SEA BIRDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1926, Page 4

SEA BIRDS.

WHITNEV EXPEDJ.TION. RESEARCHES .IN SOCTII. AUCKLAND, March -Mi. The opinion that the Coast of New Zealand offered great opportunity for the study of bird Jile was expressed by .Mr R. H. Reck, of California, who is in charge oi tho Whitney Expedition. members of which returned to Auckland in the yacht France, after an absence in southern waters of about nine weeks. .Exceptionally rough weather was experienced almost the whole ol the time spent in the south, and the little vessel did not present such a spick and span appearance as alien she left Auckland.

Mr Beck said that despite the weather, a great many interesting observations were made, although they were prevented I min visiting Stewart Island', and the Auckland, Campbell and Snare* groups. He bad a permit to take SHI birds, but the actual number collected were ’AGO. The variety of the seabird life on the different islands was amazing, and distinctions were discovered in various species, which were not known even by experts. For this reason the restriction placed upon him. lorbidding the capture of more than 10 to 20 birds of certain kinds, seemed absurd, as no collector could make •sufficient- observations with such a small number.

During a stop of two days at Antipodes Island, several speciments were obtained. Mr Beck stated that the skua, which resembled a large gull, and was protected, was killing off hundreds of sea birds. There lie discovered 1 7 skulls within a. space of AO feel at one spot, yet tho collectors, who were lorhidden to take over a certain number, did not kill as many sea birds in a year, as did the skua in a day. There were about, eight known kind* of albatross in New Zealand waters, said Air Heck, but the great museums of the world had not anything like that: number adequately represented. He was sure that the Wandering Albatross and the Royal, although commonly thought to Ik* identical, were distinct birds. Dilfcront birds were found on different islands, often quite (lose together. For instance, two distinct species of whale bird were found i.u two islands only Iti miles apart. The expedition spent, a day at Bounty island. ami a week at the Clint lmm*. where albatross and cormorants, were .-omred. while ocean and land birds were obtained at, Tilt Island. No specimens of pigeons, rail, robins, ami snipe, peculiar to tlie Clmfliams. could be secured. MIGRATING BIRDS. Valuable information was secured concerning the nesting habits. It was now known, said Mr Beck, that the mipalion Might of godwits. from New Zealand to Siberia, was by no means peculiar. The only known nesting place of the httller shearwater, which resembled a mutton bird, was in llnurn.ki Gulf, but .Mr Beck said lie had -ecu scores flying off the Californian roast, and even at Valparaiso, Chile. They migrated across the Pacific, and returned to New Zealand for nesting. While the France was in the Pacific recently, huge Mocks of million birds passed overhead, living to New Zealand from Siberia. These birds were also known to Mv to the Chilian coast.

Surprise was expressed at tile suggestion made- in New Zealand, that the Whitney expedition was a commercial enterprise. Air Beck said the trip, which had now lasted about five years, was financed by Mr AYhitney, and all specimens were forwarded to the National .Museum of Art and History at New Aork. which was not conducted for profit. All specimens '.were preserved. and accredited Muilenls lli.e world over were entitled to view them. or have them sent to them personally. It. was only by such an expedition that the habit- of birds rould he ascertained. and that the scientist could arrive al tla> truth. After a. slay of about a week at Auckland. the France will proceed to the Iroi ics, where further studies will Ik; carried out.