MacLean 1966 C. melanotes of the ♂ when I flushed her, but birds are not strongly aroused. this matter of sex ratio remains puzzling. Granted ♂ are more conspicuous than ♀♀, but we have seen many more ♀♀. ♀♀ couldn't have got onto eggs that quickly - I can't even guess where they are. 22 June Saw 4 ♂ and 1 forborn ♀ on low marsh or lake side of Holmes' Herowick plot. a few half-heated hoots and chases, but certainly not intensive breeding activity. Later found one ♀ (SM 117 feeding obs.-collecta) well into incubation, and a pocket of 3 ♂♂. No sign of aggression within the ♂♂, although one collected has t = 12 x 6 mm. Later collected a t = 10 x 5 mm ♂. I don't think there is much breeding activity going on right now - possibly this cola spill has interfered. 24 June On Holmes' Marass saw 3 ♂♂ feeding within 20 m. of each other for nearly 30 minutes with no signs of aggression or any indication of interest in breeding.