1978 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus 3 (19 April) themselves scarce. 1310. 8415 flew off to the knoll. 8ub now back. 1315. Leaving. This group is not to be had today. 21 April 1710. Watching. ♀ in front of barn sitting. (no WS - probably 8ub). 1713. 8415 in front of barn. Where is everybody else? 1730. 84322, 364 and 8414 have inexplicably disappeared for at least the time being. I wonder what's up? 1855. Finally found at least 2 of these birds roosting in the death overhang just above the creek in the big sycamore. Noone could be found in any other holes. 22 April 1425. And again 8ub and 8415 are the only 2 birds here, sitting in front of the barn. 24 April 500. An ambush at the hole in the sycamore produced, as hoped, 8415 and 8ub, now 8434. Both were processed and released at 545 before any mischief could begin down on their territory. 27 April 1720. 8415 and 8434 in the locusts in front of the barn. I still don't know what's up, but the other 3 birds are definitely not here. 29 April 1620. 8415 seen down here this afternoon. 1 May 1000. 8415 and 8434 together in locusts in front of barn. 5 May 1520. 8415 seen working on the hole below the '75 nest hole - it's now almost to the point that only his tail sticks out when he dips inside. 6 May 830. 8415 plus one other bird (the ♀, I believe) in front of the barn. 1130. 8ub#434 flushed from barn area. 9 May 8415 seen sitting in front of the barn.