1976 Walter D. Koenig Milanerpes formicivorus Plague Hastings Reservation (20 July) This entire episode was very interesting particularly considering that there are no acorns stored here anymore: the only bird I saw eat what may have been an acorn had just flown in from off somewhere and had most likely brought it with him. Thus, for the first time, a territory was being invaded by numerous outsiders who could not draw on the home groups stores to maintain themselves, and as a result the entire interaction was considerably toned down by the necessity for a steady flow of birds to go sapsucke by the bunkhouse or possibly return to their home groups temporarily. The inter-individual inter- actions were rather ambiguous and provided no other clear cue for the raison d'etre. The 2nd year (resident) ♀ was certainly not cold-toward any of the numerous ♂♂ that were here; unfortunately we don't know what's up with the (former) adult ♂ here. But the invasion was definitely skewed toward the ♂♂, and most fighting seemed to be among themselves. The ♂♂ here (♀1973 from School Hill plus one that I caught) seemed to be peripheral in their activities here at best. Unfortunately only 1 of the ♂♂ was apparently initially banded (822), but he, of course, is an excellent find inasmuch as he is apparently a floater, still looking for a group since he left Y after the 17-18 April Revolution there. Perhaps he has found a place; if so, and only if so, I will be able to say for certain that the adult ♂ here was replaced. Interestingly enough, most everybody seems to have returned "home" at dusk to roost; it will be nice to see when/if they return early tomorrow before I leave.