1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Plague (18 April) 1045. Took a break to try and put the net up. By the time I got back, no birds were around, all activity being focused back at Y. $157 was sitting quietly in tree 2. 1055. Some birds back. $157 and $166 (presumed #387) up atop Plague together. $245 must be over at Y, as yesterday. 3rd bird, unringed ♀, in 2nd tree. 1100. Some chasing again; at least 4 birds here. Again, chased birds seem to be unringed ♀(♂). 1105. 2-3 intruders seen, all ♂♂. Apparently what is happening here is that the birds are "replacing" the adult ♂♂, who of course is not death, but at least temporarily involved over at Y. A second hypothesis would be that this is all related to the fighting which I saw here earlier in the month; the reason for the intrusions then of course being unknown. More likely, the raucous at Y has attracted many birds including $245, leaving these 2 birds alone. Some of the birds at Y wandered here, discovered the situation, and are now attempting to take advantage of it all. The outcome will no doubt depend on what $245 decides to do at the conclusion of the Y episode. 1110. Leaving. 1200. $245 is still at Y. Net up in Plague tree. Watching. 1205. $245 back home! Activity is down; though lots of greeting among the 3 Plague birds. A mounting was