Another vary unusual record I forgot to mention previously. On August
l7,l970 a group of five biologists conducting research of Laysan
Islands, Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwestern
Hawaiian Islands observed 2 Emperor Geese on the island. They were first
observed on Aug. l7 during the evening Laysan Teal count swimming ahead
of one observor. Although lighting conditions were marginal,
identification was positive. On the second day they were observed at the
north end of the lagoon. A spotting scope was used and considerable time
was spent studying the birds. Unusual was the fact that the birds were
moulting. As they extended their wings, the shorter than usual primaries
were obvious. When an attempt was made to approach them, they scurried
off into the vegetation. These birds must have come to Laysan during the
previous winter. They apparently adapted to conditions there, stayed and
were undergoing their annual moult. These kids needed to get their
compasses fixed because Laysan lies about 2,500 miles south, south west
of the Mainland U.S.. On subsequent visits they were not to be found.
Biologists were David Olsen, Joseph Mazzoni, Eugene Kridler (refuge
manager) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and David Woodside of
Hawaii Fish and Game. Most birds have wings and most can fly and they
don't read books.