1977 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Black Oak (28 April) 1750. My guess is that what's happening today is a continuation of the apparent ♀ replacement I first saw early last week. Tomorrow morning I should return with nets and try for some of these ♀♀, who seem to exist in some sort of inexhaustible supply. 29 April 1215. 3 nets up; still lots of activity here; watching. 1225. Still lots of ub ♀♀. In main area. ①♂ub ; ②♂μ/ - #321 1235. A chase in the side area involving 3 birds, 2 of whom (♂321 and ♂ub [→365]) got into the net, while the 3rd bird (another ♂ub) did not. I doubt that the bird I caught was the resident, unfortunately - he was probably the bird getting chased. [He was thin and had ratty, worn plumage and was quite possibly a 1st-yr. bird]. 1345. Activity is erratic, but fairly subdued with only occasional chases. At least 2 ub ♀♀ are still hanging around with the residents in the central area. 1349. ♂un/μel #102 here. 1430. Pretty much the same: real chasers are few, but there's lots of group walks and greeting. Not trace of ♂320, but several ♀♀ along with an unbanded ♂ are still in with the banded birds (on the rare occasions that I get a decent look at them). I'm leaving for a check elsewhere. 1535. Returned to find 2 ub ♀♀ in opposite sides of the 30' net in the side area, #366 and 367. 3 May 1500. Still a conspicuous amount of calling and activity here; they have not settled down entirely yet. 5 May Purge: ♂197. Last seen here 7 October 1976, seen