Survey of the mammals and birds occurring at Cape Bird, 1977-1980

A general survey of the mammals and birds occurring was carried out at Cape Bird 1977-1981 and at Cape Hallett 1982-1983. No previous work has been carried out on mammals in these areas. Short, frequent 'watches' were made daily where the sea and pack ice was scanned and the presence and activity of birds and mammals sighted, the time, the number seen, distance offshore, habitat, activity and direction of travel were recorded for each observation. In addition , all animals seen at other times were recorded. Six species of mammal (minke whale, orca, leopard seal, crabeater seal, Weddell seal and elephant seal) and eight species of birds (Emperor Penguin, Chinstrap Penguin, Southern Giant Petrel, Antarctic Fulmar, Snow Petrel, Wilson's Storm Petrel, Adelie Penguin and McCormicks Skua) were recorded.