1980 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Pilliga School Hill (18 May) activity in the granary. My first look suggested that ♀86 was getting pecked by ♂260, which made no sense at all. My second look suggested that I didn't know what was going on. At roosting, 3 (presumed) "core" members showed up in the 1st Valley Oak. Much mounting, all birds very close together. At one point, I ♂ got in a good copulation (tail twist, cloacal contact, good duration). Immediately after he dismounted, the second ♂ tried to mount the female. As he was fluttering on, the 1st male flew on top of both, breaking up the copulation attempt (?) of the second ♂. Later, a possible good copulation, but not sure. I don't think anyone roosted in the nest. After the pre-roost mounting, all 3 flew to the traditional Valley Oak hole, at least 2 were in (heard 2 separate bouts of squealing + chattering. Later another bird back in the 1st enclosure tree, but nothing after that 19 May Start watch at 0605 (0505). Association data on back. 0623.47 ♀260 enters nest with nasty-looking bulge in lower abdomen. 0626.30 ♀260 exits 0627, ♂86 enters. 0628, ♀260 enters again. Confusion, lots of in and out by the ♂♂. When ♂402 in nest, ♂86 came, both appeared to chatter. 0710, ♂86 flies to nest while ♂402 in. ♂86 chatters! * By 0748, I lose the birds, going to check nest. 0800 Yes, fans, a fresh new egg in the nest (2 total) laid certainly by ♀260 sometime between 0623(0523