1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes fomincivorus Blonone Hastings Reservation 19 January 1255. Flushed 3+ birds here in passing. 21 February 1650. Lots of stores still here, but nobody seen in passing. 21 March Purge: 8495. Last seen 27 Oct '79 (by Ron). Gone by 25 Jan. 1980, when Ron saw 3 other birds here. → Dis. about 11 Dec 1979 ± 1 month. At the moment, there are 4 birds here: Ron saw 8479, 8494, and 8496 on both 25 Jan. and 14 March; a 4th bird was also present who we presume to be 8478. 25 March The situation here didn't really clear up much when I ambushed at the '78-'79 nest hole this morning (just as it was beginning to rain) and caught 3 birds: 8479, 8496, and 8478! Whether the other 8 (494) is in fact still here or whether Ron may have messed up between 8494 and 8478 is up for grabs at the moment. The 2 8 were measured and marked with dye on their foreheads (Rhodamine B for 8496, Malachite Green for 8478). The 8 was removed for our captive colony — this presumably leaves this group with a Mother and at least 1 daughter only 1 year old. The hope is that a new 8 will replace him and that both the 8 will subsequently breed. Purge: 8479. Removed by me for experimental manipulation of group composition. 26 March 1430. My prior experience with vacancies should have prepared me, but I was nonetheless surprised to find some displays and chasing upon my arrival. Up in the main tree is a 8; thus, the vacancy has clearly been found already.