. MID-PACIFIC lZX=VETAK MARINE ATOLL, MARSHALL Supported UNITED STATES LABORATORY ISLANDS by DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY August 19, 1978 sm-vm OF BOK~ mIJ (IRENE) 13NI August!.18, 1978, 6:30 pm The most abuz-~t tO 12Nz zesting bird in this area is the Sooty Tern, with the White Capped Noddy :rfi which nests in trees G around the Northern perimeter of the nesting colony, cpposed to the Sootys which nest on the ground. Sootys usually lay a single tan and speckled egg on the ground in a slight depression. =-tiing takes place in 28 to 30 days. fledged after hatching out 4== —. -=wIY -. birds . The adul-s =5 year to breed agati. ~turn yo~g head Out to Sea 7 to 8 weeks ~th the adult sometime between May and August of the next fi-eyoung remain at sea for two years. Sooty Terns are strong flyers and seZSzY land on the water, nor do they come to rest on Islands other than their ‘~ti~ Island. Their feathers do not remain water proof for very long when ‘key are placed on the water and their feet are smaller than those other types cf Terns that sit on the water frequently. Biologist are, there for, forced ‘t conclude that Sooty Terns are capable of continuous + flight for any length o~ time. The area surveyed is boardered by 13N1, 13N2, 12N1, 12N2, approximately a 50 sq. meter area. Starting at pt. 13Nl, we walked diagonally to pt. 12N2. chicks were observed at or about 13N1. Moving a few yds. in the 12N2 direc- tion, the eggs became very dense, 12 to 18 inches apart or eggs per sq. yd. Numerous small approx, 25 to 30 Two birds tend one nest taking turns, thus approx. bird population of this area would be 50 birds per sq. yd. Nine eggs were examined internally along this route showing lessor development the closer to 12N2 we Administered .4ddrcss by the Hawaii reply to Institute of Marine ❑ Box 1346, Kancohe, ~Enewetak, Marshall Biolo~, Hawaii 96744 Islands 96737 U])iversity of Hawaii