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In November 1980, two Leach’s Storm Petrels of the typical subspecies (
Oceanodroma
leucorhoa leucorhoa) were discovered on Rabbit Island, Chatham Islands (44″14′ S, 176″16′ W), engaged in prebreeding activity. They were captured, examined, photographed, banded and released. The flight calling of one was recorded on tape. Their nocturnal activitv continued until observations ceased. A subsequent check indicated that no chick was reared. Possibly they were of the same sex, and possibly there were only two. This is the first record of prospecting for nest sites in the Southern Hemisphere by this strictly Northern Hemisphere breeding species.