1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Gate Hastings Reservation (25 May) I guess that this could explain why these birds are all over the place these days - School Hill, up the side of the Arnold, etc. They probably are wandering around looking for sap trees, flowers, and other more widely scattered resources. It also makes it rather less certain that they'll nest at all - it will be interesting to see in any case. 2020. Birds didn't roost in the Live Oak, as far as I could tell. 26 May 815. Took down rope ladder. Followed a bird who flew from Westgate's tree up into the hill where he joined at least 5 other birds who were all hawking and wake-ing about a dead oak tree (approximately spot G17 on the Yerex map). I watched as best I could for several minutes. The birds were quite active and noisy, but I did not notice any chasing which might indicate another group's involvement. What was evident, however, is that they were frequenting a hole in the tree facing the road. Several visits, often by 2-3 birds simultaneously, were made to it and into it; following which the birds would fly out and join the others on the top of the dead trunk. Evidently they are interested in holes to the extent that I'm sure they do not have a nest yet, but would like to start. This one would be a pain to get to, but better than many of the alternatives. Later today I'll try to get to the tree when I go up the Arnold. 1830. Stopped at ARF and walked to the above tree, where nobody was. It is very close to ARF, too and almost makes me wonder whether it could have been ARF too birds rather than Gate birds, or a mixture of the 2 (as I did see a bird fly from Gate up there). Evidently there is more to be learned about all this.