1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus 1500 Hastings Reservation (13 April) back towards 1500 via the 1800 "nest" 19 April 530. An ambush here netted all 3 birds (♀435 ♂297, and ♂298) without incident (except that one of the birds gave a strange, descending, owl-like call from the hole before coming out and while it was still dark). Blood was taken from all 3; I gave wing-streamers to the 2 ♂s. All were handled as quickly as possible and returned by 545. None had any sign of a brood patch—all had feathers still on their bellies. Also ♂298 had no obvious cloacal protuberance (I failed to check ♂297). Thus, it would appear that these birds are not ready to nest yet. They do still have stores, however, so they ought to nest eventually. I did not leave the area. Between this and doing things immediately, there was no sign of any intruders taking over by the time all 3 were returned. 20 April 1020. Birds over at Blonquist Knoll. See Y notes. (♂297 at least) 23 April 1910. These birds gave no indication of where they are roosting this evening. Most annoying. 29 April 800. Here primarily on a Starling vigil, all 3 birds flushed as I arrived. Also I counted stores: Tree 1: 276 ? 466. Tree 2: 190 830 ♂DBLN#297 seen along with a ♀ and 3rd bird. 1020. Both ♂297 and ♂298 in tree 3. 12 May 1600. Checked the hole here—no problems. 14 May 1930. Argh! New hole found in tree 2: 1♂ roosted here.