1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus 9 Hastings Reservation (21 April) followed by a reverse mounting, which ended in the ♀ sliding off the back side of the ♂ while seemingly turning down her tail - exactly the same behavior I saw at 1500 last May and assumed at the time was true copulation! ☺ I've just realized that the reason the ♀ seems so ubiquitous (she's nearly always the first bird I see anywhere) is because she invariably flies toward and makes displays at every other bird (all ♂) whenever they enter the area or move within the area. Her wakas, in addition, are of an intensity bordering on solicitation more than greeting. The birds are still managing to pick out acorn bits from crannies within the bark of the locusts. 1155. I have thus far been unsuccessful in fixing on a 5th bird - apparently one of the warring ♂ has gone. 1200. Birds are occasionally flying to Blanquist Knoll, at least in part to the old fallen storage tree, which they are looking over. 29 April 1250. Watching. ♂ Dub in locusts, storing an insect. 1256. A bird just went into a hole in a tree on Blanquist Knoll next to the '75 nest tree. It better be checked soon. 1257. A bird came out of the hole. 1259. Another bird came out of the hole as another was next to the entrance. 1300. Taking a look. [Nothing - maybe still building the hole?] 1915. A♀16 and 4 ♂ together, peacefully, at the barn.