1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Buckeye (13 April) elsewhere). Meanwhile, Gwen was watching the other hole where the ambush was set (up the hill) and saw one lone bird roost. This rather piqued my interest, so I went ahead and ambushed this morning (450). Sure enough, as I'd hoped, it was the 1st yr ♂504 off by himself roosting in this upper tree while all the breeding adults were together in the granary. More (very influential) wide use that group off sp. don't breed) circumst. Attempted to count stores here: 2490. However, this tree is very large and notably difficult to count. Given my inexperience here as well as the season I would say that 3500 holes is probably a rock-bottom minimum estimate that is vaguely comparable to others on the Reservation. In fact, noting that I estimated 3400 holes for Blomone, I would have to say that 4000 is a more reasonable (but still rock-bottom) estimate for the number of usable holes here. There are, of course, several dead limbs already on the ground were indicating that there were no doubt even more not very long ago. This evening, as far as I could tell, most or all of the birds roosted back up in the hole I'd ambushed at this morning! None roosted in the granary, which is where I was watching. 14 April This evening's watch was totally screwed up when 2 characters came by at 1745 and walked off with my backpack and 25' ladder. Ron, however, thought he heard noises at dark coming from the direction of the '79 nest hole. 15 April This time Gwen watched at the upper hole, where 2 birds