1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus MacRoberts Hastings Reservation 24 May 1310. At MacRoberts on Blanquist side. 8162 in storage area; greeting another bird a minute ago. 1313. 9 with him now. 1320. Both flew down and out of sight. 1325. 1-2 birds back in vicinity of storage tree. 1340. 9 in storage tree, flew over to the hole in main trunk, I think. Flew away before I could walk over and check. That could be it, but clearly if so it's still only a thought in their minds. I never did see the 8, however- maybe he's already in the nest somewhere. In any case, there was no indication that they are going to nest way up where they did last year again. All the activity I saw was near the fence line from the storage tree toward the barn maybe 60-70 meters. 26 May 1500. Watching 1520. A couple birds finally appeared, 8162 one of them. Watched them sit and preen, but still no interest in any holes that I know of. 1540. Intruder displaced from area near storage tree by 8162, who gave several fervent barrit-cuts. The intruder is a 8, and the calls brought the other 2 birds to the area (from up the canyon?) to continue and escalate the defense. 1545. Intruder gone, me going. 30 May 1630-1700. Sat on hill and watched storage area. At 1650 8162 flew from the storage tree and sat nearby, then apparently returned, but not to a hole, which I shall now go and check. While walking to the knoll, one bird (8) was sitting in a tree there who flushed toward MacRoberts. No hole here though.