1979 Ronald L. Mumme Journal Hastings Reservation, Monterey Co., CA 13 July Friday the 13th, and an eventful day it was. First, the weather has taken a sudden turn to the hotter. I should have known that all the cool weather we'd had since I arrived couldn't last. Second, good old Larry Hants ~~crossed out~~ left the Reservation today, and we were sorry to see him go. I will now be solo in the bunkhouse for at least a while. As far as wickerbill work goes, I watched at Buckeye today, seeing one of the nestlings fledge. After a long afternoon siesta (Too Hot!!), Walt + I cruised up to Lower Haystack to try to catch the always elusive unbanded ♀. She, of course, eluded us again. We did manage to stumble upon a rattlesnake at the base of the granary tree, however. I also watched roosting at Low Hay, then had dinner at Red House with Walt & Pam. 14 July Today the heat wasn't nearly as nasty as it was yesterday. Had an interesting watch at Buckeye in the morning, followed by siesta + an afternoon nest watch at Lower Haystack. While there, I missed the excitement of a fire on the reservation, at the road near Road 3. Fortunately it was contained quickly, but I took no part in it. Watched roosting (or lack thereof) at Lambert, while Walt watched at Bianca, for Ambush. A nice King Snake near the pump afterwards. 15 July Started the day by driving up to the Arnold to catch the tail end of an ambush by Walt at Bianca. Only the two banded ♂♂ former Arnold 3 residents were there, meaning that it is likely that no ♀ is present.