Volume 18 (1963-1968) Issue 84 Pages 260-266
Kashiwazaki coast on Japan Sea side in Niigata Prefecture is known as a place where sea birds (also fishes and turtles) are washed ashore and land bird migrants are disturbed. This is due to the particular position of this town, with Sado I. at 60 km offshore and surrounded by mountains behind. In March 1965 about 500 Rissa tridactyla were seen from the shore and 150 (or more) dead birds (of which 80% were young) were collected during 23-31 March by 5 persons and the auther examined 12 _??_ _??_ 4 _??_ _??_, were found during March 1 unsexed. Sixteen Calonectris leucomelas, 12 _??_ _??_ 4 _??_ _??_, were found during March and April 1965 and on each in 1962 and 1964. This species is observed migrating offshore during towards north in this season. Dead birds are found after strong weather and have empty stomachs and their feathers are often spoiled by ship oil. Notes on local weather conditions are given.