1978 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Y Hastings Reservation 3 February 1205. Watching. ①⑧ YRW#364 by barn. ②⑧ BBLW #414 on knoll. ③⑧ RRW#322 sap-sucking in Blue Oak (below knoll). 1223. A Sharpie appearing sent both ⑧414 and ⑧322 into a hole up on the knoll. 1225. ④⑧ BBLW #415 up on knoll. 1229. An unbanded ⑧ is up on the knoll by herself, not looking especially at ease. Now in '75 nest tree examining a hole. 1236. Sub still up on knoll alone. No others near here at the moment. 1242. The ub ⑧ is now eating an acorn in front of the barn near (and unwatched by) ⑧322,⑧364,⑧414,⑧415. Looks like ⑧425 has been bit the dust and been replaced already. 1252. The new ⑧ is here again with the others. 1305. Leaving. No sign of ⑧261 either. The group does have acorns, however. And another ambush will have to be made. 8 February 1030. ⑧322,⑧364, and ⑧415 seen in passing. Also ⑧414. Looks pretty clear that ⑧261 is gone also. 19 February 1730. After setting up for an ambush I watched at dusk, but only ⑧322,⑧364, and ⑧414 roosted here (in the '77 nest hole)! 20 February Tonight only ⑧322 and 364 roosted in the hole. 23 February Again only ⑧322 and 364 roosted together in the '77 nest hole. 1000. Seen together near the knoll: ①⑧322, ②⑧ub, ③⑧415, plus 2 others (1⑧,1⑧); among other things eating butts from a Valley Oak here. ⑧ FDB#414 seen at the Y later on. Purge: ⑧261. Last seen 27 Nov. 1977, gone by 3 Feb. 78 → Disappeared about 31 Dec. 1977 ± (month). ⑧425. Same as above → Disappeared abt. 31 Dec. 1977 ± 1 month.