Historic Ivory Gull Occurrence in the Arctic, 1820-1858

An iconic bird of the Arctic north is the Ivory Gull. Distinctively white and obviously appreciated when seen, it been noted in the great northern region during more than two centuries.

Arctic Zoology provides the first report, its occurrence in Greenland, corresponding to the Davis Strait area of British mariners.

A large set of expedition records from 1820 through 1858, started with the Parry, William Edward Parry voyage of discovery of a north-west passage, performed in 1819-1820 with the H.M.S. Hecla and H.M.S. Griper.

The following are the other known notations for the species, with their locality as given in the chronicles. Most of the latter records from the Arctic voyages carried out during the great period of searching for Sir John Franklin.

These records of known occurrence are based on a review of more than 500 narrative sources prior to ca. 1855...

Winter Harbour - 5/24/1820 - two ivory gulls, Larus Eburneus, were reported to have been seen

Hooper's Island - 6/12/1820 - an ivory gull

Griffith Island - 8/29/1820 - one or two ivory gulls

Cape Liverpool - 8/31/1820 - ivory-gulls

Atkinson Island - 7/13/1826 - ivory gull

Lancaster Sound - 8/8/1829 - some of the ivory gulls. This reference included a species account:

24. - Larus Eburneus, Ivory Gull.
Although extremely numerous in Baffin's Bay, and frequently met with during our former voyages in the vicinity of Port Bowen, one of its breeding-places, yet few were seen by us after passing to the southward of that part of Prince Regent's Inlet; and only one specimen was obtained.
This beautiful species of gull has lately visited the western shores of Ireland.

Another summary account was available in 1831.

Larus eburneus. (Linn.) Ivory Gull.
This beautiful Gull frequents Davis's straits, Baffin's Bay, and various parts of the northern shores of the American continent. We observed it breeding in great numbers on the high perforated cliffs which form the extremity of Cape Parry, in latitude 70⁰. It attends the whale fishery to prey on blubber.
Description.
Fauna Boreali-Americana; or the Zoology of the Northern Parts of British America: ... Part Second, the Birds. By William Swainson and John Richardson, M.D.

Point Keats - 8/16/1848 - two ivory gulls, who were very clamorous when any one approached their nest; the young had ash-grey backs, and were nearly fledged

Some interesting natural history is given with the journal of H.M.S. Lady Franklin with H.M.S. Sophia on the 1850-1851 arctic voyage.

June 21st: ... "two species of the genus Merlangus are distributed very extensively over Davis Strait, and the adjoining Polar Seas. They generally swim close to the surface of the ice, and when disturbances take place among it, they are not unfrequently left dry on the floes, ready to become an easy prey to such birds as the ivory gull (Larus eburneus), which always frequents localities where the ice is suffering from pressure. I have often seen thse birds picking among the newly turned-up ice, as well as at the edge of the ice that may have not shifted its position; and I have often examined the contents of their stomachs, and visited the localities frequented by them, and hardly ever failed to find the above remark fully corroborated." - journal of Peter C. Sutherland

Melville Bay - 7/10/1850 - a few ivory gulls, perching on the hummocks; 7/13/1850 - ivory gulls; seen for the first time today; decidedly the most graceful of sea-birds; exquisite purity of their plumage hard to detect when on snow or ice

"It is not at all probable that the ivory-gull feeds upon such highly developed animal tissues as that of the cetacea; fish, and perhaps also crustacea, picked up among the ice, seem solely to constitute its food."

Griffith's Island - 9/5/1850 - ivory gull, a solitary traveler, occasionally flitted by us

Wellington Channel - 6/2/1851 - ivory gulls

Cornwallis Land - 6/10/1851 - ivory gull

Cape Hotham - 6/13/1851 - ivory gulls; Cape Hotham - 6/19/1851 - in the cliffs at Cape Hotham, ivory gulls

Rensselaer Harbor - 6/18/1854 - saw also an ivory-gull

Cape Andrew Jackson - 6/21/1854 - ivory gulls were seen further on

Cape Constitution - 6/23/1854 - clamor of half a dozen ivory gulls, who were frightened from their sheltered nooks

Hans Island - 7/11/1854 - have seen the ivory gull, the most beautiful and snowy St. Agnes of the ice fields, seize our wounded auks, and, after a sharp battle, carry them off in her talons

Ponds Bay - 7/10/1858 - shot three ivory gulls

These records are a basis of the historic knowledge for this remarkable gull species.

Norwegian-Russian Project on the Ivory Gull

Clean Water Restoration Act Would Protect Wetlands

H.R. 2421 - "'waters of the United States' means all waters subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, the territorial seas, and all interstate and intrastate waters and their tributaries, including lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams), mudflats, sandflats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, natural ponds, and all impoundments of the foregoing, to the fullest extent that these waters, or activities affecting these waters, are subject to the legislative power of Congress under the Constitution.'"

Wetland regions in Nebraska and elsewhere not currently considered as a regulated wetland includes the Rainwater Basin, Sand Hills and prairie potholes further north.

This is some of the public response to the legislation, which in currently in committee review.

HR 2421, The Clean Water Restoration Act, what we call the National Wetlands Land Grab Act, is really a massive Federal land and water power grab. It will use the Corps of Engineers regulation of "wetlands" under the 1972 Clean Water Act as the pretext to take control over every farm, ranch, and piece of private property with any water on it or even if you only engage in activities that might affect water.

Wetlands are a vital resource for native wildlife, with wild birds a predominant feature. These habitats deserve protection from undue impacts. There needs to be more than a blithely concern for these resources.

"In January, 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineersissued instructions to agency officials to stop applying Clean Water Act protections to all so-called “isolated” waters."

Expedition to Research Natural History in Mongolia

A federal research grant is funding an expedition to Mongolia to document the biological diversity of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, and its local environs.

The three year project is being funded with a $620,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to Scott Gardner, curator of the Manter Laboratory of Parasitology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Expedition members are from UNL, Hokkaido University, Portland State University and the University of Kansas. They will work closely with scientists from the National University of Mongolia.

"We will conduct education and research to teach the Mongols how to preserve their biodiversity," said Gardner. "The expedition is resurrecting some of the ideas to go exploring to study animal life. We are going into places little studied to document diversity."

Birds, small mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and parasites will each the subject of research by the diverse group of specialists. Collecting specimens will be a prime component of each visit. Parasite material will be used to establish the Mongolian Vertebrate Parasite Project. Bird skins and tissues will become part of the avian collection at the University of Kansas. One-half of the collected items will go to the NUM.

Details from the surveys, Gardner said, will be useful in evaluating genetic flow among species, influences of habitat fragmentation, phylogentic relationships and species coevolution.

The park is 27,000 square kilometers of diverse flora communities across a broad range of elevations, including sand dune fields, ice-filled canyons and other habitats.

During their time in this country, the expedition expects to have base-camps, and then move around primarily via camels and horses. Most of the grant money is expected to be spent in Mongolia, purchasing supplies and hiring local help.

Despite its remote location, the expedition plans to use technology to the degree possible, since it provides additional opportunities to collect information important to conservation, Gardner said. Photographs, recordings of bird songs, and video-tape can provide additional documentation.

"The research project will be also featured as part of the summer youth education program of the University of Nebraska State Museum," Gardner said. "We will work with young students in Mongolia to teach the importance of science and value of field research in discovering biology."

There was a previous two-month expedition to the Park in 1999, said Gardner. The visiting researchers worked with the National University of Mongolia to establish long term environmental research sites, meant to provide results over a five-to-ten year period.

Research findings included new species of tapeworms. This project had also been funded by the NSF.

The last previous systematic surveys of animals had been conducted in the 1920s, Gardner said.

The expedition hopes to keep its web-site up-to-date during their time in inner Mongolia, by using amateur HAM radio. This will allow regular communication to students and to send emails that can be posted on the project website.

The Flood - A Tale of the Beaver Indians

In former times, when people were very numerous upon the earth, it happened that the sun ceased to give heat or light. An unremitting fall of snow threatened to annihilate every living creature upon the earth; the tops of the loftiest trees were already almost buried in snow, and it was with great difficulty fire wood could be obtained.

In order to discover the cause of this dreadful phenomenon, a party of Indians agreed to go upon discoveries, and after having marched many days without observing any difference in the climate, discovered a squirrel's nest. Squirrels in those days were eminently endowed with sense and reason, besides the gift of speech. Here the adventurers pathetically stated their sufferings arising from the sun having been stolen from them, and asked his advice. The squirrel bids them repose until he should dream. This dream lasted some days, and on awaking he told them that a she bear held the sun from them.

Our adventurers upon this information determined to go inquest of the bear and engaged this sagacious squirrel to accompany them. After great fatigue, they arrived in a beautiful country which the bear with her two cubs inhabited. They soon discovered her wash or couch with the two cobs: the mother was out upon an excursion on the other side of the lake nigh to her retreat. Our adventurers' attention was soon attracted by a long line of babishe suspended from the cloud and tied to a piece of wood which lay upon the top of the bear's covering and dwelling place. Upon this line, at certain distances, there were a number of bags neatly laced with babishe and which seemed to contain something mysterious

Our adventurers did not fail to remark this line, and the prudent squirrel averred that no time should he lost, as flue mother bear night arrive soon, that an explanation should be extorted by threats from the cubs concerning the line and the number of bags. Accordingly all hands assuming a savage look entered the couch with bonded bows and quivers foil of arrows and threatened the cubs with instant death if they did not reveal theirs another's secrets. The terrified cobs promised to comply. "The first bag upon that line, what does it contain? Snow," replied the large cub. "The second? Rain. The third? Thunder. The fourth? The Stars. The fifth?" At this question the cub refused to comply, but the adventurers, presenting their daggers and arrows to his breast intimidated him, and he very reluctantly replied that the fifth bag contained the sun.

This put a stop to further enquiries. The active squirrel commanded to his assistance, a pike, first, a loche and a mouse. "Come," says the squirrel to the pike and loche, "be quick; go" and descend the bag containing the sun, and you, my little "mouse, go upon the other side of the lake and nibble the bear's" paddle half through, so that it may break when she forces it "in paddling; you are little and she will not perceive you."

Off they go upon their errands. The loche was very slow in her movements, but the Pilate soon ascended and untied the bag, and was upon his return when he met the lochs whom he thus accosts: "Be you gone you tardy creature!" "Nay, but give me the bag" retorted the loche" and i'll mend my pace; you will see how I will twist my tail. The pike, not to lose time by further resistance, delivered the bag, but finding that the Locke could not make way for him, snatched the bag from the latter and soon descended.

The mouse, after executing her task returned at the same time, and the pike was about cutting the bag with his teeth when the bear made her appearance on the other side of the lake, and seeing strangers at her home, quickly shoved her canoe into the water and was crossing with all speed when, to her surprise, her paddle broke. The pike by this time had made a small hole in the bag, and to the unspeakable joy of our adventurers, out flies the Sun, the appearance of which entirely disconcerted the bear. She made the earth tremble with her howlings, but finding that she could not make way without her paddle, she trust herself into the water and made the best speed she could by means of her paws. After all her roaring end exertions she reflected that revenge was now out of her power, as the adventurers had fled, and her power with the sun was now expiring; but in order not to be deprived of the sun's influence. while yet she had some power over him, she in her turn was prudent enough, before it was too late, to command the Smut to show himself to all the Earth, that every one might enjoy his powerful influence.

Let us now return to our exulting adventurers, who soon after found themselves plunged into the other extreme. They had not proceeded many days upon their return when they were threatened with a deluge arising from the impression that the heat of the sun mace upon the snow. The waters increasing more and snore, our adventurers redoubled their pace in order to get to the summit of a very high rocky mountain. Unfortunately only two of them, a man and his wife, reached the top of the mountain, all the rest were drowned in the waters. Upon the summit of this mountain were gathered two of every living creature (male and female) that liveth upon the Earth, many of the drowned people transformed themselves into fowls of the air and had the sagacity to retire to this place.

The waters continuing a long time, reduced those creatures to great extremities for want of food. It was at length proposed by the canard de France, the petit plongeux and the buzzard to dive into the waters in order to try to fled ground. Accordingly the canard de France showed the example, but soon made his appearance upon the surface of the waters, and only served as a laughing stock to his companions. The plongeux proceeded next, but found nothing. The buzzard dived next, and remained under water until his strength was almost exhausted, and was some time above the water before he could impart his adventure, which was however unsuccessful.

After remaining some days inactive, they again dived, and the buzzard alone, after appearing upon the surface seemingly in a lifeless state, had his bill full of earth, which showed that the waters were decreasing. They continued to dive with unremitting diligence for sometime afterwards, throwing out now and then some bitter sarcasm against the least successful, in which dispute, the plongeux did not fail to remind the canard de France of his bad jealous head. In short the waters dried upon the earth, but as yet the situation was deplorable, as they could scarcely find even roots for their subsistence.

During this interval, l'epervier, l'emerillon, the canard de France agreed to change the colour of their feathers, (at that time, all the species were white) which they effected, but by what means is not known. Immediately after this event, the corbeau or raven made his appearance. "Come," says l'epervier to the corbeau, "look at my feathers, are they not beautiful? would "you not wish to have a coat like mine?" "Hold your tongue," rejoined the corbeau, "with your crooked bill; is not white handsomer than any other colour?" The others argued with the corbeau to consent, but he remained inflexible, which so exasperated l'epervier and the others that they determined to revenge this affront, and each taking a burnt coal in his bill they blackened him all over, and those who could swim took refuge in the river, the others escaped by their superior swiftness in flying.

The corbeau, in the mean time, enraged at this treatment, and determined not to be singular, espied a flock of etourneaux and, without shaking off the black dust from his feathers, threw himself amongst them and bespattered them all over with black, which is the reason of their still retaining this colour.

Some days afterwards the corbeau, in order to vex his enemies, paid them another visit; he had brought with him about his neck a collar upon which were lumps of the fat of the moose and reindeer. L'epervier and the others accost him, and ask for a little fat, adding that he was very Hungry. The corbeau made no reply and would not even discover to them where he had taken the fat. The confederates were highly incensed at his behaviour, and resolved to rob him, and l'epervier was pitched upon for the enterprise. Off the robber goes, and with one grapples carries ok all the fat. The corbeau immediately went off in a passion, but thought the adventure fortunate enough, as he was not personally hurt.

This circumstance of the fat roused a desire in some of the feathered species to partake of this good chore with the corbeau, and the chat-truant or chouette undertook to observe the corbeau in his flight, and directed l'epervier to throw some ashes upon his eyes when he should tell him, for his sight would probably fail him after steadfastly looking after the corbeau for a long time. The chat-truant called aloud for ashes, which were no sooner applied to his eyes than he saw clearly, and was enabled to trace the corbeau to his retreat, which was in a valley beyond a very high mountain. This fortunate discovery was no sooner made than both man and beast, &c., were informed of it and they all agreed, the water fowls excepted, to go in search of the corbeau's dwelling, and took their departure the next day.

After incredible sufferings from want of food as well as from the fatigue of the journey, they arrived at his retreat which was a large lodge covered with the branches of the fir tree. The door of the lodge was made of the pounces of the reindeer. The wolf offered his services first to break open the door, but the fox, on account of his cunning and swiftness, was fixed upon to do this office. The latter, running with all his might, the door split in twain, by which means a prodigious number of moose and reindeer were liberated, being formerly shut up in this lodge.

The man with his wife, who by this time had several children, killed a number of these animals, and seeing that they had enough of provisions for a long time, let the rest go unhurt whither they pleased. Here, this man made an agreement with the beasts of the Earth and the fowls of the Air, (for he was afraid some of them would assume their former shape and become enemies to him and his family) to retain every one his present form, engender and cover the earth; and he on his part agreed not to assume any other form and likeness, nor deter them from wandering whither-soever they choose and both parties agreeing, seperated, which separation continues to this day.

George Keith letters. McKenzie's River Department at the west end of Great Bear Lake, ca. 1808. In: Les Bourgeois de la compagne du nord-ouest. Regits de voyages, lettres et rapports inedits relatifs au nord-ouest Canadien.

Tradition of the Great Piasa of the Mississippi River

From the journal of Edmund Flagg during a tour of the Illinois territory in the summer of 1836.

IX

Nor is the interest experienced by the traveller for many of the spots he passes confined to their scenic beauty. The associations of by-gone times are rife in the mind, and the traditionary legend of the events these scenes have witnessed yet lingers among the simple forest-sons. I have mentioned that remarkable range of cliffs commencing at Alton, and extending, with but little interruption, along the left shore of the Mississippi to the mouth of the Illinois. Through a deep, narrow ravine in these bluffs flows a small stream called the Piasa. The name is of aboriginal derivation, and, in the idiom of the Illini, denotes "The bird that devours men." Near the mouth of this little stream rises a bold, precipitous bluff, and upon its smooth face, at an elevation seemingly unattainable by human art, is graven the figure of an enormous bird with extended pinions. This bird was by the Indians called the "Piasa;" hence the name of the stream. The tradition of the Piasa is said to be still extant, among the tribes of the Upper Mississippi, and is thus related:

"Many thousand moons before the arrival of the pale faces, when the great megalonyx and mastodon, whose bones are now thrown up, were still living in the land of the green prairies, there existed a bird of such dimensions that he could easily carry off in his talons a full-grown deer. Having obtained a taste of human flesh, from that time he would prey upon nothing else. He was as artful as he was powerful; would dart suddenly and unexpectedly upon an Indian, bear him off to one of the caves in the bluff, and devour him. Hundreds of warriors attempted for years to destroy him, but without success. Whole villages were depopulated, and consternation spread throughout all the tribes of the Illini. At length Owatoga, a chief whose fame as a warrior extended even beyond the great lakes, separating himself from the rest of his tribe, fasted in solitude for the space of a whole moon, and prayed to the Great Spirit, the Master of Life, that he would protect his children from the Piasa. On the last night of his fast the Great Spirit appeared to him in a dream, and directed him to select twenty of his warriors, each armed with a bow and pointed arrows, and conceal them in a designated spot. Near the place of their concealment another warrior was to stand in open view as a victim for the Piasa, which they must shoot the instant he pounced upon his prey. When the chief awoke in the morning he thanked the Great Spirit, returned to his tribe, and told them his dream. The warriors were quickly selected and placed in ambush. Owatoga offered himself as the victim, willing to die for his tribe; and, placing himself in open view of the bluff, he soon saw the Piasa perched on the cliff, eying his prey. Owatoga drew up his manly form to its utmost height; and, placing his feet firmly upon the earth, began to chant the death-song of a warrior: a moment after, the Piasa rose in the air, and, swift as a thunderbolt, darted down upon the chief. Scarcely had he reached his victim when every bow was sprung and every arrow was sped to the feather into his body. The Piasa uttered a wild, fearful scream, that resounded far over the opposite side of the river, and expired. Owatoga was safe. Not an arrow, not even the talons of the bird had touched him; for the Master of Life, in admiration of his noble deed, had held over him an invisible shield. In memory of this event, this image of the Piasa was engraved in the face of the bluff."

Such is the Indian tradition. True or false, the figure of the bird, with expanded wings, graven upon the surface of solid rock, is still to be seen at a height perfectly inaccessible; and to this day no Indian glides beneath the spot in his canoe without discharging at this figure his gun.

Editor's footnote in source publication: "The version of the tradition of this version by Flagg was probably from the pen of John Russell, who in 1837 began editing at Grafton, Illinois, the Backwoodsman, a local newspaper."

Mayan Glyphs Depict the Ceremonial Importance of Birds Many Centuries Ago

Dramatic bird-motif items are depicted by glyphs from many centuries in the past depict how the winged ones of the tropical forest-lands were an integral component of the garb worn by ruling lords and shamen of the Mayan culture, which was at a peak recognized as being extant about 15 centuries ago. This culture of central America obviously attributed a profound importance to birds.

Birds had an obvious role with the deity figures attributed to the leaders of the local tribes.

This status is vividly shown by stone glyphs which adorn temples of the classic Mayan period at locales then known as Naranjo, Uaxactun, Yaxchilan, Yucatec and other places at what is presently known as Yucatan, southern Mexico or Guatemala, and elsewhere places in the vicinity.

Bird ornamentals were an integral aspect of the glorious headdress worn by Mayan lords. One scholarly work noted that the ceremonial attire "worn by the Maya true man and his cohorts was often so elaborate that it was difficult to think of their moving through the jungle while wearing it."

Several depictive bird hieroglyphics represent a period of profound importance for birds. The winged ones had an unsurpassed role in mystical and ceremonial life of these ancient people, based on the exquisite studies by scholars of the ancient times who could decipher symbology to something of meaning for ready understanding by others of lesser understanding.

Their work indicates the vitality of birds in the culture, as shown by studied glyphs. Prominent birds such as quetzals, macaws, guans, pelicans, eagles, owls, vultures and other bird types prominent enough to be depicted by bird glyphs meant to be permanent messages.

Two exquisite glyphs are denoted from Naranjo, in northeast Guatemala.

Feather covered shaman with associated glyphs.

Feather adorned shaman.

At Uaxactun in northern Guatemala, a shamen is depicted with a macaw atop his head:

Several glyphs from Yaxchilan, on the Usamacinta river, along the boundary of southern Mexico and Guatemala, prominently indicate the role of birds for the lords and shamen.

Shaman and aide with multiple feather adornments to the depiction.	Supplicant with pelican appearing bird on its head, appears like a pelican, with something in its mouth.
Shamen holding crosses adorned with bird figures.	Shaman holding snake-handled object with an aide.
Shamen Chiefs dramatically adorned in a phantasmagoria of feathers and other birdly depictions.	Feather-adorned Shamen with multiple glyphs which present a message of importance enough to be hewn in stone.

Several smaller glyphs with a bird motif are also known from this locality.

Birds are also depicted in other representations from the great Mayan culture when it was at a peak of native culture:

Harpy Eagle representation.	Ocellated Turkey representation.
Representations of the screech owl of Yucatan.	Macaws representations.
Quetzal/Vulture representations.

Additional glyphs noted in the history of the Mayans can be appreciated and somewhat understood by spending some time at the library and researching the topic. It is a rich history of ancient times when birds had a role of importance that is unsurpassed, and otherwise.

The vital importance of birds in the life of the people continued. It is readily shown by what may be the first bird guide in the American continent a thousand years later. In a few centuries the bird-feather headdress, and other birdly items, were of vital ceremonial importance to each of many Indian tribes, especially on the plains of northern America.

Rising Seas a Threat to Nesting Haven for Birds at Ducie Island

A slight change in sea water levels may have a dramatic effect at Ducie Island, a group of four atolls in the South Pacific Ocean. The tiny specks are a haven for oceanic birds to nest.

Ducie is an important location for seabirds with around a dozen species breeding on the atoll, including what is thought to be the world's largest breeding colony of Murphy's Petrel (Pterodroma ultima) with around 250,000 pairs. - Oceandots

Ducey Island - with a land area of 0.7 km2 - is among a group of islands, including Henderson, Pitcairn and Oeno Islands, called the Pitcairns, in the deep Pacific along the Tropic of Capricorn. Peru is the closest land mass.

Ducie Island was first known in the annals when discovered by Quiros in 1606, and named Encarnacion.

The name changed to recognize Lord Ducie back at the home country estate, by a Captain Edwards looking for the Bounty mutineers in 1791.

The place was visited by the United Kingdom government in 1825. Frederick William Beechey was the Commander of the good ship Blossom, on an United Kingdom expedition...

"On the 25th November in 24..20S. Latitude & 118..30W Longitude we had the NE trade wind and on the 28th, saw Ducies' Island, stood off and on during the Night, and the next morning got close to it and sent in the boats. This is a low coral Island not higher than 20 feet, of a rounded triangular form, covert with luxuriant shrubs and some trees. Its' greatest length, that is from the North to the South point, does not exceed a mile, and from the Mast head we observed that the land forms but a small part of what at first appears it's bulk, as it encloses or is more like an embankment round a large lake which communicates with the sea by a narrow entrance near the South Point, off which the Surf breaks over a coral reef for 1/4 of a mile. Reefs also extend for a short distance from the North & NW points with 90 fathoms of water near them.

"The boats after making the circuit of the Island, returned with the report that the Island is entirely surrounded by breakers, inside of which the water is perfectly smooth and that the only part where there is a possibility of getting through them with safety, is at the entrance to the Lake at which place, for an extent of 40 yards, the sea would occasionally cease breaking & probably afford a passage were there time to attempt it. The water was so clear that they distinctly saw the bottom in thirty five fathoms; they had 25-fathom close outside the breakers, & the ship could get no bottom 1/2 mile off shore with 300 fathoms of line. We saw several Bonitos and grey sharks, & great numbers of Gannet, Shearwater, boobies and Boatswains' birds. The Beach is composed of coral & shells, the Island uninhabitated, situate in 24o .. 30' S. Latitude & 124o..55' W. Longitude, & could not be seen off deck farther than 7 Miles."

The zoology publication for the voyage has additional details on birds, in the ornithology section by N.A. Vigors.

Trochilus mellivorus. White-bellied Humming-bird.

A pair of birds, apparently melliphagous, were brought from Pitcairn's Islands. But they unfortunately are so mutilated as to preclude any attempt at description or reference.

Tachypetes aquilus. Frigate bird.

The species was observed at Pitcairn's Island, ...

Tachypetes leucocephalus. White-headed Frigate Pelican.

... observed also off Ducie's Island, "but soaring at a considerable height, and not approaching the ship."

Sterna alba. White Tern.

This species was found abundantly at Pitcairn's island.

Sterna stolida. Noddy.

This species was observed at various places during the voyage - ... at Ducie's Island; at Pitcairn's Island, Dec. 1825 ...

Sterna Panayensis. Panayan Tern.

... species, which was found at Ducie's Island, is the same as generally to to that species.

In 1867, the Australian government has a request for a license, John C. Daggett, to extract resources.

"The Island referred to is in Latitude 24o40' South Longitude 124o48' West called Ducer Island and is required by mee for the purpose of workings and removing guano there from." The name Ducie was written in left margin.

"The three islands were formally annexed by Britain in 1902. In 1937 H.M.S. Leander visited each, and erected on each a signboard, affirming British sovereignty." They were made part of the Pitcairn administrative district in 1938, according to the 1944 Pacific Islands Handbook

A government expedition mapped the Pitcairns, notable indicating on the map that Ducie had a maximum elevation of 12 feet, as shown on the 1940s era map.

After G.R. Williams surveys during eight weeks of studies in October-November 1959, the first bird list for Pitcairn Island and the Elizabeth Islands was published. Another prepared in the early 1990s, reviewed the knowledge of endemic species at Henderson Island where surveys had been done a few years previous.

Blue Noddy (Procelsterna cerulea), juvenile.	White (or Fairy) Tern (Gygis alba), adult.
Red-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), juvenile.	Murphy's Petrel (Pterodroma ultima), adult.
Images courtesy of Angela K. Kepler.

Specific visits to Ducie Island to study the birds were done by Angela K. Kepler at six different times of year over about 5 years in the 1990s. "Ducie is one of the most remarkable islands in the entire world and one of the very very few that is still totally pristine," she said. Her compilation indicates the occurrence of a greater number of species than previously known.

Birds noted for Ducie Island Oeno Petrel Kermadec Petrel (Putuputu; general for petrel) Phoenix Petrel Herald Petrel Christmas Shearwater Fairy Tern (white bird) Common Noddy (Nordie = noddy) Gray Ternlet (Patru = petrel) Red-tailed Tropic Bird (tropic bird, Bos'un bird) Masked Booby (Gahnet = Gannet) Red-footed Booby (Taitai or Austin bird) Greater Frigate Bird (hawk) ?Spotless Crake (Chicken bird) ?Bristle-thighed Curlew (Shipmate) Sanderling; March 1922, summer migrant Williams. 1960. The birds of the Pitcairn Islands, central south Pacific Ocean. Ibis 102(1): 58-70.

Breeding birds (most important ones by far indicated with an asterisk): * Murphy's Petrel * Kermadec Petrel * Phoenix Petrel * Herald Petrel * Henderson Petrel * Christmas Shearwater Red-tailed Tropicbird Masked Booby Red-footed Booby Great Frigatebird Sooty Tern Fairly (White) Tren Blue Noddy Brown Noddy Non-breeders: Black Noddy Long-distance migrant from New Zealand: Long-tailed Koel Migrants from the Arctic: * Bristle-thighed Curlew Wandering Tattler Information courtesy of Angela K. Kepler

A visit in April 1998 shows scenes on the island.

At some historic time, visitors brought rats that had a dramatic impact on the island avifauna. In 1995, the island was deratted according to UK officials.

No details are available on the current state of things on Ducie Island. There have been international indications that ocean levels will change with conditions of the global climate.

Low atolls, such as Ducie Island - and other distinct island habitats - can readily indicate localized impacts to birds due to rising water levels.

Administratively Ducie island is part of the Pitcairn Islands, one of the UK's Overseas Territories. The Pitcairn Island Council has responsibility for day-to-day administration of the island, the Pitcairn Government based in New Zealand looks after the Islands' interests in a wider international context. - Office of the Governor of Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands; Wellington, New Zealand

There is a pending ham-radio operators expedition to the Island in latter February.

Tree Heliotrope (Tournefortia argentea) on Ducie Island, Pitcairn Islands. Image Courtesy of Angela K. Kepler.

Sources

Ducie Atoll: Its History, Physiography and Biota