Observations of Birds in the East China Sea, April 1968, "Umitaka Maru"

Abstract

1. During the 32nd training cruise of the Umitaka Maru in the East China Sea in early April, 1968, bird observations were made by the author and his assistants.2. A total of 150 sightings were made half-hourly in the daytime from 1600hrs, April 2 to 2000hrs, April 8, 1968.3. Five species of sea-birds, Streaked Shearwater, Red-necked Phalarope, Pink-footed Sheawater, Pomarine Skua and Gull, and five species of land-birds, House Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Pale Ouzel and Wren were sighted.4. Streaked Shearwater distributed mainly in the warm waters of the Kuroshio stream, whereas Red-necked Phalarope in rather colder waters of the Yellow Sea water mass. Both species were observed in larger numbers around tide rips formed by the two water masses.5. The numbers of House Swallow seen around the ship seem to have nothing to do with area of clouds. The exhausted ones, in general, came into the ship with the northerly winds and rain. The western extremity of their migratory route seemed to be demarcated by the western margin of the Kuroshio.