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During 1973, 1701 miles of coast were patrolled by 104 members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and 6273 dead seabirds were found. Two wrecks contributed to this record total of birds. During July and August large numbers of blue penguin (Eudyptula minor), and a few other species, came ashore on both sides of Northland. This wreck was apparently caused by starvation. During September and October high numbers of species which normally frequent seas to the south and west of New Zealand were found on the south and west coasts. These birds were probably forced towards New Zealand by bad weather. New records for New Zealand are Antarctic petrel (Thalassoica antarctica) and white-tailed tropic bird (Phaethon lepturus). A new record for beach patrolling is fulmar prion (Pachyptila crassirostris). Third and fourth records of Gould’s petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera leucoptera) were obtained.