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During 1974, 2909 kilometres of coast were patrolled by 147 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their friends. The 24,747 dead seabirds found is a record. Two large wrecks contributed to this total. During April and May some 3,500 blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) came ashore on both sides of Northland. During June and July more than 13,000 prions (Pachyptila spp) came ashore along the whole of the west coast of New Zealand. Both these wrecks were apparently caused by starvation following periods of adverse weather. Other minor, localised, wrecks are recorded. Unusual finds were one soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis), one grey ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea albivitta), and two erect-crested penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus sclateri).