1978 Walter D. Koenig Melamurpes formicivorus Plague (24 April) Hastings Reservation 910-920. Both ♂361 and ♀157 are here chasing away at the intruders, more of whom seem to be being attracted by the now loud cackicking, occasional drumming, and high level of activity. ♂ or ♀LS #191 up in Plague; also ♂ 2ndDP #402 here. ♂ub seen, being chased by both residents. Hard to see intruders as they are being kept moving. At 920 I catch an ub ♀ in the net, now ♀435. 945. ♀ released and now I'm back. All quiet briefly, but there are still birds around. 953. Residents atop Plague still defending; only 2-4 intruders now down from a high of 6-8. Weather looking threatening. 955. In Plague: For 20/m? Wind coming up. 1000. ♂ub. ♀191 still here, plus another banded ♀. 1006. ♂ub. 2 birds just flew off to the Blue Oak on the hill; ♂ub still atop Plague. 1012. Still quieting. ♂361 and ♀157 together and almost alone atop Plague. 1020. Things seem pretty much about over- ♂361/♀157 sitting quietly atop Plague and noone else in sight. 1025. ♀157 flew up to the Blue Oak, displacing a bird who took off above the lower barn down the Valley to parts unknown. 1030. Leaving. All ended remarkably quickly. 1100. Things aren't entirely over. There is at least an unbanded ♂ still here causing mischief. Also I caught ♂361 in the net- he was quickly measured and released. 26 April 1500. Bird in the top hole in the telephone pole. 1715. Noone in the hole now.