1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Gazebo Hastings Reservation (21 March) 3518 never really lived here, but was most likely a relative of 88316, 517 who merely came over to visit for a short time. This would explain why there was never an indication of more than 4 birds here before or even after I caught this bird, and why this bird split immediately after being caught (most likely to return home). Thus, I wish to purge the record of this bird almost entirely, except for having been banded here, as a temporary resident, on 24 July 79 and not having been seen after that date. 26 March 1520. Counted stores here for the first time: 1542, mainly in dead limbs in 3 nearby Valley Oaks. Given that depletion has probably already occurred and the fact that this is my first count here, I would guess that 2000 holes is an estimate comparable to the others on the Reservation that I've made for analysis of territory quality. 31 March After an abortive attempt yesterday, we ambushed at the next hole - where all 5 birds had roosted - and got only 2 - 8509 and 8517. (We'd been after both 88 for a repeat of the Blomone manipulation). We marked their wings with dye and released them. This group can be our "control" for Blomone. The activity here at dusk has been exciting - lots of pre-roost mounting and so forth. Also, 3 birds were acting pretty much like a pack - presumably the 8517 and the 288 - following each other in the manner of birds about to breed.