1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Lambert Hastings Reservation 8 January Changes: ♂284 and ♀ unbandeD. It's debatable what went on here this summer—did these 2 birds recolonize, leave, and then return again this fall? This interpretation is consistent with my limited observations here. However, since these birds seem to be very hard to find even now when they have stores, I have decided to adopt the alternate scenario which supposes that they were here all along, but just hanging out over by Keep Out (like where I saw them on 23 November) and being inconspicuous. Thus both birds will be maintained continuously since their return last spring. 21 January 1225. Watching. 1240. Exciting, as usual. Going to look around. First off, a large low limb (perhaps the only remaining major living portion) of the Hastings Valley Oak granary here has fallen since the last time I was here. I don't think any storage holes were lost (see back). 1452. On the way back by here, ♂ M/Da or #284 was actually here, sitting on the Hastings Valley Oak granary. This may be the 1st time he's been where he's supposed to be all winter! 1502. Leaving. No activity here which might bring in the ♀ for me. 31 January 930. Back in the area just up from the Lambert gate on the knoll is a lone ♂, most likely ♂284. It's quite possible this bird may not even have a ♀ anymore. 25 February 1530. Counted stores: LFT: 575; VONest tree: 264; VO: 273; HFT: 1416 → Total: 2528. No sign of any birds around.