1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus School Hill (1 September) This about ended our watch. The birds apparently roosted somewhere back in the canyon west of the field: essentially terra incognita. One bird returned briefly at about 1900 to the granary area, but it was much too dark to figure out much. Note: 886 was watching 8402 carefully and not letting him get alone with the ♀. ① 8402 took the initiative in going places - 886 just tracked him (seen twice). ② Neither was tracking the ♀. Clearly 886 is concerned about 8402. Unfortunately there were no unambiguous dominance interactions but the "herding" at 1823 may indicate 886's dominance. But unlike previous watches elsewhere, the 88 seem to be keeping an eye on each other (mainly 886→8402) rather than on the ♀. 2 September 15. Opened the hole, finding the 3 eggs, still cold and unincubated. The 2 marked ones were fine. The 3rd had a large hole in the shell and a crack emanating from it; the hole was covered with membranes, but they too had a small slit in them through which some air was leaking in. This egg surely won't make it, but I returned it for now anyway. 1725. Checked the nest again only to find 4 eggs. The clutch is not complete yet! Now off to find the birds. At least 2 sitting above the enclosure (the ♀ plus one !). Flushed as I went up. Now I'm going up to SH'B' area, where they seem to have retired. Transcribed notes from there are as follows: 1730. All 3 here at SH'B'. ♀ on left; 886 facing away; 8402 further