1977 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus 2 Ye (20 April) out of the labs at 715 to release the birds, loud Garrick and considerable noise was coming from the lower barn. Again, within 2 hours of dawn, 6-8 birds were already here making the most of the apparent vacancy. This was all in spite of there still being one bird - #261, fighting everybody off. I let the 3 birds go immediately and returned 15 minutes later, at 745, to watch. Already the revolution had taken a predictable turn: considerable chasing, Garrick-ing, and some real fights were taking place, but the residents were in clear control of the core (= Barn) area, with most of the intruders making noise from various "peripheral" locations. Several unbanded birds were seen, and possibly 1 or 2 banded ones, but I was unable to pin them down conclusively. 900. Still a fair amount of calling - several birds still at the lower Barn, while a 2nd set seem to be up on Blonquist Knoll. 910. #16 #8#261 and 322 in locusts at barn defending them from 1-2 intruders; going to see about the knoll. 920. Over all the knoll are 23 banded birds sap-sucking (together in a Blue Oak. (1)♂ LG-Da/LG-4eL #298 (2)♂ Rb/Wh #88. (3)♂ LB/LP #296. Looks like the "1500-School Hill" coalition. (4)♀ WHRW, probably #326. There is some fighting here also. These birds seem to have temporarily taken over the knoll while the residents are busy at the barn. (3)♂ or/yel-Da#297 (the 3rd School Hill 1st-yr bird). 940. These 2 sets of birds seem to be the Main