1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes fomiceivorus School Hill West Hastings Reservation 24 February 1610. Checking up over here, I find that 1) there are still a fair number of stores here in the granary, 2) there are several Valley Oaks up here that have leafed out already, 3) there are even some face flies up here (!), and 4) Much of the Black Oak roost/west tree has disintegrated since I was here last, taking with it the '79 nest hole where I ambushed the birds earlier this winter. No birds were seen in a saring around the field here. 3 May 1100. As I arrived here I thought a bird might have flushed from the Black Oak, but I wasn't sure. In any case, the hole that looks the best up here is going to be a reel bitch to get to (1° because the limb it's in does not inspire great confidence) so I did not go out just to check. However we better keep an eye out here. These birds do have some stores left in their granary. 8 May 1630. Brought the extension ladder up here (!) with Ron, opened the nest, and found 3 babies 2-3 days old and no sign of any unhatched eggs. 29 May 1530. Banded and bled the 3 babies, now #592-594, who all look fine. We also checked the granary, where there are very few stores (as far as Ron or I could tell), but definitely some - perhaps as few as 30-50. 7 July 1530. Walked by here, but saw no sign of any birds, who must be off gapsucking somewhere as there are no stores left to speak of. 22 September 820. Checked here, finding no stores, but flushing 1 bird (Gor-DK/DK #531) who may have been about to store one. No other birds were seen in the area.