1980 R.L. Mumme 20 Melanerpes formicivorus Plague (20 May) While transcribing notes at cabin at 1230-1400, lots of action at the nest hole, birds visiting all the time. Perhaps we ought to move the blind. I'll go check the hole one more time 15/15, I check the nest, no eggs, but laying seems certain, and soon! Nicer dry inside, looks good! 21 May I relieve Walter at nest watch at 0915. 0942 ♀494 enters ♂493 ♂473 also. 0948, ♂521 looking in! 0949, ♂oth leave. 0950, ♂473 enters briefly, exits with lots of sandust, looks like a feralsac. ♀496 looks in nervously several times. 0954 ♀494 enters again. 0955 ♀496 enters!, then ♂473 (?) , the 6's three i- the hole together. All leave at 1001. Going up to the hole, once again, no-eggs. It's gotta be soon, though! 15/15 after moving hide closer and into better position, watching nest again: at 1530 ♀494, ♀496, ad ♂473 all in hole at same time! tapping, pecking from inside hole. Still refurbishing? 1545, everyone leaves, the ♀4%k back in at 1546, more tapping. When she left the first time, her bill was covered with sandust! 1550, ♂473 + ♀494 return and enter again. I'm convinced hide is OK here. 22 May Start watch 0640 (0540). Checked nest at 0620, still no eggs! 0739, ♀496 enters nest hole 0745, head out briefly. Out again at 0746, down 0747. 752-30, she leaves! 0810, check nest, still nothing! A mighty suspicious visit by ♀496, though.