1977 Walter-D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Finch (18 April) As for the invaders, they probably number 4-8 birds; all that I saw for sure were #6 & #7, but there may have been others fighting elsewhere which I wouldn't have seen. Of special interest, a good copulation was seen at 1245, the ♂ being #66, the ♀ not identified for sure. Lots of Cannicking, quakas, etc., as one expects in this situation. 1310. Flash! One intruder identified: ♀ HelRW (with 0) bands light/M #339 (banded at PO Hill, seen 2 weeks ago at Road 1 during their revolution). The invaders are, as expected, more or less concentrated on the periphery (in this case up by the Valley Oak perch tree up the bank) while the residents are mostly based down here in the sycamore storage tree. Activity is nearly all on this side of the road. 22 April 1630. None found in any holes; activity is back to near zero level. 1 May 1010. Holes checked, several birds in the vicinity, however, 2 May 1200. Found a bird in a rather cryptic hole rather low in the sycamore nest tree, which I promptly opened, and which held 5 fresh eggs. 3 May 1045. Bird in hole. 6 May 1230. " " " 1300. Returned, went up, and checked the nest, which still has 5 eggs. 10 May 1230. Bird in hole.