and wear rate. Highly
significant differences existed between series for band loss (2. 1-9.0% of
birds lost bands), band strength, band thickness, and band weight. Birds
appear to open bands accidentally while digging burrows.

Other studies have estimated adult shearwater survivorship at greater
than 90%. These data indicate that band loss alone could account for most
missing birds and that shearwaters may be extremely long-lived. This work
was supported by USDI MMS Contract 14- 1 2 - 0001 -291 12/SB0408 ( a ) -81 -C-0509 .

STRESS AND OIL- INDUCED CHANGES IN SERUM PROTEINS OF COMMON MURRES

Fry, D. M., and L. A. Addiego (Department of Avian Sciences, University of
California, Davis, CA 95616)

The toxicity of oil exposure and the stress of cleaning and captivity
result in marked changes in serum proteins of seabirds. Common Murres (Uria
aalge are robust birds that withstand well the rigors of captive stress.
This is reflected in a marked immune response that would normally be
suppressed in highly stressed birds. The immune response is characterized by
increases in acute phase proteins (alpha and beta globulins) as well as

9ft

immunoglobulins (gamma globulins). The total serum protein levels of murres,
grebes, loons, and scoters all rapidly increased in captivity, from normal
values of 3-4 g/dl to as high as 7 g/dl. The increases were not accompanied
by dehydration, but reflected increases in specific serum proteins and a
marked decrease in prealbumin. It appears that murres may partially
compensate for increases in acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins by
restricting the synthesis of prealbumin to maintain relatively constant total
serum protein and serum osmotic levels. This work was supported by CA
Department Fish and Game Contract C-1991.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF DEMOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON THICK-BILLED MURRES AT COATS
ISLAND, N.W.T.

Gaston, A. J. (Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0H3), R. D.
Elliot (Canadian Wildlife Service, Box 9158, St. John's, Newfoundland,
Canada), and D. G. Noble (Department of Zoology, Queen's University,
Kingston, Ontario, Canada)

Several thousand young and several hundred adult Thick-billed Murres
(Uria lomvia) have been banded on Coats Island over the past five summers to
provide information on recovery rates of different age classes in
Newfoundland, age at return to the colony, age at first breeding, and
survival at different ages. Preliminary results of this ongoing study are
presented, giving details of adult survival estimates, age at return to the
colony, and estimates of the proportion of different age-classes among bird
hunted in winter.

CONSEQUENCES OF NESTING IN MIXED-SPECIES GROUPS IN FOUR SPECIES OF BEACH-
NESTING BIRDS FROM SOUTHEASTERN PERU

Groom, M. J. (Department of Zoology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

In an unusual assemblage of three waterbird species and one species of
colonial nighthawk ( Rhynchops niger, Phaetusa simplex , Sterna superci Haris,
and Chordeiles rupestris) along the Rio Manu, Peru, hatching success varied
significantly among and within beaches during the 1987 nesting season. The
majority of nest losses were to avian predators, particularly Daptrius ater.
Chordeiles did not actively defend nests, whereas the remaining three species
were highly aggressive toward potential predators. Predation attempts were
frequent and hatching success was influenced by nest position relative to
other nests. Chordeiles' hatching success was higher if nests were near
successful nests of aggressive species and lower if near unsuccessful nests
of all species. In most cases, all nests of aggressive species on a beach
either succeeded or failed. It appears that the relationship between
Chordeiles and the aggressive species is parasitic.

29

POPULATION CHANGES IN CAMARGUE ARDEIDS. THE EFFECT OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
IN THE WINTERING AREAS

Hafner, H. (Station Biologique, La Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, F- 13200 Arles,
France), and J. P. Wallace (RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL,
U.K. )

The numbers of tree-nesting herons (Little Egret, Black-crowned Night-
Heron, Squacco Heron, and Cattle Egret) breeding in the Camargue have been
determined annually since 1968. For three species, meteorological variables
in the main wintering areas appeared to affect the breeding populations in
subsequent years. For the Night-Heron and Squacco Heron hydrological
conditions in Africa seem important whilst for the Cattle Egret winter
temperature in the Camargue appears to be a valuable key variable. For one
species, the Little Egret, no correlates were found with population changes.
This may be a consequence of the very wide wintering range of the species.

INDIVIDUAL VARIATION IN BEHAVIOR AND BREEDING SUCCESS OF NORTHERN FULMARS

Hatch, S. A. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Fish and Wildlife
Research Center, 1101 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503)

In a sample of breeding Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacial is) observed
in each of 6 years, some pairs were more successful than expected, and some
less so, on the hypothesis that all pairs had the same probability of
breeding success in a given year. Several factors were considered that could
account for the observed individual variation. Pairs thought to include at
least one bird with no breeding experience were less successful than
experienced pairs, but the effect depended largely on the color phases of the
individuals. Late layers were more successful than were early layers,
possibly because delayed nesting ensured that food availability was adequate
for successful incubation. The mean duration of incubation shifts,
attendance by the off-duty partner, and the shares of the sexes in incubation
all showed substantial variation among pairs, and egg loss was frequently
associated with an unusually long incubation shift. Prelaying attendance
patterns were correlated with the breeding success of individuals, but not
always as expected on the hypothesis that increased time spent on land was an
indication of individual quality. The possibility should be considered that
consistency of behavior per se is important.

POOR CORRELATIONS BETWEEN ANTARCTIC KRILL AND THEIR PENGUIN PREDATORS:
SAMPLING BIASES OR "SUBOPT I MAL" PREDATORS?

Heinemann, D. (Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA 02345), G. L. Hunt
(Ecol. & Evol . Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717), and I.
Everson (British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, England)

We have found the at-sea correlation between krill and penguin density
in Antarctica to be poor, which may indicate that penguins are "suboptimal"
foragers or that our sampling techniques were inadequate. The correlations
might have been higher if we had, 1) sampled at night when krill are at the
surface, 2) estimated the density of krill actually available to penguins,
and 3) estimated the density of penguins actually foraging. However, we
found that correlations were only slightly or not at all improved when we
partially accounted for these potential biases. Thus, we consider the

30

possibility that penguins may be much less efficient foragers than we had
expected.

WHITE-FACED IBIS DDE-RELATED REPRODUCTIVE PROBLEMS CONTINUE AT CARSON LAKE,
NEVADA

Henny, C. J., and (Pacific N.W. Field Station, 480 S.W. Airport Rd.,
Corvallis, OR 97333) and G. B. Herron (Nevada Dept, of Wildlife, Reno, NV

Organochlorine, mercury, and selenium contamination was studied in
White-faced Ibis ( Plegadis chihi) nesting at Carson Lake, Nevada in 1985 and
1986. DDE was detected in 138 of 140 eggs sampled: Eggshell thickness was
negatively correlated with residues of DDE. DDE residues in ibis eggs,
unlike residues in most other wading bird eggs from the Great Basin have not
declined during the last decade. At DDE levels in eggs above 4ppm (wet
weight), clutch size and productivity decreased, and the incidence of cracked
eggs increased. Assuming that 4ppm DDE is the critical residue level, 40% of
the nesting population in 1985 and 1986 was adversely impacted by DDE, with a
net loss of 20% of the population's expected production. Most eggs
containing high levels (up to 29ppm) also contained DDT, which implies the
source was recently-used DDT. No evidence of breeding ground DDE-DDT
contamination was found.

FOOD HABITS OF BREEDING HERONS AND EGRETS IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Jewell, S. D. and G. T. Bancroft (National Audubon Society Research
Department, 115 Indian Mound Trail, Tavernier, FL 33070)

We compared Great Egret ( Casmerodius albus ), Snowy Egret ( Egretta
thula ), and Tricolored Heron (E. tricolor) regurgitation samples and feeding
locations between 1987 and 1988 from the Rodgers River Bay colony in west-
central Everglades National Park. We followed adults by airplane from the
colony to foraging sites and observed flight line counts from the colony.
For Great Egrets and Tri colored Herons, we found significant differences
between years in prey species composition and importance by biomass. Both
species generally fed northwest of the colony in 1987 and northeast of it in
1988. For Snowy Egrets, composition and biomass differed less, and
differences in foraging locations (northwest in 1987, northwest and northeast
in 1988) also differed less.

ESTIMATING LEAST TERN CHICK SURVIVAL USING MARK- RECAPTURE METHODS
MT rS 5980lj M ( Biological Sciences Division, University of Montana, Missoula,

Survival of chicks to fledgling is a key parameter of reproductive
success. Three mark-recapture methods were used to estimate survival of Least
Terns (Sterna anti 11 arum) chicks on two habitats along the lower Platte River
in Nebraska. The Jolly-Seber mark-recapture method was used in 1987, but
failed to give meaningful survival estimates due to small sample sizes and
violated assumptions. I developed another method for calculating survival
from the 1987 mark-recapture data. By treating all chicks as if they hatched
on the same day, I calculated capture probabilities for each age class as the
number of chicks captured in that class that were also captured later divided

31

by the total number of chicks in that class captured at some later date.
Number of survivors in each age class was estimated as the number captured
divided by the capture probability. This method under-estimated survival.
In 1988, intensive one-day Lincoln-Peterson estimates were made when most
chicks were >2 weeks old. Young were marked and each colony observed for 24
hours to insure that there was no mortality before taking the recapture
sample. This procedure appears to give more realistic survival information
than other methods if hatching success and chronology is known.

OVERVIEW OF GULL IMPACT ON ATLANTIC COAST WATERBIRDS

Kress, S. W. (Research Department, National Audubon Society, Ithaca, NY
14850)

Twenty colonial waterbird biologists from Maine to South Carolina
responded to a questionnaire designed to assess the impact of Herring and
Great Black-backed Gulls on colonial waterbirds. Within their study areas,
56% reported increased Great Black-backed Gull populations, while 85%
reported stable or declining Herring Gull populations. Eighty-nine percent
know of colonial waterbird colonies that suffer negative effects from,
Herring an/or Great Black-backed Gulls. Eighty percent responded that if
gull populations were lower, Common, Arctic, Roseate, and Least Terns would
benefit and that without such action, these populations would decline. In
addition to terns, Piping Plovers, Laughing Gulls, Common Eiders, Leach's
Storm-Petrels and several species of herons would also benefit. Sixty-six
percent believe that there is now an urgent need for gull control at specific
sites and 33% believe that control is not necessary now, but may be necessary
in the future.

NOAA'S SEABIRD MAPPING PROGRAM: ATLAS AND COMPUTER PRODUCTS

LaPointe, T. F., G. J. Divoky, E. D. Archer, T. A. Gill, M. D. King, R. J.
Wolotira (Strategic Assessment Branch, Oceans Assessments Division, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 11400 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
20852,), and A. L. Sowls ( U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Maritime
National Wildlife Refuge, 202 Pioneer Avenue, Homer, AK 99603)

For the past five years information has been compiled on the spatial and
temporal distributions of seabirds along the west coast of North America from
the Beaufort Sea through the Baja Peninsula. This information is being
published in two NOAA strategic assessment data atlases: the Bering,
Chukchi, and Beaufort Seas Data Atlas (1988), and the West Coast of North
America Data Atlas (1989). Additionally, the information is being digitized
and organized with NOAA's micro-computer based "Computer Mapping and
Analysis System" (Cmas) for distribution to scientists and resource managers
within government, academic, and private sectors. In 1989 NOAA will begin a
cooperative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to synthesize data
on the colonial and pelagic abundances of seabirds. It is intended that this
information also be organized with the Cmas system for selected distribution.

32

BIASES IN AGE AND SEX RATIOS OF SEABIRDS OFF THE NORTH CAROLINA COAST
Lee, D. S. (North Carolina State Museum, PO Box 27647, Raleigh, NC 27611)

Samples of 20 seabird species collected since 1976 off North Carolina's
Outer Banks reveal strongly biased age or sex ratios. For one species, at
least, Fulmarus glacialis , bias was for both age and sex with a 2:1 ratio of
females to males and over 95% were immature. Seasonal variation in abundance
of age classes was recorded for transoceanic and transequatorial migrants as
well as for species dispersing locally in coastal waters. These biases
appear to result from dispersal timing and distance of movement of different
sexes and age classes. General age class segregation limiting foraging
competition between population components has advantages for individual and
long term population survival. No single pattern dominates but this is not
surprising because the sample represented birds from three orders, species
with diverse migration strategies, and assemblages from different
hemispheres. Nevertheless, biased ratios seem widespread in seabirds. This
supports ideas proposed by Gauthreaux in 1978 on the role of behavioral
dominance in migration patterns.

THE BRITISH AND IRISH SEABIRD COLONY REGISTER

Lloyd, C. (Nature Conservancy Council, Aberdeen, Scotland, U.K.)

The British Seabird Group established a Seabird Colony Register in 1984
with the aim of bringing together published and unpublished data on seabird
breeding populations in Britain and Ireland. With support from the Nature
Conservancy Council, a survey of the entire British and Irish coastlines was
organized, and undertaken by volunteers mostly during the summers of 1985-87.
This provided up-to-date information for the Register, and data that could be
compared usefully with the results of the most recent previous complete
survey, Operation Seafarer in 1969-70. Analysis of population trends based
on data from the Seabird Colony Register is currently underway.

THE REPRODUCTION OF FOOD-STRESSED GULLS ON SABLE ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA

Lock, A. R. (Canadian Wildlife Service, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, PO
Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada B2Y 4A2)

The reproductive success of increasing populations of Herring ( Larus
argentatus) and Great Black-backed (L. marinus ) gulls was examined on Sable
Island, 100 miles off the coast of mainland Nova Scotia. Black-backs were
more successful but reproductive success and chick growth rates were lower
than have been reported elsewhere. Major dietary differences between the
species were documented: Herring Gulls fed primarily on fish and marine

invertebrates while Black-backed Gulls fed to a greater extent on other birds
and seals. Time budgets of breeding pairs with broods having differing food
demands showed that to satisfy the maximal food demand of a full brood a
Herring Gull pair must leave the nest unattended 70% of the time; a Black-
backed Gull pair provisioning a brood with maximal food demand left the nest
unattended only 30% of the time. The timing of chick mortality in this and
other gull populations is related to breeding success and food availability.
The large impacts of these gulls on Sable Island terns led to a 3-year study
of tern breeding under heavy predation pressure; that study will be continued
after reductions of gull numbers on the island.

33

DESCRIPTION AND RATES OF OCCURRENCE OF TERATOGENIC CONDITIONS IN DOUBLE-
CRESTED CORMORANT ( PHALACROCORAX AURITUS) AND CASPIAN TERN (STERNA CAS PI A)
EMBRYOS FROM COLONIES OF THE GREAT LAKES: SUMMARY OF 1987-88 FIELD

OBSERVATIONS

Ludwig, J. P. and H. Kurita (Ecological Research Services, Inc., 512 N.
Lincoln, Bay City, MI 48708)

Systematic assessments of eggs that fail to hatch have revealed many
specific deformities in embryos occurring at rates far above those reported
for hatched young of any colonial waterbird species on the Great Lakes. We
found nineteen teratogenic conditions in embryos, but have only seen hatched
chicks with five types of deformities. Very few deformed embryos survive
long enough to hatch. Studying hatched young underestimates the true rate of
teratologies by at least one to two orders of magnitude. The same
deformities we found have been reproduced in domestic species by feeding PCB
mixtures to test birds. We found deformities occurring at elevated rates in
colonies located in known Great Lakes contamination "Hot Spots". We suspect
teratogens in the PCB, dioxin, furan, groups of chemicals as contributing
causes of these phenomena.

FORAGING PATTERNS BY NESTING WADING BIRDS AT A POND ON STATEN ISLAND, NEW
YORK CITY

Maccarone, A. D., and K. C. Parsons (Manomet Bird Observatory, Manomet, MA
02345)

Goethals Bridge Pond (GBP) is a shallow, 5 ha pond located in NW Staten
Island, New York City. This permanent but seasonally-fluctuating pond is an
important foraging area for some of the 1200 pairs of wading birds breed
on three nearby islands. During 120 h of observations over the 1987 and 1988
nesting seasons, we examined the relationship between several biotic and
abiotic variables, and the size and species composition of foraging
populations at GBP. We found interspecific differences in the numbers of
foraging birds through the nesting season. Different factors accounted for
the foraging patterns observed for the three most common species. Snowy
Egrets, Great Egrets, and Glossy Ibises. We discussed the importance of GBP
in terms of its proximity to the breeding colonies, and in relation to nearby
estuarine foraging areas.

RENESTING BY CALIFORNIA LEAST TERNS

Massey, B. W. (Department of Biology, California State University, Long
Beach, CA 90840), and Jack Fancher (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 24000
Avila Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92656)

Least Terns (Sterna anti'll arum browni) renest routinely after loss of
eggs or chicks. Renesting by terns in a group of seven colonies in Los
Angeles and Orange Counties was documented over a 7-year period. The birds
generally renested at the same or an adjacent colony (89%). The major cause
of renesting was loss of chicks, mostly attributable to predation. Loss of
eggs was rare until 1986, but rose significantly in 1986 and 1987 with
increased predation by red foxes (Vulpes fulva) and American Crows (Corvus

34

brachyrhynchos). The interval between loss of eggs and renesting was 4-16
days; after chick loss, 5-12 days. Evidence of group adherence was found in
renesting patterns at several colony sites.

NON-LINEAR DYNAMICS OF CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT DATA FOR SOUTHEASTERN U.S. WADING

McCrimtnon, D. A. (Mount Desert Island
ME 04672), and G. S. Butcher (Cornell
14850)

Biological Laboratory, Salsbury Cove,
Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY

The degree of determinism or stochasticity associated with time-series
data, e.g., annual population statistics, can be evaluated with graphs of
lagged measurements. The predictability of future trends can thus be
evaluated and, in the case of ecological variables, the complexity of the
underlying community mosaic in which a species is embedded may be expressed.
Previously, McCrimmon assessed data for breeding populations of Wood Storks
in southern Florida. Here, we evaluate CBC data for other wading bird
populations in several southeastern states with varying results: For
example, wintering Snowy Egret populations in Louisiana and Texas and Cattle
Egret populations in Florida exhibit strong monotonicities and appear
amenable to deterministic models. On the other hand, Snowy Egret populations
in Florida and Cattle Egret populations in Louisiana and Texas show more
turbulent dynamics.

CAPTIVE WHITE IBISES FORAGING ON FIDDLER CRABS FROM ARTIFICIAL BURROWS: THE
EFFECT OF IBIS BEHAVIOR AND FIDDLER CRAB BURROW MORPHOLOGY ON PROBING

McDowel 1 , S . G .
29801) and K. L.
Hill, SC 29733)

(Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC
Bildstein (Department of Biology, Winthrop College, Rock

We observed the capture of male and female fiddler crabs (i/ca pugilator)
by captive White Ibises ( Eudocimus albus) probing artificial burrows of
varying depths and angles from the surface, simulating burrows of sand
fiddler crabs of southeastern salt marshes. Our observations showed that
ibises oriented their culmens in different positions when probing the slanted
burrows. Three major behavioral categories were determined for the head and
culmen orientation: an approach from the side such that the face and culmen
were rotated 90 degrees, an approach from the front of the burrow, and a
"between the legs" approach whereby the bird's bill entered the burrow along
its curvature. Overall, the side approach was used most frequently and the
front door approach was observed least often. These distinctively different
approaches to probing the burrows may, in part, be due to the length and
curvature of the ibises' culmens.

THE CATALOG OF ALASKAN SEABIRD COLONIES

Mendenhall, V. M. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 E. Tudor Rd.,
Anchorage, AK 99503), and A. L. Sowls (USFWS, 202 Pioneer Ave., Homer, AK
99603)

The coast of Alaska supports over 1300 breeding colonies of seabirds
comprising more than 40,000,000 birds. When oil exploration started on the

35

continental shelf the numbers and distribution of seabirds were surveyed for
the first time. The Catalog of Alaskan Seabird Colonies was published in
1978. Half the data have been updated and 360 new colonies have been added
since then. The Catalog has been converted to an automated database on a
Data General MV8000 computer. Data on each observation are stored in 6
files: seabird species and numbers, colony name and location, observers,
literature sources, footnotes, and digitized maps. Codes are entered to
describe observation methods and quality of the data. Sequential
observations on one colony are retained, but the best estimate is identified.
Outputs include a report giving colony location and bird numbers for any or
all species and for any portion of the state, along with supplementary data
from all files. Maps show colony locations or species densities. Copies of
field notes and reports can also be provided.

THE CONFOUNDING OF ADOPTION STUDIES IN THE COMMON TERN

Morris, R. D. (Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St.
Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada)

Current dogma suggests that intra-cl utching hatching patterns reflect
adaptive advantage to parents by permitting brood reduction as required.
However, chicks disadvantaged in a home brood may be selected to depart and
actively seek adoption elsewhere. As parents resist adopting foreign chicks,
attempts at acceptance ought not to be randomly distributed among potential
foster broods. Some general predictions include (1) lower feeding rate to
third-hatched chicks, (2) greater frequency of departure by third-hatched
chicks, and (3) acceptance in broods containing younger chicks. Despite
complications that included heavy predation by Herring and Ring-billed Gulls,
and the loss of Common Tern chicks carried away from home broods by fish-
stealing adult terns, these predictions were supported.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CLIMATIC VARIABILITY, REPRODUCTION, AND NUMBERS OF
BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES AT BREEDING COLONIES IN NORTHWESTERN ALASKA

Murphy, E. C. (Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska, Fairbanks,
AK 99774), A. M. Springer (Institute of Marine Sciences, University of
Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775), and D. G. Roseneau (2621 Ligonberry, Fairbanks,
Ak 99709)

In 1975-1988 Black-legged Kittiwake ( Rissa brevirostris) reproduction at
Bluff, Alaska has varied markedly and has been well correlated with spring
air temperatures. Reproductive failures have occurred following abnormally
cool springs and exceptionally warm springs. The most likely casual sequence
is that air temperatures effect ice break up and spring warming patterns in
coastal waters, and in turn sea temperatures influence abundance and
availability of fish prey. Interannual variability in reproduction at other
northern colonies adjacent to the Alaska Coastal Current generally has
paralleled that at Bluff. Although repeated reproductive failures occurred
at Bluff in the past decade, numbers of adults at the colony have not
demonstrated any directional decline.

36

THE CANADIAN WILDLIFE SERVICE SEABIRD COLONY REGISTRY

Nettleship, D. N., and J. W. Chardine (Canadian Wildlife Service, Bedford
Institute of Oceanography, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, N.S., B2Y 4A2, Canada)

A computerized registry of seabird colonies in the NW Atlantic area is
under development for use on a microcomputer. A "systems analysis" approach
was used in the design phase and will be briefly discussed. The process
resulted in a relational data structure consisting of a master file
containing census data for a single species, at one location and time, with
details of the location, species, observers, and written reports split into
other files. Key codes in the master file link master records to records in
other files. Data input is managed by a series of programs written in DBASE
III language that present input screens to the user, validate data, manage
the various subfiles in the relation design and finally apply the data to the
database. Data will be retrieved, reported and statistically analyzed using
software that reads DBASE III files (e.g., FOCUS , STATGRAPHICS , SYSTAT ) .

PHILOPATRY AND PROSPECTING IN THICK-BILLED MURRES

Noble, S. (Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6), A. Gaston (C.W.S.
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3, Canada), and R. Elliot (C.W.S. PO Box 9158, St.
John's, Newfoundland, A1A 2X9, Canada)

The biology of known-age Thick-billed Murres was studied at a breeding
colony in northern Hudson Bay. Individuals, identified by band number, were
observed throughout the breeding season. We recorded the sites occupied and
visited, social behavior, and breeding attempts. We found evidence of
philopatry to natal ledge. Chicks banded on a particular ledge tended to be
resighted on that ledge in subsequent years, and band sequences of
prospecting murres were clumped in different areas of the colony. We
examine factors that may influence recruitment to a particular site,
including site availability, sex, age, and experience.

POLLUTION MONITORING IN PUGET SOUND UTILIZING GREAT BLUE HERONS

Norman, D., G. Cobb, R. Kendall (Institute of Wildlife Toxicology, Western
Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225), and D. Kane an °
Wildlife Service, 2625 Parkmont Lane SW Building B-3, Olympia, WA 98502)

Contaminant levels are being studied in the resident Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias fanninni) populations in Puget Sound. The ecological and
toxic chemical exposure characteristics indicate that long term pollution
monitoring is possible. Improved analytical and toxicological techniques
combined with nonlethal sampling allow for more meaningful data to be
collected. Such toxicological information has the potential to be combined
with population data to form computerized management systems. This should
assist agencies in planning coastal zone development, natural resource
utilization, and evaluation of toxicological risks of toxic chemical exposure
to humans.

37

GROWTH RATES AND BROOD SIZE IN SNOWY EGRETS

Parsons, K. C., and K. P. Vance (Manomet Bird Observatory, Box 936, Manomet,
MA 02345)

We studied growth rates of Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) nestlings in New
York and Massachusetts in 1982, 1987, and 1988. We examined the relationship
between growth rate and brood size for first-, second-, and third-hatching
chicks. First-hatching chicks generally grew at a fixed (and presumably
optimal) rate regardless of the presence of 1-4 broodmates. Second-, and
third-hatching chicks sometimes grew faster in the presence of a younger
sibling compared to nests in which the second-, or third-hatching chick was
the youngest nestling. We explore proximate factors such as the possible
stimulus broodmates may provide older siblings to increase begging frequency.

THE NORWEGIAN SEABIRD REGISTRY

Nygard, T. (The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Tungasletta 2, N-
7004, Trondheim, Norway)

The system architecture, software, main responsibilities , and
applications of the Norwegian Seabird Registry are described. Databases for
breeding, molting, and wintering seabirds and waterfowl are continuously
updated, likewise is an open-sea database for pelagic distributions.
Personal computers are used to enter census data, and to maintain location
databases, related files, and lookup tables, using the Dataflex database
program. Census data files are transferred to a Micro Vax II minicomputer
via network for further processing. On this, SPSSX is used for statistics
and to produce report listings, and also to produce plot-files for
computerized map drawing, using Uniras and Supermap programs. In oil spill
emergency situations, the data and maps are readily accessible to the

pollution control authorities via Telefax . The seabird database is also a
tool for planning and managing of the coastal environments, for monitoring of
seabird and waterfowl populations, as well as for oil -related
environmental impact assessment studies.

HIGH 0RGAN0CHL0RINE AND SELENIUM LEVELS IN CALIFORNIA HERON AND EGRET EGGS

Ohlendorf, H. M., and K. C. Marois (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, c/o

Department of Wildlife & Fishery Biology, University of California, Davis, CA
95616)

Exceptionally high concentrations of DDE were found in Black-crowned
Night-Heron (geometric mean 8.62 ppm, wet wt) and Great Egret (24.0 ppm)
eggs collected from the Imperial Valley (Salton Sea), California in 1985.
DDE concentrations in these eggs, as well as in many of those from two San
Francisco Bay night-heron colonies, were higher than those associated with
reduced reproductive success of night-herons (8 ppm). In addition, shell
thickness of night-heron eggs collected from the San Joaquin Valley and from
San Francisco Bay during 1982-1984 was significantly less than pre-DDT
thickness and was negatively correlated with DDE concentration. Mean

selenium concentration in night-heron eggs from Salton Sea (1.10 ppm, wet wt)

was significantly higher than in eggs from three locations in the San Joaquin

Valley.

38

LEAD POISONING IN WATERBIRDS: THE AMERICAN VERSUS THE EUROPEAN SITUATION

Frince)' (Station Bio1ogic l ue de la Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200 Arles,

Lead poisoning of waterfowl through the ingestion of spent lead aunshnt

Ssa have ( or many Decades of P research "n Jhe

USA have led to a federal regulation banning the use of lead qunshot for

Wh^ 1 P huntin ? 311 the USA b > 1992 • Although hunting pressure in
Southern Europe is intense, there has been comparatively little research into
this problem. This paper will present the results of recent research "to
lead poisoning of waterfowl, waders, and rallidae in the Canarque

I i US f atin + 9 K th i e + S6Ver ; ty of the P roblem in tf iis region. Factors affectinq
the susceptibility of waterbirds to shot ingestion will be discussed

be Sared. 6ad P ° lsoning and species affecte d in the USA and in Europe will

ABUNDANCE, DISTRIBUTION, AND HABITAT
THE FORESTS OF THE REDWOOD REGION OF
1988

ASSOCIATION OF THE MARBLED MURRELET IN
CALIFORNIA AND SOUTHERN OREGON DURING

Service ^Areata S«/n t0n ii R *!? W0 « Sc j ences Laboratory, U.S. Forest

PescLro CA 94060) (A "° N6UV ° State Preserve >

fn ““ developed ? nd im P lemented a survey of this rare sea bird in the
foresits between Monterey County, California and extreme southern Oregon Our

hSSr,,?«l.Son dBt8 Tt 1n : 1tS f 9e H ographical distribution, abundance’, and
naouat association. It was found in areas with older trees, orimarilv

Santa n CrSz k and f <!an e M C t aSt ' niaj ? r P°P u1ation centers were found: one in

wi?Mn C tho hn S w M - te0 c ° u 1 bies ’ ] n state P ark lands; and the other largely
within the boundaries of the redwood parks in Del Norte and Humboldt

other’state^f f°H f0U i V e w eral ii Sra ? 11 P°P ulat1ons °n private, as well as on
other state and federal lands. We detected no birds over a large area of its

Eoct h- e / 0nner r ? nge between southern Humboldt County and San Francisco
Most birds were in or near older forests, but some areas of old-growth

outlined lacked the bird- Future research and management goals will be

POPULATION STATUS AND ECOLOGY OF COMMON TERNS IN LAKE CHAMPLAIN
Rimmer, C. C. (Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Woodstock, VT 05091)

(Stern^, >,3^ in h, S S h a11, iso1ated breeding population of Common Terns
(Sterna hirundo) has been monitored since 1981. This population has

experienced a steady decline from ca. 1775 nesting pairs in 1981 to ca 55
pa i irS /in n u 1 - 9 ? 8 ' productive success has been virtually nonexistent with

only 40 chicks fledged since 1983. Direct and indirect effects of nocturnal
predation by Great Horned Owls and Black-crowned Night-Herons appear to be

55^l P i r nn a ™^ Ca i U? t eS ° f re P rodu 1 ctive failure. Tiny thief ants caused high
nestling mortality in one colony in 1988. Nocturnal desertions by all

^"5. adults occurred in each colony on a nightly basis, delaying
incubation of some clutches nearly 2 weeks. A limited banding and color-
markin g program wa scon duc ted in 1987 & 1988. Nearly 70% of adults banded in
1987 returned in 1988. There appears to be very little recruitment or

39

immigration into the population. Renesting patterns, intercolony movements,
and post-breeding dispersal will be discussed, as will management strategies
to protect this endangered population.

THE ADAPTIVE SIGNIFICANCE OF NEST INITIATION DATES: EXPERIMENTAL
MANIPULATIONS OF THE TIMING OF HATCH

Rohwer, F. C. (Appalachian Environmental Laboratory, University of Maryland,
Frostburg, MD 21532)

I moved eggs of Forster's Terns ( Sterna forsteri) from one colony to
another colony to manipulate the timing of hatch. These manipulations
advanced the earliest hatching dates by 15 days for terns nesting in
Chincoteague Bay, MD. This experiment allowed me to test the hypothesis that
the onset of laying is determined by the earliest time that parents can feed
their young. All terns accepted the fostered eggs and appeared to make the
shift to caring for young. Hatching success was similar for the early hatch-
date and normal hatch-date eggs. However, only 38% of early hatched young
fledged, a sharp contrast to the 72% fledging success for normal hatched
young. Growth of early hatched survivors was slower than normal hatched
young, but the difference was not significant. These preliminary data
suggest that optimal nest initiation dates may be set by how early parents
can feed their young.

RESURVEY OF WADING BIRD COLONIES IN FLORIDA

Runde, D. E. (Nongame Wildlife Program, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600)

A statewide survey of colonial breeding sites for herons and their
allies in Florida was last conducted in 1976-78. Following a pilot survey in
1987, we began a systematic aerial resurvey of the state in 1988. Using
LORAN-C and 1:150,000 scale maps, we followed E-W transects spaced 5 km
apart. The present status (active or vacant) of known colony sites was
determined, and size of each colony was estimated and augmented using aerial
photos. Aerial surveys were followed by ground visits or helicopter surveys
whenever possible. Our current emphasis is on accurately locating active
colony sites and determining species composition for habitat protection
efforts. Following completion of the survey, future work will emphasize
monitoring of changes in colony size at selected colonies and calculating
colony turnover rates.

EVIDENCE FOR PREY LIMITATION OF COMMON AND ROSEATE TERN REPRODUCTION

Safina, C, (National Audubon Society, 306 South Bay Avenue, Islip, NY
11751), J. Burger (Department of Biology, Busch Campus, Rutgers University,
New Brunswick, NJ 08903), M. Gochfeld (Robert Wood Johnson Medical School,
Environmental and Community Medicine, Piscataway, NJ 08854), and R. H.
Wagner (Edward Grey Institute of Ornithology, Oxford 0X1 3PS, U.K.)

We tested hypotheses that prey population fluctuations limit
reproduction in Common ( Sterna hirundo) and Roseate (Sterna dougallii) terns.
In a 2-year study, both species laid earlier, delivered more fish/hour to

40

nests, grew faster, and survived better in the year when prey fish
populations were higher as measured by sonar. Common, but not Roseate, terns
had larger clutches and broods in the better food year.

EFFECT OF EXPERIMENTAL MANIPULATION OF VEGETATION ON NEST SITE SELECTION IN

’ anc * Bur ser (Department of Biology, Rutgers University, PO
Box 1059, Piscataway, NJ 08855)

Sooty Terns ( Sterna fuscata ) are ground-nesting seabirds that typically
nest on exposed, unvegetated areas. However, at Culebra Archipelago, Puerto
Rico, these terns nest under very dense vegetation cover. In 1986 Sooty
Terns did not nest in three experimentally cleared plots. In 1987 they did
not use and additional newly cleared spot, but they did use the plots that
were cleared in 1986, which had revegetated. Prior to the breeding season,
the revegetated plots were manipulated, and the terns preferred nesting on
the plots with less vegetation. Mean air and ground temperatures in exposed
areas in 1986 were significantly higher than in vegetated areas, and
thermoregulatory behaviors comprised only 2% of all behaviors showed by
terns, suggesting low incidence of heat stress. In Culebra, contrary to
other islands, Sooties are exposed to 12 predators. We suggest that at
Culebra, due to high temperatures and abundance of predatory species, Sooty
Terns are selecting a cooler and safer habitat under vegetation.

of foraging white ibis in the WATER CONSERVATION

AKtAo Ur f HE EVERGLADES

Sawicki, R. J., W. Hoffman, and G. T. Bancroft (Research Department, National
Audubon Society, Tavernier, FL 33070)

. Ws used systematic reconnaissance flights to census populations and map
distributions of White Ibis ( Eudocimus albus). Surveys in the 1986-1987 dry
season showed populations ranging from 10654 to 82093 with the peak in March.
During the. 1987-1988 dry season, estimates ranged from 12367 to 88620 with
the peak in January. White Ibis responded to shifting hydropatterns by
moving their foraging locations to follow the drying edge. White Ibis were
found in habitats of tree islands with dense grass more consistently than
any other and tended to avoid open grass and tree islands with open grass
habitats. White Ibis consistently avoided dry areas, but were found in both
wet and transitional wetlands. White Ibis tend to form larger, monospecific
flocks than do other wading bird species.

RADIO TRACKING OF WHITE-TAILED TR0PICBIRDS OVER THE CARIBBEAN SEA

^nff ner ’ F * c * (Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
33124), M. R. Fuller (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Wildlife
Research Center, Laurel, MD 20708), C. J. Pennycuick (Department of Biology,
University of Miami), and H. H. Obrecht, III (Patuxent Wildlife Research
Center) .

Sixteen White-tailed Tropicbirds ( Phaethon lepturus) were radiomarked in
June 1987 and May 1988 at the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico
Transmitters were attached to birds using harness and glue to hold 9-11 gram
packages on the birds' backs, or glue with electrical tape and thread to tie

41

6 or 8 gram packages ventral ly on rectrices. Tail -mounted transmitters
proved most useful. Birds were tracked over the open sea from a Cessna 182
equipped with side-ways mounted 4-element Yagi antennas, arranged in a null-
peak configuration, and connected to a scanning receiver. Locations were
estimated by recording bearing and distance from at least 1 of the 3 VOR/DME
aeronautical navigation beacons at San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. In
1987 one bird was tracked as far as 155 km north of San Juan. In 1988 the
longest tracking distance was 116 km south of the nesting colony.
Tropicbirds were tracked from 1-4 days (x = 2.1) in 1988, when we obtained an
average of 2.6 locations per radiomarking effort.

POPULATION TRENDS AND HABITATS OF GREAT BLUE HERONS AND GREAT EGRETS IN
MICHIGAN'S GREAT LAKES

Scharf, W. C. (Department of Biology, Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse
City, MI 49684)

I conducted an aerial search of the four Michigan Great Lakes coasts,
the three connecting rivers, and all islands during the nesting season of
1987. All searches went up to 1 km inland, and ground counts were made at
66% of the colonies. I found 1064 Great Blue Heron and 31 Great Egret nests
in 33 colonies. Great Blue Herons have increased 62% since 1977. Great
Egrets have remained stable, but moved their colonies northward. Species and
DBH of nest trees as well as ground cover assessment was frequently an
indication of the longevity of the nesting colony at each colony site.
Comparison of colonies from south to north indicates great differences in
colony stability, phenology, and foraging sites as well as different needs
for land use zoning to protect the nesting bird populations.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FEEDING VARIABILITY, CONVERSION EFFICIENCY AND CHICK
GROWTH IN FOUR TROPICAL SEABIRDS BREEDING AT MIDWAY ISLANDS

Shea, R. E. (Department of Biology, Randotph-Macon College, Ashland, V A
23005) and R. E. Ricklefs (Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA 19104)

A 3-year study of seabird growth and feeding ecology at Midway Islands
suggests that the variation in individual growth performance over the entire
development period can be generated over a period of 0.6 to 3.9 days as a
result of variation in food delivered to the chick in any given 24-hour
period. Further, there was a significant negative correlation between this
period over which individual variation is generated and the conversion
efficiency of the chick. A low conversion efficiency suggests that a missed
meal results in lower weight loss per unit time. Our data suggest that low
conversion efficiencies may be an adaptation (and is clearly adaptive) to
foraging at great distances from the nest in and unpredictable environment.

DURATION OF COURTSHIP FEEDING OF COMMON TERNS

Shields, K. M. (Manomet Bird Observatory, Box 936, Manomet, MA 02345)

Thirteen pairs of Common Terns ( Sterna hirundo) were observed at
Plymouth Beach, Plymouth County, MA during June 1988. Observations, taken
between 0610 and 0910, were begun on each pair on the day they laid their
first egg (day 0). Courtship feeding rates (CFRs) were measured as the

42

number of feedings per hour of female incubation. The CFR mean for days 0
and 1 combined was significantly higher ( P=0 . 0001 ) than the CFRs on
subsequent days. However, CFR was not related to clutch size, date of clutch
initiation, or clutch volume (P>0.05). CFR was negatively correlated with
prey size (P=0.0015). While the analysis may be confounded by factors
relating to age and past breeding history of the pairs, it appears (a) that
CFRs of Common Terns decrease rapidly after clutch initiation and (b) that
CFR may depend on prey size. Specific analyses relating CFR to the
nutritional demands of egg-laying were not available. Therefore,
relationships between CFR and prey type and size are unclear.

SIX THOUSAND YEAR HISTORY OF ANTARCTIC SHAGS IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO

Siegel -Causey, D. (Museum of Natural History, University of Kansas, Lawrence,
KS 66045)

The Antarctic Shag ( Notocarbo bransfieldensis) can be discriminated from
its congeners by five osteological characters. Using these characters, I was
able to identify bones of this species in five shell middens located in
southern Fuego-Patagonia. The temporal distribution of these elements extend
from historical times (280 ybp) to the middle Holocene (5960 ybp). These
extra-1 imital birds may have reached Fuegian waters through chance events, by
post-breeding dispersal, or as vagrants from a yet undiscovered colony in
Tierra del Fuego. Possible support for the last hypothesis is given by the
discovery of an adult Antarctic Shag collected in Ushuaia Bay during austral
summer. I discuss the implication of these and other findings on the
specific status of the Antarctic Shag and its sympatry with the Imperial
Shag.

THE EFFECT OF PLASTIC INGESTION ON GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF ALBATROSS CHICKS

Sievert, P. R., and L. Sileo (National Wildlife Health Research Center, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711)

The effect of ingested plastic on the growth and survival of chicks of
Laysan Albatrosses (Diomedea immutabilis) and Black-footed Albatrosses (D.
nigripes) on Midway Atoll was studied during the nesting seasons of 1986 and
1987. The weight and proventricular content of the chicks was determined
periodically through the nesting cycle. Large (>22cc) volumes of plastic
were present in the proventricul i of 26.6% of the Laysan and 15.5% of the
Black-footed chicks examined by endoscopy. Prior to fledging, albatross
chicks regurgitated pellets composed of plastic and other indigestible

material from their proventricul i . Laysan chicks with high (>22cc) amounts
of proventricular plastic had asymptomatic fledging weights significantly
lower (122g) than chicks with low amounts of plastic. Plastic had no
detectable effect on the growth of Black-footed chicks. All chicks that died
were examined by necropsy. Ingested plastic was the cause of death of one of
138 Laysan Albatross chicks.

43

BREEDING SUCCESS OF CASPIAN TERNS ON LAKE HURON AT A TIME OF HIGH CONTAMINANT
LEVELS: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Snedden, W. A. (Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St.
Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada), and D.V. Weseloh (Canadian Wildlife
Service, Box 5050, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4A6, Canada)

Aquatic contaminants had a major impact on the breeding success of
several species of waterbirds nesting in the Canadian Great Lakes during the
late 1960's and early 1970's. . Double-crested Cormorants suffered almost
total reproductive failure during this time whereas Caspian Terns nesting in
close proximity appear to have been little affected. We examined the
breeding success of Caspians nesting on South Limestone Island, Lake Huron,
during 1972 in comparison with previous and subsequent studies, and contrast
this to reproductive data on cormorants from the same time period. Fledging
success of Caspian Terns during 1972 was 1.13 young/pair; this compares
favorably with other studies. DDE levels in Caspian and cormorant eggs were
in the 12-15 ppm range during 1972. We suggest that any detrimental affects
of aquatic toxins were not manifested in the breeding success of Caspian
Terns during this period.

EUSTRONGYLIDOSIS IN WADING BIRDS AT THREE COLONY TYPES IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA

Spalding, M. G., and D. J. Forrester (Department of Infectious Diseases,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32601)

We investigated the infection of wading birds by the parasitic nematode,
Eustrongyl ides ignotus , and compared the prevalence between different colony
types in southern Florida. Higher prevalences of infection were found in

nestlings in an estuarine coastal mangrove colony than in freshwater marsh
(Everglades) colonies. A very low rate of infection was found at a saltwater
island (Florida Bay) colony. The consequences of foraging site, prey items,
and colony site, relative to infection by this parasite are discussed for the
different species nesting in these colonies.

JUVENILE SURVIVAL AND NATAL VS. NON-NATAL COLONY SITE RECRUITMENT OF BREEDING
ROSEATE TERNS AT FALKNER ISLAND, CONNECTICUT

Spendelow, J. A., and J. D. Nichols (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD 20708)

Capture-recapture methodologies can be modified to estimate survival
rates of juveniles from post-fledging until first breeding. Through 1988,
between 6 to 13% of the Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) fledglings banded
annually from 1977-1984 on Falkner Island, Stewart B. McKinney National
Wildlife Refuge, have been caught at least once as breeding adults at this
same colony. While less than 2% of the chicks banded during this same period
at other colony sites in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts have been
trapped as breeding adults at Falkner Island, birds banded as chicks at other
colony sites account for roughly one-third of the known-age recruits from
these age classes. The implications of these results with respect to the
amount of intercolony movement that may take place and the ability of this
species to colonize new breeding sites will be discussed.

44

foraging habits of breeding and post-breeding snowy egrets and tricolored

Strong, A. M., G. T. Bancroft, and S. D. Jewell (National Audubon Society
Tavernier, FL 33070)

We studied foraging habits of breeding and post-breeding Snowy Egrets
(Egretta thula) and Tricolored Herons {E, tri col or) at the Rodgers River Bay
Colony in west-central Everglades National Park from April through July
1988. We compared habitat at foraging sites, distance to feeding sites, and
size of feeding flock associations. Habitat use by breeding and post-
breeding birds was similar between species; nearly 60% of the foraging
locations for both species were in inland marsh and inland marsh-mangrove
transitional zones. Post-breeding birds showed an increase in the use of
short mangrove habitats. Breeding Tricolored Herons fed closer to the colony
than did breeding Snowy Egrets. Post-breeding Tricolored Herons fed much
farther from the colony than did breeding birds, but distance to feeding

sites was similar for breeding and post-breeding Snowy Egrets. Nearly 75% of

the Tricolored Herons fed singly or in pairs, whereas -50% of the Snowy
Egrets were found in flocks >50 birds.

POPULATION TREND OF NESTING GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS IN THE STRAIT OF GEORGIA

Vermeer, K. (Institute of Ocean Sciences, PO Box 6000, Sidney, British

Columbia, V8L 4B2, Canada)

The nesting population of Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus gl aucenscens) was
censused in the Strait of Georgia in 1986, and the reproductive success of
small and large colonies was investigated. In 1986, 13,000 nesting pairs
were found. The gull population has doubled since 1960. Large colonies

produced more fledglings (1.1 - 1.4 per nest) than did small colonies (0.3
per nest). The low reproductive success of small colonies has apparently been
caused by predation. Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus) , Northwestern
Crows (Corvus caurinus) and River Otters (Lutra canadensis) were observed
predators on gulls.

AGE SPECIFIC FORAGING DIFFERENCES IN WOOD STORKS

Walsh, J. M. (Department of Zoology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
30666), and M. C. Coulter (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, SC

Foraging experience may contribute to increased foraging success with
age in many species. Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) are primarily tactile
feeders, and success with this specialized method of feeding may improve with
age. Observations of foraging success may be important for determining the
ability of different age classes to obtain food and understanding the
importance of prey density on the foraging success of different age classes.

Wood Storks have three easily identifiable age classes: Hatching year,
sub-adult, and adult. We collected data from both video-taped and direct
observations. Prey density estimates were obtained using a throw trap.

Overall we found hatching year birds were less successful than older
birds. Age specific differences in foraging behaviors such as wing flashing
and foot stirring were also noted.

45

TIME CONSTRAINTS AND THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF RELOCATION ATTEMPTS ON
PRODUCTIVITY IN YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS

Watts, B. D. (Department of Zoology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
30602)

In Virginia, nearly 85.0% of the known Yellow-crowned Night-Herons nest
in densely populated residential areas. Of the 163 residential pairs
monitored in 1987, 87.8% nested on privately owned lots with occupied homes,
5.4% on privately owned vacant lots, and 7.8% on city owned parkland. Aside
from the destruction of foraging habitat, the negative attitudes and
disruptive actions of homeowners currently pose the greatest threat to this
population. Attempts to harass or relocate pairs after nest site

establishment delay nesting and ultimately shorten the breeding season.
Parameters were derived from the analysis of ten years of breeding data and
were used to construct a simulation model. This model was used to predict
productivity under different time constraints. Simulation results were used
to make recommendations concerning when relocation attempts would likely have
the least impact on productivity.

SEVERITY OF BILL DEFORMITIES IN DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS FROM THE GREAT
LAKES AND LAKE WINNIPEGOSIS, MANITOBA, CANADA

Weseloh, D. V. C., and Peter S. Ross (Canadian Wildlife Service, Box 5050,
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4A6)

We examined between 1,300 and 11,500 young cormorants (Phal acrocorax
auritus) on each of four Great Lakes and Lake Winnipegosis, Manitoba (total
examined = 33,000+). From 0-26 birds with bill deformities were found on
each lake (total birds with deformities = 47). The most common deformity was
a rightward and downward deflection of the upper mandible. We used an Index
of Morphological Response to measure the severity of each bill deformity.
There was no difference between the mean index values of bill deformities for
the U.S. vs Canadian sides of the Great Lakes. However, the mean index value
for cormorant bill deformities on the Great Lakes (9.1) was significantly
greater than that (5.0) found on Lake Winnipegosis. We are investigating the
deformity question from a toxic chemical perspective.

STATUS OF THE LEAST TERN IN NEW MEXICO

Williams, $. 0., Ill (Endangered Species Program, New Mexico Department of
Game and Fish, State Capitol, Santa Fe, NM 87503)

The Least Tern (Sterna antillarum) was first documented in New Mexico in
1949, when it was found breeding at Bitter Lake NWR; since then it has been
present there essentially annually. Population counts over the period have
varied, ranging up to 60 birds in 1961, but more usually 20-30. Maxima
during the period 1965-74 averaged 21.4 birds, but declined to 9.2 birds
during 1975-84. In 1986, four pairs fledged a total of two young, while in
1987, three pairs fledged six young; in 1988, three pairs nested
unsuccessful ly. In 1986, the terns began nesting off the refuge on lands
where management options are restricted. Active management, including
habitat enhancement on refuge lands and banding for individual recognition,
is recommended.

ALBATROSS BIOLOGY AND AN ORACLE DATABASE: WHAT RELATION?

As part of long term monitoring projects at Bird Island in the South
Atlantic, biologists at the British Antarctic Survey are studying relations
between breeding success, periodicity and survivorship in Wandering {Diomedea
exulans ), Black-browed (D. melanophris) and Grey-headed (0. chrysostoma)
albatrosses, using individually banded birds. This paper discusses aspects
of a database that has been developed for these projects, using the
relational database management system from ORACLE. The database incorporates
all past banding, breeding, and biometrical information for these birds, and
is implemented on a DEC VAX 8600 in the U.K. and a PC-AT in the South
Atlantic. The mainframe system is used for data analysis, and is maintained
as the definitive data set. The PC-ORACLE application at Bird Island
incorporates all relevant data from the U.K. in a "forms" based data entry
system for use by the biologists in the field. All new data can be
validated, at the point of entry, against information already held.

SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE DEGREE OF INTRA-CLUTCH HATCHING SYNCHRONY OF THE
RING-BILLED GULL (LARUS DELMARENSIS)

Woulfe, M. A. (Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St.
Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada)

Intra-clutch hatching intervals of Ring-billed Gulls lengthen as the
breeding season progresses despite equal egg-laying intervals. This seasonal
change toward hatching asynchrony is most widely viewed as an adaptation
providing parents with the potential for brood reduction in response to
adverse environmental conditions, unpredictable food supply, or breeding
inexperience. The Brood Reduction Hypothesis leads to several predictions:
1) parents of peak clutches manipulated to hatch asynchronously should not
experience decreased reproductive success relative to synchronously hatching
peak control clutches in a year of normal food availability. 2) Peak nesting
pairs are expected to achieve higher reproductive success than late nesting
pairs. In 1986, the first prediction was realized while the second was not.
Seasonal differences in the reproductive biology of the Ring-billed Gulls and
the relationship of these differences to changes in the degree of hatching
synchrony and reproductive success will be discussed.

47

REGIONAL REPORTS

BRITISH COLUMBIA/WASHINGTON STATE, KEES VERMEER

Symposium on seabirds

A symposium is planned on the Status, ecology, and conservation of

marine birds of the- temperate North Pacific. The symposium will be held in

Victoria, British Columbia on February 22-23, 1990, during the next annual

PSG meeting. The symposium will consist of three sections:

1. Seabird distribution at sea

2. Status and ecology of nesting seabirds

3. Conservation .and management of seabirds

The proceedings are planned to be published by the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Seabird studies in British Columbia

1. An inventory of seabirds has been completed for the whole coast of British
Columbia - Mike Rodway, Moira Lemon, and Gary Kaiser

2. Predation of rats on Ancient Murrelets at Langara Island, Queen Charlotte
Island - Doug Bertram

3. Evaluation of effects of Gray Harbor oil spill on seabirds along S.W.
Vancouver Island - Alan Burger

4. Ecology of Rhinoceros Auklets - Anne Harfenist

5. Potential predation of raccoons on nesting seabirds in the Queen Charlotte
Islands - Lisa Hartman

6. Continuation of population study of Ancient Murrelets on Reef Island -
Tony Gaston

7. Completion of nesting and feeding study of Great Blue Herons on Sidney
Island - Robert Butler

8. Initiation of studies on Glaucous-winged Gulls, Pelagic Cormorants and
Black Oystercatchers at S.W. Vancouver Island - Kees Vermeer

9. Completion of a study on bird distribution in a S.W. Vancouver Island
fjord - Kees Vermeer, and Ken Morgan

Seabird studies in Washington State, including research outside the region

1. Survey of marine birds and mammals along the Washington State coast -
Mineral and Management Services

2. Testing radio tagging techniques on Marbled Murrelets - Dan Varoujean,
Tracey Flemming, and Steve Speich

3. Continuation of surveys on Marbled Murrelets - Lora Leschner

48

4. Continuation of surveys on pelagic seabirds - Terry Wahl

5. Continuation of studies on Rhinoceros Auklets on Protection Island -
Ulrich Wilson

6. Assessment of urban Canada goose problem - Dave Manuwal

7. Population dynamics of Magellanic Penguins, Argentina - six years of data;
average fledging success: 0.02-0.8 fledgl ings/pair/year - Dee Boersma

8. Long-term pair-bonding of Magellanic Penguins, Argentina - David Stokes

SOUTH AFRICA, JOHN COOPER

Research on the seabirds of southern Africa have been conducted at the
Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town
(PFIAO) and many other organizations.

Many researchers have been examining Cape Gannets (Sula capensis).
Nigel Adams and Rene Navarro (PFIAO) are studying aspects (radio tracking,
growth rates) of these gannets. Berruti (now at the Durban Natural History
Museum) received his PhD from the University of Natal for work on diets of
the Cape Gannet in relation to fisheries. He carried out this work at the
Sea Fisheries Research Institute in Cape Town. Graham Ross (Port Elizabeth
Museum) is also working on gannets in Algoa Bay (demography, diets). Ken
Nagy (PFIAO) is writing up results of doubly-labeled water experiments on
gannets.

Research continues on Jackass Penguins ( Spheniscus demersus) at the
PFIAO. Rudi Laugksch is writing up his MSc entitled Diet of Jackass
Penguins , 1980-1988: an assessment of pelagic prey behavior . Rory and Marie-
Pierre Wilson (FRG) revisited the PFIAO in 1987 and tested various innovative
gadgets on foraging Jackass Penguins: watch the literature.

Will Steele (PFIAO) is working on his PhD on aspects of the foraging
behavior and diet of local Larus gulls. Sue Jackson (PFIAO) continues with
her PhD research on seabird digestive physiology.

John Cooper (PFIAO) continues to write up data on southern African terns
and cormorants, but now devotes most of his research time to sub-Antarctic
seabirds.

Tony Williams (Cape Nature Conservation Department) continues island
censuses. He is also working on the Handbook of Afrotropical Seabirds , and
writing world-wide reviews of seabird families, concentrating on
distribution, population sizes and comparative biology.

49

SOUTHEAST, ROGER CLAPP

Natasha Atkins (Center for Marine Conservation) will be working with the
EPA National Estuary Program to insure that protection and preservation of
waterbird habitats is incorporated in their program for designating and
managing estuaries of national significance. Delaware and Sarasota Bays are
two recently designated estuaries on which she will be working. Persons with
recent information and interest in the distribution and ecology of birds in
these areas are asked to contact her at (202) 429 - 5609.

Ruth Beck (College of William and Mary) and her colleagues continue to
conduct surveys of Virginia Waterbirds to detect changes in population sizes
and sites. They are monitoring nesting success for selected species,
primarily Least and Common Terns and Black Skimmers, and are investigating
the effects of predation by native mammals and birds. They are also
developing management methods to attract colonial waterbirds to areas where
they may be protected.

Brian R. Chapman (Corpus Christi State University) is completing a six-
year study of the White Pelican colonies in the Laguna Madre in Texas. He is
also completing a paper with Jay W. Tunnel on the seabirds of the Compeche
Bank that documents one of the worlds largest colonies of Masked Boobies.

Roger Clapp (USFWS) is working up the results of sea and shorebird
surveys of Kwajalein Atoll, Marhsll Islands, and Palmyra Atoll, Line Islands,
as well as completing a number of distributional notes on Pacific birds.

Malcolm Coulter (Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of
Georgia) continues long-term studies of Blue-footed Boobies in the Galapagos
Islands. He is also conducting a large study of the foraging and breeding
ecology of Wood Storks in east-central Georgia. He recently returned from
China where he participated in a joint study with Anhui University on
Oriental White Storks.

Tom Custer (USFWS) has been looking at egg-size in relation to laying
order in Black-crowned Night Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets at a mixed heron
colony in La Vaca Bay, Texas. He and his colleagues are also investigating
methods of determining date of hatch from egg characteristics (i.e. flotation
and/or specific gravity).

Michael Erwin (USFWS), together with Hans Blokpoel and Steve Lewis, is
trying to get a Great Lakes Colonial Waterbird Survey initiated in 1989. The
proposed study by both the USFWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service is in the
planning stages.

Cameron and Kay Kepler (USFWS) visited Caroline Atoll in the central
Pacific last fall where they found larger populations of Masked Boobies than
hitherto recorded and noted the first instance of breeding by the Red-tailed
Tropicbird. They visited all 39 islets comprising the atoll and are to
present population estimates for the seabirds of each. Cam and Paul Sykes
are also working on the semi -colonial , island wintering, Kirtland's Warbler.

Kirk King (USFWS) is completing studies on the effects of heavy metals
on colonial waterbirds of La Vaca Bay, Texas, and is initiating a study of
the effects on waterbirds of pollutants in oil-field waste water discharges
onto mudflats. The primary species involved are wintering shorebirds.

50

David Lee (North Carolina State Museum) is working on a Navy contract on
the possible effects of electromagnetic impulses on seabirds. He is also
working up the results of over 13 years of seabird studies off North
Carolina. Most of the results will appear in a USFWS publication but
information on selected species, ingested plastic and mercury loads is being
written for journal publication. The North Carolina Museum is actively
working on extending its seabird collection that now contains good local
series as well as a surprisingly large representation of species from other
areas.

Jim Parnell (University of North Carolina, Wilmington) and David Lee are
completing a manuscript that discusses a number of colonial waterbirds as
part of a larger review of the rare and endangered birds of North Carolina.

Rich Paul (National Audubon Society) continues to manage the Tampa Bay
Sanctuaries and in cooperation with other agencies oversees 29 species of
colonial waterbirds.

Bill and Betty Robertson (Everglades National Park) are continuing their
long-term studies on Sooty Terns at Bush Key. Their work is concentrating on
reproduction and behavior of a population of about 400 individually color-
marked birds. Bill mentioned that on 1 January, 1989, Hospital Key had five
pairs of nesting Masked Boobies, the largest nesting concentration yet
recorded in the continental United States.

Jim Rodgers (Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission) is working on
two projects involving colonial waterbirds. One is a study of the effects of
pesticides on a variety of species and the other is a study of the effects of
human disturbance on a variety of both long-legged and short-legged waders.
The latter study entails not only breeding sites but also areas in which the
birds concentrate at other times of year. One of the outcomes of the study
will be species-specific recommendations for the size of buffer zones needed
to protect the birds in a variety of situations.

Fred Sladen (Virgin Islands Natural Heritage Trust) has been surveying
the birds of St. Croix over the last several years and has produced a
checklist of the birds of that island.

Jeff Spendelow (USFWS) continues his studies on population dynamics and
habitat use by Roseate Terns at colonies in the northeastern United States.
In 1989, he plans to extend the study to include experimental investigation
of the value of nest-boxes in different habitats.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, BETH FLINT
California State University , Fullerton

Bayard Brattstrom is summarizing 34 years of data on seabirds,
terrestrial birds, and reptiles from the Islas Revill agigedo, Mexico, into
three major papers. One on the biogeography of the islands will soon be
published in the Journal of Biogeography. Data on food webs and feeding
strategies of birds form the basis of another paper soon to be submitted.
Results of seabird repopulation of San Benedicto Island, following the 1952

51

volcanic eruption which killed about 20,000 seabirds in 20 minutes, are being
summarized in a third manuscript. Dr. Brattstrom is interested in
accompanying anyone traveling to these islands.

California State University , Long Beach

Charlie Collins continues his work on the California Least Tern,
including a long-term study of growth and a study of Least Tern adult
survival at Camp Pendleton (in its third year).

Bill Schew is continuing his investigations into ecological determinants
of growth in tern chicks. He welcomes any information or data concerning
tern growth. He is also working with Charlie Collins on expanding
populations of Elegant Terns and Black Skimmers.

Barbara Massey continues her long-term research on the California Least
Tern, recently completing a 6th season of data collection at the colony in
Venice, California. She is observing banded adults in order to study the age
profile of the colony. Barbara is also working with Pat Baird on the adult
survival study at Camp Pendleton. She is co-chair with Dr. Silvia Ibarra of
the recently formed Pro Esteros (see PSG Bulletin 15,2), an organization
devoted to preserving the integrity of the coastal marshes of Baja
California, Mexico.

Pat Herron Baird is working on the study of adult survival of California
Least Terns at Camp Pendleton with Charlie Collins and Barbara Massey.

Hubbs Sea World Research Institute

Joe Jehl is continuing his long-term studies of California Gulls,
Wilsons's Phalaropes, and Eared Grebes at Mono Lake, California.

Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History

Betty Anne Schreiber continues her research on the breeding biology and
ecology of pel ecani formes on Christmas Island (C.P.O.) and Johnston Atoll.
She is also busy supervising the constructions and display design of the new
Bird Hall at the museum.

San Diego Natural History Museum

William T. Everett is beginning a long-term research on the breeding
seabirds of Islas Los Coronados, Baja California, Mexico in cooperation with
several Mexican and U.S. scientists. He is planning a survey of the west
coast of Baja California in 1990 to determine the breeding status of the
California Least Tern and other seabirds there. He is also continuing his
work on Clarion Island removing introduced pigs.

Southwest Fisheries Center , National Marine Fisheries Service

Bob Pitman and Steve Reilly, in collaboration with Lisa Ballance of
UCLA, are studying flock composition and distribution of seabirds that forage
over tuna-dolphin schools in the eastern tropical Pacific.

52

University of California, Irvine

Zoe Eppley continues her research on ecological and phylogenetic
variation in the development of Charadri iform birds. She is currently doing
field work at Palmer Station, Antarctica, on behavioral and developmental
adaptations to cold in Kelp Gulls and skuas.

Margaret Rubega is now working at Palmer Station with Zoe Eppley. Upon
her return in March she will be initiating a study of feeding behavior and
morphology of Wilson's Phalaropes at Mono Lake.

George Hunt and Beth Flint with assistance from Ken Coyle (University of
Alaska), Ted Cooney, Mary Beth Decker, Michele Miller, Kevin Richter,
Margaret Rubega, and Ron Squibb (Utah State University) continue their
project studying the effects of colony size on reproductive performance of
seabirds breeding in the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. They are studying prey
abundance, foraging distribution, and the energetics of Black-legged
Kittiwakes, Red-legged Kittiwakes, and Thick-billed Murres. They were joined
in the field this year by Dave Cairns (Department of Fisheries and Oceans,
New Brunswick). Fridtjof Mehlum and Geir Gabrielsen of the Norwegian Polar
Research Institute contributed their expertise and measured resting metabolic
rates of six seabird species nesting in the islands.

Dick Veit with Dennis Heinemann and Mike Paine of the Manomet Bird
Observatory will be studying the relationship between spatial distributions
of krill and seabirds in Drake Passage and Bransfield Strait aboard the NOAA
ship Surveyor in February. Dick Veit, in collaboration with John McGowan
(Scripps Institute of Oceanography), is continuing to record spatial
dispersion of seabirds in the California Current as part of the CALCOFI
program.

As part of his PhD work at U.C. Irvine, Dave Irons is working in Prince
William Sound studying how foraging behavior of individual Black-legged
Kittiwakes affects their reproductive success. David is also monitoring
kittiwake populations in Prince William Sound for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service in Anchorage, Alaska.

University of California, Los Angeles

Bernice Wenzel, in collaboration with John Matochik and Carolyn Reems,
has almost completed a brain atlas of the Northern Fulmar. Her work with
Esmail Meisami continues on the quantitative neuroanatomy of Northern Fulmar
chicks and adults. Progress is slow, however, because of difficulty in
obtaining suitable nesting material.

Bryan Obst continues his research concerning the energetics and
digestive physiology of seabirds in Antarctica, Baja California, Northern
Chile, and at Mono Lake.

Terry Bucher is working on data gathered last season at Palmer Station
with Mark Chappell (U. C., Riverside) and Ken Morgan (University of
Washington). They are studying metabolism and respiration in adults and
chicks of Adelie Penguins, Blue-eyed Shags, Giant Petrels, Kelp Gulls,

Skuas, and Wilson's Storm-Petrels.

53

Lisa Ballance is currently studying seabirds that forage in flocks above
tuna-dolphin schools in the eastern tropical Pacific. She is interested in
flock composition and distribution, and in the energetics of flight of some
of the flocking species. This work is part of her PhD dissertation research
at UCLA and involves collaboration with Steve Reilly and Robert Pitman of the
National Marine Fisheries Service.

Pat Mock continues his study of the energetics of growth in Thick-billed
Murres in collaboration with Beth Flint and George Hunt at UCI

University of California, Riverside

Robert McKernan is currently studying the wintering ecology of the Eared
Grebes at the Sal ton Sea with Joe Jehl and Michael McCrary. He is also
working on aspects of the ecology, management, and conservation of
Pel ecani formes and Charadri i formes at the Salton Sea including a study of the
food habits of the American White Pelican there.

University of California , San Diego - Scripps Institute of Oceanography

Gerald Kooyman has recently finished a project on the Emperor Penguin in
the McMurdo Sound area and is now working with the French Antarctic Research
Program on King Penguins at Crozet Island.

Don Croll is studying the diving behavior and energetics of Thick-billed
Murres on Coasts Island, Hudson Bay, Canada. He is measuring dive profiles
using a microprocessor-control led recorder. He is measuring rates of energy
expenditure in the field using the doubly-labeled water method. In the
laboratory he is studying metabolic rates during diving, surface swimming,
resting in air, and resting in water.

University of San Diego

Hugh Ellis is currently studying the energetics of locomotion and total
energy budgets of Eared Grebes. In collaboration with Joe Jehl he is
measuring total body water in Wilson's Phalaropes.

54

REPORT FROM THE MARBLED MURRELET TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

WORKSHOP

More than 60 researchers, agency personnel, and others attended various
sessions of the workshop on research and management of Marbled Murrelets.
During the course of reports from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington,
Oregon, and California, several points became clear.

Present population status. The population of Marbled Murrelets, while high
in Alaska and probably high in British Columbia, is quite low south of Puget
Sound, and apparently has declined markedly over the past 50 to 100 years.
The survey conducted in California in 1988 showed two population centers: one
in Humboldt and Del Norte counties, and the other in San Mateo and Santa Cruz
counties. A 300 mile gap exists between these populations where old-growth
forests have been virtually eliminated. Most of the population in California
is contained in state and national parks. However, researchers did locate a
few small populations on private timber lands. North of these areas, current
information strongly suggests that populations are scattered in low numbers,
quite probably due to the highly fragmented nature of coastal old-growth
forests between the California border and Canada.

Suitable habitat . Current research indicates that the species is exclusively
associated with mature and old-growth forests within 30 miles of the coast.
This corresponds to observations made over the past few years in California
and Oregon that Marbled Murrelets occur primarily offshore of old-growth
forests. The acreage required for nesting is not known. Site
characteristics such as aspect, slope, and possible travel corridors are
unknown.

Indicator species. There is no information that the indicator species
concept applies to this unique seabird. All of the requirements of the
Marbled Murrelet cannot be met in the forest as it must return to the sea.
Thus, they cannot be an indicator species by definition, and they may not be
protected like species whose needs are satisfied by the indicator species
concept. The Marbled Murrelet may be similar to other alcids and thus
traditional in nest site location. It may be difficult for the species to
relocate in remaining suitable habitat, especially if the remaining habitat
is even farther from saltwater. Land management agencies should include the
Marbled Murrelet in the assessment of projects in coastal forests.

Status . All available information indicates a species in low and declining
numbers. The National Audubon Society has petitioned USFWS to list the
Washington, Oregon, and California sub-populations as endangered. The U. S.
forest Service and other land management agencies should consider the species
as sensitive and forest planning efforts should address the nesting habitat
requirements. The principal factors affecting population abundance may be
under the control of land management agencies.

LETTERS

Letters were drafted on Marbled Murrelet issues. Mike Fry sent a letter
to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the listing of the
Washington, Oregon, and California subpopulations. A letter was also sent to

55

the Tongass National Forest suggesting that the Marbled Murrelet should be
one of their indicator species and should be incorporated in their planninq
efforts. y

Mike sent a letter to Minerals Management Service (MMS) suggesting that
their 1990 study plan should be modified to include Marbled Murrelets. MMS
did modify their plan and contributed money to C. J. Ralph's at-sea surveys
in Northern California.

A letter to the Forest Service and other land management agencies has
been drafted and sent to PSG members for review. The letter asks to defer
action on activities that may impact suitable habitat and to implement a
survey of breeding populations. A second letter will be sent to Wildlife
agencies encouraging them to implement surveys and fund research.

REGIONAL REPORTS
California

C. J. Ralph is directing a study by Mineral Management Services, Redwood
National Park, California Fish and Game, and the Forest Service. In-stand
inventories will be conducted to compare stands where there are greater
numbers of Marbled Murrelets versus moderate numbers.

Harry Carter will be censusing Marbled Murrelets at-sea to determine
population size and the foraging areas of Marbled Murrelets.

A third part of the study will be the attempt to capture Marbled
Murrelets with mist nets and then attach radio transmitters. Transmitters
will be attached to any nestlings that are found so that at-sea habits can be
studied.

Oregon

Kim Nelson, Oregon State University, is directing a complete survey of
the Oregon coast range. The survey is funded by BLM, U. S. Forest Service
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Council of Air and Stream
Improvement, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The survey will be the road transect method as described in the PSG
Marbled Murrelet manual by Ralph Paton, Harry Carter, and Kim Nelson.
Information on habitat association of Marbled Murrelets will be collected.
The survey may extend into southern Washington if there is insufficient
habitat in Northern Oregon.

Washignton

Tracy Fleming and Steve Speich (NCASI), and Dan Varoujean (MARZET) plan
to refine and test radio tagging techniques on the Marbled Murrelet.

The Washington Department of Wildlife and volunteers will survey
selected forest areas for the presence/absence of Marbled Murrelets. An
attempt will be made to find additional Marbled Murrelet locations in areas

where groves have already been found. Only a small effort is planned because
no funds are available. The Regional Office of the Forest Service plans to
fund surveys in Washington in 1990.

British Columbia

Gary Kaiser (Canadian Wildlife Service) is planning a pilot survey of
Marbled Murrelets as described in the PSG Manual. He also plans to study
daily activity patterns on the water in undisturbed areas.

Alaska

Kathy Kulletz's final report on the evaluation of censusing techniques
of Marbled Murrelets in Kachemak Bay, Alaska, has been completed. The U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service plans to continue the surveys in the 1989. field
season.

Kathy saw Marbled Murrelets with fish in their bills fly into forested
areas. They hope to search these groves and look for nest sites.

If funds are available, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service will survey
at-sea Marbled Murrelet populations around Afognak Island near Kodiak.
Landowners are harvesting the old-growth on this island.

Lora Leschner

Chair, PSG Marbled Murrelet Technical Committee

RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR 1989

The following priorities were developed during the Marbled Murrelet
workshop in September, 1988.

Research Priorities

A. Identify areas of activity. Through the use of forest inventory

techniques, identify and quantify areas of Marbled Murrelet activity in the
coastal areas of Oregon and Washington, selected areas of British Columbia
and Alaska, and areas of California not yet thoroughly surveyed. Determine,

as best as possible, the relationships between Marbled Murrelet activities
and forest characteristics, for compatibility, surveys should use techniques
established during the 1988 field season.

B. Intensive inventory and behavior observations. Return to the areas
identified in California and Oregon in 1988 having Marbled Murrelet activity,
focus efforts to locate and identify forested areas, by methods now being
established, to determine the relationships between areas utilized by Marbled
Murrelets and forest characteristics. Quantify the behavior of Marbled
Murrelets in these areas and determine the relationships between behavior and
identified or likely nesting areas, and use the knowledge to interpret and
understand the data derived from the more general and broad scale forest
inventory results of 1988 and 1989. There are a small number of identified
areas in Washington where these procedures can also be applied.

57

C. Find nests. Find and quantify as many nests, nest substrates, and
surrounding habitats as possible, in forests throughout Marbled Murrelet
range from California to Alaska. Observe and quantify the behavior of
Marbled Murrelets at individual nests, and utilize this knowledge to
interpret and understand information generated from other activities (i.e. A
and B, above).

D. Population size. Conduct marine censuses of the coastal waters of
California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and selected areas of
Alaska, to determine the relative numbers of Marbled Murrelets in specific
regions, during the reproductive period.

E. Genetic variability. Collect blood samples from all birds caught during
1989 from areas throughout the Marbled Murrelet breeding range to
investigate, through analysis of nuclear DNA, the genetic variation between,
and possible genetic isolation of, Marbled Murrelet populations.

Refinement of Methodologies

The application of methods used to study Marbled Murrelets during the
1988 field season revealed areas that need refinement and further development
before their use in the 1989 field season. These include forest inventory
methods, quantification of nest sites and forest habitat, recording and
quantification of behavior observations at nests and during inventories,
technical aspects of radios and their attachment to Marbled Murrelets, and
methods of capture. Individual researchers are now in the process of working
on these concerns. Protocols relating to these topics are being prepared and
will become available as techniques and methodologies are refined.

There is general consensus that we need to continue to develop and
perfect the technical aspects and methods to capture and place radios on
Marbled Murrelets specifically to locate nest sites, and to improve access to
Marbled Murrelet behavior. This effort should proceed concurrently with the
other research activities outlined above.

Lora Leschner

58

WORKSHOP ON RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT OF MARBLED MURRELETS

Portland, Oregon
27-28 September, 1988
Lora Leschner

The Pacific Seabird Group hosted
September, 1988. Dave Marshall was the
organized the paper and workshop sessions

a workshop on Marbled Murrelets in
arrangements chair and Lora Leschner
Thirteen papers were presented.

and ral*i fnnnfa P !, 0P J A1 , aska ’ BHtish Columbia ’ Washington, Oregon
and nnJhl r attended the two day meeting. The organizations represented
and numbers of representatives in parentheses were: USFWS (8), USFS (13) BLM
(1), Universities (5), State Wildlife agencies (9), Aquaria (3), Audubon
Societies (3), Other (13), Unknown (7). H ( MuauDOn

There was a workshop session to refine research objectives and discuss

farimatflH A C - tlVlt J 6 h' S ^ San Sau1 ’ u - s - Fish and Wildlife Service,
facilitated this workshop, the intent was to provide a forum for bioloqists

from various organizations to exchange ideas on research and
strategies. It was particularly important that biologists from
Service participate in the discussions. Their insights into land
activities helped clarify some of the necessary actions.

The workshop began with a general discussion of options. Many research
and management actions were suggested. The participants then divided into
two discussion groups.

i a ° ne ^ 0U P concentrated on setting priorities for research. Steve Speich
led the discussion. They used the Marbled Murrelet research guidelines
developed by Steve as a discussion outline. The result was a list of

r ^ arCh ^°r UieS for 1989 * That list is inc1uded in the previous section
or tnis Dun etin .

management
the Forest
management

The other group discussed the management actions that had been suqqested
in the earlier discussions. Activities were divided into those that PSG
should pursue and those that should be recommended to land manaqers. Three
priorities were selected: 1) land managers should defer timber harvest in
suspected nestmg areas and conduct pre-sale inventories in potential
habitat; 2) increase public and agency awareness; and 3) inform permitting
agencies of important marbled Murrelet foraging areas

It was agreed that another letter should be sent to land management
agencies. It was also suggested that a Marbled Murrelet poster would be a
good educational tool. It could be given to agencies, conservation groups

59

ABSTRACTS

MARBLED MURRELET (BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS) ACTIVITY PATTERNS ON LONG ISLAND,
WASHINGTON

Atkinson, K. B. (Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, HC 01 Box 910, Ilwaco, WA
98624), and S. W. Manlow (Grays Harbor County Planning and Building
Department, P. 0. Box 390, Montesano, WA 98563)

We monitored an old-growth western red cedar/western hemlock stand on
Long Island in southwestern Washington for potential utilization by Marbled
Murrelets ( Brachyramphus marmoratus) in 1988. Evidence accumulated as a
result, identifies this stand as a very likely nesting grove. Consistent
activity patterns combined with an array of aerial and vocal displays tend to
support such an association. Activity periods were monitored at opportunity,
primarily from two fixed points on the island. Periods of morning activity
were noted from 12 April to 4 August with a peak occurring in mid- to late
July. Evening activity was recorded on four occasions from 24 June to 7
July. Murrelet vocalizations were tape recorded at opportunity during
several morning activity periods in July. Visual observations of flying
murrelets were recorded on occasion from the top of a dominant tree.
Murrelets were observed diving below the horizon and apparently into the
forest on several occasions but could not be associated with a particular
tree or group of trees. Murrelet activity sharply declined during the first
week of August and entirely so by 9 August.

A METHOD TO ATTACH RADIO TRANSMITTERS TO MARBLED MURRELETS

Fleming, T. L. (7701 Zangle Road N.E., Olympia, WA 98506), S. M. Speich (4817
Sucia Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248), and L. L. Leschner (Washington Department
of Wildlife, 7801 Phillips Road SW, Tacoma, WA 98498)

a method to attach radio transmitters to Marbled Murrelets is described
in detail. A mock-up transmitter was attached to a captive Marbled Murrelet
and the bird was then observed for two months. No adverse affects were noted
and the mock-up transmitter stayed firmly attached the entire period. At the
end of the experiment the transmitter had to be cut off. this technique is
compared with that used to attach radio transmitters to Rhinoceros Auklets in
Washington, and to similar attachment techniques used on other waterbirds
elsewhere. Attachment material are displayed.

RELATIVE DISTRIBUTION OF MARBLED AND KITTLITZ'S MURRELETS IN KACHEMAK BAY,
ALASKA

Kuletz, K. (Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, 202 Pioneer, Homer, AK
99630)

In Alaska, identifying critical habitat for Marbled Murrelets
(Brachyramphus marmoratus) (MAMU) is complicated by the potential for
overlapping requirements and behavior of its congeneric, the Kittlitz's
Murrelet ( B . brevirostri s) (KIMU) . Both species occupy Kachemak Bay, in
southcentral Alaska, during the breeding season. In summer 1988, I tracked
the distribution of MAMU and KIMU within the bay. Straight line transects
with a 25-foot whaler between 0600-1000 h were used, and repeated in high-use

60

areas, throughout the season (24 days). In the south nnt 0 „ u

relat^- v? TrTtnT i^h mea . n t densities of 33.7 KIMU and 19.5 MAMU/km^
relative and total densities varied widely among transects

^i?H ?h i ipS , betWe6n l he J- r relative densi ties on the water and
terrestrial and marine habitat will be discussed.

SUMMER 1 1988 REPEAT CENSUSING 0F MARBLED MURRELETS IN KACHEMAK BAY, ALASKA,

but
The
surrounding

Kuletz, K. (Alaska National Wildlife
V. Mendenhall (U. S. Fish
Anchorage, AK 99509), and M.

Pioneer, Homer, AK 99630)

Refuge, 202 Pioneer, Homer, AK 99630)
and Wildlife Service, 1011 East Tudor Road,’
Nishimoto (Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, 202

f S M Ud i!? d J V u riabl lty ln census results (straight line
Lrhi s f b ’ f ?-T f J arBled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) (MAMU) in
Kachemak Bay, Alaska from mid-May to early August, 1988. we also analyzed

Five
(n =
were
s.d.
the

variability among repeat transects conducted on adjoining days,
transects totaling 17 linear km were censused one or two times a week

hinhoJ 1 ' a25 T°- 0t W 1 h ? l6r between 0600 ^ °930 h. MAMU densities
h^ 9 !wv May ~ 17 ± 9 s -d. birds/km 2 ) and July (x = 24 + 14
birds/knr) , but less variable in June (x = 15 + 3 s.d birds/km 2 )

sian?fi cant fv "with ft**' T™ t0 early_Au 9 ust > ,densit/ increased

rh21»i C n ntl + Wltb da ^ e .> rea 5 hing a peak of 46 birds per km 2 on 29 July, with
a heavy-use transect high of 101 birds/km 2 . This suggests that late-season

additLn nC ki-tHi^ U ' Ven M leS w a / d o Ult f from outside the immediate area. In
lufi 1 inrnhahiw 1 f Murrel ets (B. brevi rostri s) (KIMU) increased after mid-
July (probably from inner Kachemak Bay), accounting for up to 18% of all

Sn»s utSp;,*!?™. 1 " ,Usk *' KIMU Ute s,iso " <“»

DEVELOPMENT OF INVENTORY TECHNIQUES FOR SURVEYING MARBLED MURRFI ftc
{ BRACHYRAMPHUS MARMORATUS ) IN CONIFEROUS FORESTS OF THE OREGON COAST RANGE

Nelson, S.
University,

K. (Oregon Cooperative
Corvallis, OR 97331)

Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State

Systematic inventory techniques were tested to develop the most
effective and efficient method for locating, documenting and describing use
?IiI n H and + ^ onlfe / OUS f ° rests by Marbled Murrel ets . Censuses occurred In six
+ "l and stl i d . y site p s ’ and involved 1) testing response rates of murrelets to
tap record 1 ngs of their vocalizations and 2) quantifying detection rates
without the use of recordings. These methods were tested at two fixed census
stations at each site during dawn and dusk surveys. Marbled Murrelets were
detected most frequently at dawn and more visual observations obtained from
road or vantage point census stations. These alcids did not respond to tape
recordings of their vocalizations. Murrelet flight patterns in the six study
sites and along river corridors were monitored; they displayed a variety of
intricate circular flights and demonstrated high variability in flight paths

61

to inland use areas. In addition to these inventory techniques, 20 new
inland Marbled Murrelet use areas were discovered along random road transects
in the central Oregon Coast Range. Habitat associations with these new use
areas will be discussed.

THE CARE AND FEEDING OF MARBLED MURRELETS IN CAPTIVITY

Nelson, K., and B. Bouma (Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, Waterfront Park,
Seattle, WA 98101)

Two Marbled Murrelets were maintained at the Seattle Aquarium for three
months. Problems encountered in the care and feeding of these birds are
described. Recommendations for future captive management programs are made.

A CENSUS METHOD FOR MARBLED MURRELETS AT INLAND SITES

Paton, P. W. C., and C. J. Ralph (Redwood Sciences Laboratory, U. S. Forest
Service, 1700 Bayview Drive, Areata, CA 95521)

We developed a survey method to determine Marbled Murrelet use of inland
sites. Censuses were conducted at fixed stations, listening and looking for
murrelets for 10 min per station. Stations were spaced from 250 m to 1 km
apart based on topography. Censuses were initiated 45 min before official
sunrise and stopped 75 min after sunrise. The effectiveness of this method
in determining murrelet presence and use patterns of stands will be
di scussed.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT ASSOCIATION OF THE MARBLED MURRELET IN
THE FORESTS OF THE REDWOOD REGION OF CALIFORNIA AND SOUTHERN OREGON DURING
1988

Ralph, C. J., P. W. C. Paton (Redwood Sciences Laboratory, U. S. Forest
Service, 1700 Bayview Drive, Areata, CA 95521), and G. Strachen (Ano Nuevo
State Reserve, Pescadero, CA 94060)

We developed and implemented a survey from Monterey County to southern
Oregon. Our objective was to determine its geographical distribution and
abundance. It apparently nests primarily within 20 km of the coast. Two
major population centers were found: one in Santa Cruz and San Mateo
Counties, in state park lands; and the other largely within the boundaries of
the redwood parks in Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. We also found several
small populations on private, as well as other state and federal lands. We
detected very few birds over the probably former range between southern
Humboldt County and San Francisco. Future research and management goals will
be outlined.

During a survey of this species in forests from Monterey County into
southern Oregon, we determined its geographical habitat association patterns.
It apparently nests in older trees, as most birds were in or near older
forests, but some areas of old growth forests lacked the species. In the
northern part of the area surveyed, there appeared to be a stronger
association with older trees than farther south.

62

CATCHING MARBLED MURRELETS: A MARINE "ROADRUNNER" SHOW

Speicli, S M. (4817 Sucia Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248), T. L. Fleminq 17701

of P Wi^dl ifp N 7sn’i dI^vT- 3 ’ n A ^ 8506 ^’ L - L - Leschner (Washington Department

°tl Wl ] d1lfe > 7801 Phillips Road SW, Tacoma, WA 98498), and B. L Troutman

(Washington Department of Wildlife, 7512 Mirimichi Drii; NW # 2, Olympia ,3a

Sni]nH TW Wachi"nn+ d Murr ? lets ,^ e r , e Raptured during the summer of 1988 on Puget
• n9 i t °j’ US1 "9 a Coda , ne t-9un. After several trips and many near

aptures, including birds escaping from capture nets, specific approach

techniques and equipment needs were developed. Early in the summer pairs of

h a p rb l MUrreletS /Ii e " Spm "> usi "9 °" e tow boats, and then one bird If
the pair is repeatedly approached between dives until it flies. Later in the
season small groups of murrelets are repeatedly approached between dives
until one or more birds fly. if the flushed bird is within range the net

to n r!, S trh ir h e - S H Wlth1n SeCOn l S after the bird takes fl 1 9 ht * More opportunities
bi r d u 0C « r . 0n days with a ]i 9 ht wind and chop on the water, as

qainina h fi n ioht ke <:nppH an , d riSe higher above the water before

dnli hiLc P - d ‘ Although several attempts were made, we were unable to

pro ject i 1 es^ 1 etc . ’ are J^ented ° etailS ° f the net ‘ 9Un ’ " etS ’ floats ’

WINTER DISTRIBUTION AND POPULATION STATUS OF THE MARBLED MURRELET

Trapp, J L (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Migratory Bird
Management, Washington, D. C. 20240) a y

coastal sites at
Marbled Murrelets
within especially
of the birds were
which CBC's were

Marbled Murrelets were recorded at 78 (76%) of 103
which Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) were conducted, 1970-86.
are widely distributed in winter, but highly clumped
favorable habitats, for example, in an average year, 67%
concentrated in 7 (14%) of the 51 latilong blocks in
conducted. There were strikingly similar patterns in Marbled Murrelet trends
from Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington. After exceeding expected

ifoin/ 5 in . mi< *‘ 1970's, the index dropped steeply in the late

1970's and early 1980's before leveling off about 15 to 20% below expected
v a ues. By contrast, the number of Marbled Murrelets detected in Oregon and
California increased greatly beginning in the early 1980's and mid-1970's
respectively. Possible reasons for these trends will be discussed.

INLAND DISTRIBUTION OF MARBLED MURRELETS IN WASHINGTON STATE, 1988

Troutman, B. L and E. B. Cummins (Washington Department of Wildlife, 600
North Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98504)

Extensive surveys were conducted during the 1988 breeding season to
discover inland areas used by Marbled Murrelets, to attempt to identify
possible nesting stands, and to evaluate ground survey methods, volunteers
were responsible for most of the survey effort and their participation
permuted the broad geographical coverage accomplished during the study
Methods included monitoring of potential nest stands using a transect desiqn
established by Paton et al . and establishing fixed-point survey stations
along potential inland flight corridors. During the course of the study
murrelets were detected at more than 18 inland locations including three out

63

of the four sites where murrelet chicks or fledglings were found prior to
1988. Most detections resulted from fixed-point surveys which proved to be
the most efficient method for preliminary identification of murrelet use
areas in a survey encompassing broad geographical area. While only a few
probable nest stands were discovered, a number of flight corridors were
identified along river drainages, thus laying the groundwork for future
efforts to track down specific nest stands.

FINDINGS AND EFFICACY IN EMPLOYING RADIOTELEMETRY TO LOCATE THE NESTS OF
MARBLED MURRELETS

Varoujean, D. H., W. A. Williams, and D. R. Warrick (MARZET, Marine and
Estuarine Research Company, 2269 Broadway, North Bend, OR 97459)

The third year of equipping Marbled Murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus)
captured at sea off the Oregon coast with radio transmitters resulted in the
location of a tagged bird at an island site, a small basin (0.3 km ) located
on the north shore of the Umpqua River approximately 22 km from the coast.
Before the signal was lost 24 days after deployment, we were able to gather
enough information on activity patterns to surmise that the radio-tagged bird
was incubating an egg at a nest site. But, due to extreme signal bounce in
this steeply sloped basin, we were unable to locate the nest tree or nest
before the signal was lost. Subsequent land-based surveys revealed that an
estimated six pairs of murrelets were frequenting this basin.

We present a review of our findings, including data pertaining to
movements and activity patterns of radio-tagged Marbled Murrelets, and
proffer an opinion as to the efficacy of using radiotelemetry to find Marbled
Murrelet nests, given the necessary levels of commitment of equipment and
personnel, and the present method for scheduling and financing this research.

64

SEABIRD NEWS

GRUPO IBERICO DE AVES MARINAS

The Iberian Seabird Group, formed under the auspices of the Spanish
Ornithological Society, was formed to promote the study and conservation of
seabirds within the area formed by the Iberian Peninsula, and the islands of
Balearics and Macaronesia (Canaries, Madeira and Azores). In 1988 the group
started to publish a quarterly bulletin which includes information on
seabirds within the region as well as international seabird news, and book
reviews. The annual subscription is 500 pesetas. Subscriptions and
information requests should be sent to: Grupo Iberico de Aves Marinas de la
Sociedad Espanola de Ornitologia, Facultad de Biologia Planta 9,
28040 Madrid, Spain. The PSG has an exchange- journal relationship with GIAM.

SEABIRD FOOD AND FEEDING ECOLOGY

The Seabird Group held its third international conference in Cambridge,
England, from 12 to 14 February, 1988. More than 100 researchers
participated including many from Europe. The meeting included fifty oral and
poster presentations, dealing with Seabird food and feeding ecology , and a
workshop organized by Andy Webb on seabirds at sea.

65

CONSERVATION NEWS

Antarctic Oil Spill

In late January, the Argentine supply vessel/tourist ship Bahia Paraiso
struck submerged rocks near the U. S. Palmer Station in Arthur Harbor and the
large Adelie Penguin rookery at Torgersen Island. Arthur Harbor also is home
to many Wilson's Storm-Petrels, Southern Giant Petrels, Antarctic and South
Polar Skuas, Blue-eyed Shags, and Kelp Gulls. All crew and tourists were
evacuated safely. The ship shifted position and came to rest, leaking up to
250,000 gallons of diesel fuel and other contaminants.

This was Antarctica's worst oil spill. The rocky intertidal zone was
hit severely. Locally nesting skuas abandoned, cannibalized, or killed their
chicks, and seals show aberrant behavior. The spill occurred just as the
Torgersen Island's Adelie Penguin chicks were getting ready to fledge.
However, since the fledging birds and, later, their parents, would be going
to sea -- with the prevailing, offshore winds and currents -- only a few dead
penguins were seen, and no conclusions can be drawn. All of the penguins
potentially had to swim through the slick to get to sea.

The U. S. National Science Foundation (NSF) airlifted tons of cleanup
equipment to Punta Arenas, Chile, from which it was taken to Arthur Harbor.
Argentine and Chilean crews joined the cleanup effort. A team of NSF
scientists is now gathering base-line data and making a careful assessment of
the slicks damage. A sad result of the spill is the extensive damage to the
many biological studies being conducted at the Palmer Station.

An important aspect now is to follow these initial studies next
(Antarctic) spring. A fair assessment of the immediate and long-term damage
to the area requires a careful monitoring and censusing of the birds
returning to Arthur Harbor.

Ron Naveen

Christmas Island , Indian Ocean

The Director of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service
(ANPWS) has just announced his intention to add a major extension to the
Christmas Island National Park. The complete park would cover about 63% of
the island and would contain almost all the remaining nesting habitat of
Abbott's Booby and Christmas Frigatebird.

Public comment has been called for until 16 June 1989. Some positive
international feedback before that date would be very welcome as there may be
significant opposition from mining interests. The Australian Government
intends that there will be further mining but only in areas already cleared.
Royalties from the mining will pay for rehabilitation of the mined areas. As
you will see in a paper about to be published in Biological Conservation ,
wind turbulence generated by existing clearing has decreased breeding success
and raised adult mortality of Abbott's Boobies for 300 m downwind (northwest)
of clearings. The population appears to have declined from 2300 breeding
pairs to 1900 pairs between 1967 and 1983. Some mining companies bidding for
the tender to operate the mine are pushing the government to allow further
clearing of rainforest.

66

This is our last, best chance to protect Christmas Island and deserves
an extensive write-in campaign. If we win this one, it will be a major and
lasting victory for all the Christmas Island wildlife.

d u ^ noting to Dr. J. D. Ovington, The Director of National
Parks and Wildlife, GPO Box 636, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia. The deadline
is lb June 1989. If possible, please send a copy of your letter to Dr. Barry
Reville 7 Moroney Street, Spence ACT 2615 Australia or to D. Duffy,
Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, U.S.A.

Many Thank, ICBP Seabird Specialist Group.

Hurricane Gilbert Damages Yucatan

I recently attended (November 13) a one-day seminar on the Yucatan's
conservation program, sponsored by Pronatura , World Wildlife Fund, and
National Geographic Society. As part of the program, Dr. John Clark reported
on the damage along the northern Yucatan coast inflicted by Hurricane Gilbert
during the mid-September storm. Gilbert passed directly over Cancun and
across the northern coast of the peninsula. Estimated losses include: 90% of
mangroves, 60% of coral reefs, 60-90% of terrestrial vegetation damaqed,
major barrier i si and breaches, 15,000 hatchling sea turtles (in 3 turtle-
rearing facilities), and 3-8,000 flamingos (16,000 survivors estimated)
Sandy Sprunt made the bird estimate with Clark.

The figures are only estimates, of course, based on 4 hours of flight
time and three jeep trips. About 600 photos were taken by Clark for
further information contact Dr. John Clark, Rosenthiel School of *Marine
Sciences, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, Florida

R. Michael Erwin

Pronatura , A. C. - A Mexican Association ProConservation of Nature

Pronatura founded in 1981, was the first non-governmental, civic, non-
profit conservation organization in Mexico, open to public participation
through membership, dedicated to conservation of biological diversity through
the protection of important habitat and endangered species of plants and
animals.

In order to assure the conservation of biological diversity in Mexico,
Pronatura has sought to develop working models for the conservation of
natural habitat and the protection of endangered species. The lack of viable
models in Mexico was one of the pitfalls that conservation, up until the
creation of Pronatura , had encountered.

Perhaps of most importance, Pronatura has created a working model for
grassroots cooperation on a bi-national level with the establishment in
Tucson, Arizona, of a sister association called Friends of Pronatura that now
has over 150 members from the United States interested in conservation
programs both on the border and in the rest of the Mexican territory.
Working outside of established parameters, Friends of Pronatura has enabled
interested persons in both countries to share the responsi bi 1 i ty and interest
in conservation of regional and migratory species, and opened possibilities

67

for the establishment of bi -national reserves that span the Mexican-American
border. For more information on Pronatura and Friends of Pronatura ,
please contact Friends of Pronatura , 240 East Limberlost, Tucson, Arizona
85705.

Problems for Shetland's seabirds

During the last few years, seabirds breeding on the Shetland Islands
have had poor breeding success due to low food supply. The principal species
affected include terns, kittiwakes, puffins and skuas, with evidence of
reduced breeding success among Fulmars, Red-throated Loons, and Razorbills.
In contrast, Murres, Shags, Cormorants, and Gannets have done well. A lack
of availability of sandeels to seabirds is clearly behind the current
problems, but reasons for the decline in sandeels is unclear. The sandeel
fishery which began in 1974 rose to a peak landing of 52,600 tonnes in 1982,
and has since declined to 4,800 tonnes by 1988. However, there is no
evidence that the fishery is responsible for the decline. In the opinion of
the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of Scotland, overfishing of
sandeels had not caused the poor recruitment or the recent reduction in
spawning stock. In 1987, the Shetland's Fishermen's Association self-imposed
conservation measures, prohibiting the landing of catches containing more
than 25% of juvenile sandeels. The Shetland Bird Club is calling for a five
year moratorium on the commercial fishing of sandeels around the islands as a
minimum conservation measure. Clearly, more research is needed. Glasgow and
Aberdeen Universities, the Nature Conservancy Council, the Institute of
Terrestrial Ecology and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of
Scotland have collaborated on a research proposal.

modified from Martin Heubeck's contributions
to The Seabird Group Newsletter , Numbers 52 and 53.

68

THE WASHINGTON REPORT, DAPHNE GEHMILL

A presidential campaign in which both candidates vied for the title of
Mr. Environmental i st and a summer of hyperdermic needles, sludge and vials of
blood washed up on our shores compelled the 100th Congress to produce some of
the most significant environmental actions of the Reagan era. Seabirds,
shorebirds and waders will be the beneficiaries of congressional action and
inaction.

The most significant environmental victory was the reauthorization the
Endangered Species Act. Because the plight of our oceans commanded the
public's attention, it is not surprising that six bills addressed marine or
near-shore issues. These bills established new marine sanctuaries and Gray's
Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, imposed a moratorium on offshore oil
drilling, restricted TBT in antifoulant boat paints, banned ocean dumping of
sludge and plastic pollution at sea, and established a tracking system for
medical wastes. Congress also increased the budgets for various fish and
wildlife efforts, postponed debate on the future of the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge, and instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to
regulate plastic six-pack holders. Brief summaries of each of these actions
follow.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT PASSES

The Endangered Species Act, regarded as the most progressive wildlife
protection law in the world, first passed in 1973. When the Act came up for
reauthorization in 1985, special interest groups that wanted to weaken
protection for wolves, grizzly bears and sea turtles successfully prevented
passage of the bill for four years. The program, held to 1985 funding during
the reauthorization process, limped along.

October 11, 1988, was a bannerday for conservationists and wildlife for
the President signed a strengthened law that will increase funding and proved
more protection for endangered species. Important provisions of the new act
are: authorization funding increased 17% over the next four years, fines
raised from $20,000 to $50,000 for violations of the law, new protection
added for endangered plants, monitoring of candidate species to ensure that
they do not decline dangerously while they wait to be listed, and funding for
states that enter into cooperative agreements to assist in preserving
endangered or threatened species.

NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARIES ENHANCED

Congress reauthorized the sanctuary program under the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act for four years. Key provisions are increased
funding for the program, designation of several new sanctuaries: Cordell Bank
and Monterey Bay off California, Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico,
and the outer coast of Washington. The bill also requires the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to review sites in the San Juan
Islands and to study several other sites.

In 1972, Congress passed the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries
Act. The sanctuaries program is designated to protect unusual, beautiful,
and historically and ecologically significant areas. Only seven sanctuaries
have been designated since 1972. Five out of the seven are to protect

69

spectacular coral reefs, the Gulf of the Farallons near San Francisco and the
Channel Islands off southern California are the most significant for
seabirds. Only one small marine sanctuary has been designated in the last
eight years -- in American Samoa.

GRAY'S HARBOR, WASHINGTON RECEIVES NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE STATUS

On August 19, 1988, President Reagan signed a bill authorizing the
establishment of a 1,800 acre National Wildlife Refuge in the Bowerman Basin
portion of Gray's Harbor, Washington, to protect wetlands of critical
importance to more than one million migratory shorebirds. In addition, the
legislation provides for the building of a visitor's center.

OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING ON HOLD

Congress once again placed a moratorium on oil lease sales off Florida
and northern California and in New England's George's Bank and Alaska's
Bristol Bay until October 1989.

RESTRICTIONS ON TBT IN ANTIFOULANT BOAT PAINTS

The President signed a law to ban the use of tributyltin (TBT) in boats
under 25 meters in length, except for aluminum hull vessels, and both
restrict the release rates of soluble organotins from TBT used on larger
vessels. TBT is a major hazard to shellfish.

OCEAN DUMPING: BAN ON SLUDGE AND TRACKING MEDICAL WASTES

Dumping of sewage sludge at sea will be banned after 1991. After that,
stiff fines will be imposed on any community that has not developed other
means of disposing of its treated wastes. Medical wastes from hospitals,
labs, and clinics much be tracked from its disposal by the medical Facility
to its end in an incinerator of landfill.

SENATE RATIFIES GLOBAL BAN ON PLASTIC POLLUTION AT SEA

U.S. action triggers global protection for thousands of marine animals
that die each year because of plastic pollution. The U.S. Senate by a 93-0
vote ratified Annex V of the MARPOL Convention, an international agreement
barring ocean disposal of all plastics. Coast Guard has issued a notice
proposed rulemaking to implement the pollution prevention requirements of
Annex V. The notice appeared in the Federal Register on October 27, 1988, p
43622. Copies may be obtained by writing to the Commandant (G-LRA-2/21) ,
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, Room 2112, 2100 Second Street, SW, Washington,
D.C. 20593-0001 or calling (202) 267 - 0491 between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
EST, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FY 89 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

The good news is that the Forest Service fish and wildlife program
funding increased $18 million to $65 million; Bureau of Land Management
funding increased $1.5 million, primarily for fisheries and riparian
management; and Fish and Wildlife Service funding increased for endangered
species, fisheries, farm protection and wildlife refuges. In addition, land
acquisition funding increased from $49 million to $63.8 million, including

70

$10 million for the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge The
bad news is that conservationists had hoped that this was the year that funds
would be appropriated to bolster state fish and wildlife programs for non-
game species, but the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries thought otherwise.

ARCTIC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SAVED FOR NOW

During the 100th Congress, numerous committee and subcommittee hearings
were held on the volatile issue of opening up the Arctic National Wildlife
Refuge (ANWR) to oil exploration and future drilling. The issue brought
heated exchanges between those who favored oil exploration and those who
would protect is as wilderness. At stake is the calving area of one of the
world s largest caribou herds, important habitat for shorebirds (as many as
two million are found along the coastal plain during June and July),
waterfowl and many other species, and five major and complete and undisturbed
arctic ecosystems.

The campaign to protect the ANWR from oil development scored a very
important, although, temporary victory in July when legislation to open the
refuge was shelved until the next session.

PASSAGE OF THE PLASTICS POLLUTION CONTROL ACT

By 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency must establish regulations
ensuring that plastic six-pack holders are made of biodegradable materials.
EPA also must study, control and reduce the pollution of aquatic environments
from plastic materials.

After years of neglect, environmental issues are in the limelight, on
the cover of Time and agendas of summit meetings. Will President Bush live
up to his statement "I am an environmentalist"? In conservation circles in
the nation s capital, there is guarded optimism. The issues before Congress
and this nation are extremely complex and politically sensitive. It will
take strong leadership by Congress and the President to find effective
solutions. Only time will tell how the 101st Congress will grapple with
environmental issues.

71

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR BIRD PRESERVATION

4 January, 1989

Dear Fellow Seabird Biologist:

My first year as chairman of the ICBP Seabird Specialist Group (SSG) has
been both exciting and frustrating. I've written a large number of letters.
The group has intervened in several matters, yet we can point to few
accomplishments. However, I think that several projects have begun that may
change this.

At the very simplest level, the SSG endorsed the Second Mediterranean
Seabird Symposium on "Status and Conservation of Seabirds" to be held in
Mallorca in March, 1989 by MEDMARVIS (Mediterranean Marine Bird Association),
as an aid to their fund-raising.

We lobbied the Australian government for a senior biologist to replace
the late Gavin Johnstone in studying Antarctic seabirds. The matter remains
under consideration. A number of members of the group, especially John
Cooper of South Africa, played important roles in mobilizing support against
the Marion Island airstrip.

With L. Tickell of England and M. Hurtado of Ecuador, we are trying to
provide protection for I si a La Plata, off continental Ecuador. It appears
too late to save this, the only other colony of Waved Albatross beside the
one on Espanola Island, Galapagos, but the island has other important seabird
populations that merit the effort.

The Spani sh-1 anguage Latin American Seabird Bulletin enters its fourth
year with over 100 members. Its low energy, entropy-resi stant production
appears to have paid off compared with fancier Latin American bulletins that
seem to suffer a 7 boom-bust" environment. Malcolm Coulter and I hope to
shift the bulletin to a more professional format this year and to produce
English-language extracts in the bulletin of the Pacific Seabird Group.

With C. Luthin of the Pan American section of the ICBP, we are planning
a poster to educate Latin Americans about the problems of egging. There are
too many small colonies in the tropics to protect them all. Many large sites
are too isolated or desolate to be staffed. Education, while not perfect,
appears to offer the only defense. Suggestions on the continents or approach
of the poster and offers of translating the poster into French and Portuguese
would be welcomed, as would ways of evaluating the poster's success.

J. Burger (U.S.A), M. Gochfeld (U.S.A.), D. Nettleship (Canada), and I
met at the Colonial Waterbird/Pacific Seabird Group meetings in Washington in
October, 1988, to discuss plans for the seabird workshop during the upcoming
New Zealand ICBP meetings. The workshop has evolved into an overview of
threats to seabirds and islands, followed by detailed case studies of
specific islands with different problems. The meeting will discuss potential
management plans and solutions for the problems of each site. I believe the
resulting document will be an important tool for the management of islands.
The document will also provide specific actions that can be taken by the SSG
and the ICBP Secretariat after the meetings.

At the end of the workshop, we will have a meeting of the SSG. I would

72

like to solicit short (five minute) reports on problem species and areas,
especially those not covered by the workshop. I hope to persuade one or more
of the seabird groups to publish the short reports, so the information is
more widely available. We will also hear about the volume that John Croxall
is producing to complete and update the proceedings that resulted from our
Cambridge meeting. We can use the meeting to set up working groups to
implement the plans produced by the island workshop.

We could also have a brief discussion of the need for and the usefulness
of SSG as a coordinating body for global seabird projects such as an
international colony site-register, an annual one-day world-wide beached bird
count to look at oiling levels, and solutions to the gill nest and egging
problems. If such a need exists, I hope participants, especially
representatives of the regional seabird groups, will come prepared to discuss
implementing such programs.

I know that many seabird biologists, especially students, won't be able
to attend the meetings in New Zealand. Some of these people are among the
most active amongst us, with the latest data from the field. If you are
unable to attend, but have issues that need raising, or are willing to
participate in one of the working groups, please write and I'll be sure that
your information reaches the meeting and that you are included in our
activities.

As a group, our structure needs improvement. As chairman, I find myself
carrying on a very interesting correspondence with a large number of people,
but I am not sure that the conservation payoff is particularly high. One
chairman simply can't carry on a meaningful correspondence with 170 group
members and be conversant on such a wide range of conservation problems. In
addition to the chair, we have an executive committee, regional
representatives, taxonomic representatives, representatives from the various
seabird groups, and a small committee working on the next meeting. Only the
latter appears to be functional, although there are many individual
exceptions amongst the other representatives. On the other hand,
conservation activity in the regional seabird groups has been very strong, so
the interest exists. Either SSG is redundant, or its scale of participation
is wrong.

As I see the SSG, it has three functions: 1) gathering information on
conservation problems to funnel to the ICBP Secretariat and to seabird
biologists; 2) coordinating international and interregional seabird
conservation activities; and 3) helping local conservation projects,
especially in areas without seabird groups.

To better carry out the first function, I'd like to suggest that the
conservation chairmen of the seabird groups serve as regional representati ves
of the SSG, corresponding with seabird biologists in their regions, and
tunneling information and requests for action through me to the Secretariat.
We would also circulate an annual summary of such information and requests to
the regional seabird groups. Where regional seabird groups don't exist,
national or regional ornithological societies could appoint representati ves.
For the second function, we need small interested standing committees that
can provide continuity and effort over years or even decades, for the third
function, we need small groups that are there only to work themselves out of
existence by performing a particular task. Such groups would be created

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attend SSG/ICBP quadrennial meeting and present their final reports at the
next. The island management plans arising from the next workshop would
appear ideal for such groups.

The advantage of this structure is that it puts a premium on active
participation and on tangible products. It also avoids duplication of the
effort of regional seabird groups. I'd appreciate cements on such
restructuring. If the response is generally favorable, then the New Zealand
meeting would be the obvious place to set such a structure in place.

As of 15 January, I will working for the International Association of
Ecology, trying to set up self-help networks for ecologists in countries
without extensive scientific infrastructures. I will be based at the
Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602, U.S.A. I would
welcome correspondence on any or all the matters raised above.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you who answered letters or who
participated in planning the New Zealand conference or in updating the
Cambridge volume.

With all best wishes for 1989,

Sincerely,

David Cameron Duffy

Chairman, Seabird Specialist Group

7 4

NEW PUBLICATIONS

Nelson, B. 1986. Living with Seabirds . Edinburgh University Press. 253 pp.
$25.00.

From somewhere, I recall an incisive review of Mayr's (1982) Growth of
Bt ol ogical Thought , in which G.G. Simpson used the term "autobiography" to
describe that work. Simpson's term seems appropriate in a somewhat different
context to characterize Bryan Nelson's most recent book about seabirds and
more generally the Edinburgh series on Island Biology of which Living with
Seabirds is the second selection. "The series aims to give a precise account
of scientific results within a biographical work..." Living with Seabirds
truly fulfills this objective as Nelson takes the reader on a tour of seabird
field work from the perspective of an ethologist and naturalist. The journey
begins at the gannetry on Bass Rock, Scotland and weaves its way through the
history and natural history of the island, the nuts and bolts of Nelson's
doctoral research on the gannets behavioral biology and ecology, the other
seabirds of the Bass, the Galapagos, the Guano Islands of Peru and of
Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean. During the course of these adventures,
a great concentration and single-mindedness of purpose is exhibited in the
execution of a truly world-class comparative behavioral study of the Sulidae
during which Nelson was very aptly aided by his wife, June. Throughout the
book, there are interesting tales of personal pleasures, trials and
tribulations. Interspersed with these are some interesting but overly
verbose waltzes through speculative adaptive scenarios. In Nelson's own
words (p. 234) "...such scenarios are not unscientific, they are a help to
understanding complex behavior. I cannot accept that they are merely
unjustifiable speculation - as some mediocre 'hard-nosed' biologists with an
undue reverence for facts alone, however stodgy, would aver. I say
'mediocre' deliberately because no outstanding biologist ducks the challenge
of interpreting what he or she finds." Surely moderation is the key to
mental clarity; too much speculation clouds vision at any level of

contribution.

In my readings of Bryan Nelson's important and truly magnanimous
contributions, I am always struck with contradictory feelings. On the one
hand, Nelson's truly astute powers of clear, accurate behavioral description
are impressive. On the other, the long-winded speculative adaptive scenarios
that often go well beyond the point of mental futility are frustrating. Such
is the paradox of Living with Seabirds.

W. A. Montevecchi

Memorial University of Newfoundland

NEW TITLES

Freethy, R. 1987. Auks: an ornithologists' guide. Blandford, Poole. 208 pp.
£14.95. ISBN 0713715979.

Furness, R. W. 1987. The Skuas. T. and A. D. Poyser, Staffordshire. 368 pp.
£18.00. ISBN 0-85661-046-1.

75

Harrison, P. 1987. Seabirds of the World: A photographic guide. Christopher
Helm, London. 317 pp. £15.95. ISBN 0-7470-1401-9.

Whitman, P. L. 1988. Biology and Conservation of the Endangered Interior
Least Tern: A Literature Review . U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological
Report 88 (3). 22 pp.

BIBLIOGRAPHIES

FRENCH SEABIRD BIBLIOGRAPHIES

The Groupement d'interet Scientifique Oiseaux Marins (the French Seabird
Group) prepares a bibliography of French seabird literature for its members
e^ch year. Bibliographies for 1986 and 1987 are available from: Dr. Pierre
Yesou, 101, rue du 8 Mai, F - 85340 01 onne-sur-Mer, France.

BULLETIN BOARD

Bamfield Marine Station course on marine birds

The Bamfield Marine Station will run a 6-week, univeristy credit course
on the BIOLOGY OF MARINE BIRDS, from June 12 to July 21, 1989. The

instructor is Dr. Alan Burger, former Assistant Director of the marine
station, with several guest lecturers. Bamfield, on the west coast of
Vancouver Island, is surrounded by diverse marine and shoreline habitats,
with a wide variety of breeding and migrant birds. The course includes field
projects and at-sea instruction aboard the station's research vessel M . V.
Alta. Scholarships and bursaries are available for most students. For

further information contact the Director, Bamfield marine Station, Bamfield,
British Columbia, V0R 1B0 Canada, or phone: (604) 728 - 3301.

Oceanic Birds of South America

A set of these classic books by Robert Cushman Murphy are available for
$175.00 (or best offer), plus shipping cost. If interested, contact William
T. Everett, Department of Birds and Mammals, San Diego Natural History
Museum, P.0. Box 1390, San Diego, California 92112. (619) 589 - 0480.

Second International Conference on Marine Debris

The Second International Conference on Marine Debris will be held in
Honolulu, Hawaii, from April 2 to 7. The conference will include both
paper sessions and working group meetings. Topics to be discussed will
include: sources and amounts of debris, entanglement, ingestion, ghost

fishing, economic impacts, technological solutions, law and policy, and
education. The meeting is sponsored by the Marine Mammal Commission,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pacific Rim Fishing
Industry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of Hawaii Sea
Grant Program.

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