1981 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Blomone (25 April) 830. The story appears to be as follows: as reported by Ron, the main area has clearly been taken over by the 3 1500 88 and 3 others, apparently all unbanded 99. Meanwhile, over in the side area (the tree with the roost hole where I ambushed once but where they've never nested) are the 3 losers: 9478 and 2 unbanded 88 (6584 is no longer to be seen). These 3 are mainly just sitting around, occasionally greeting each other and moving around in the tree. But they are making no attempt to assault the granary, nor are the birds there paying any attention to them. It would definitely appear that we will at last have a case of 99 ousting a resident and usurping a territory during what certainly began as a 8-revolution! 28 April Watched roosting tonight: all 6 birds were here. Lots of pre-roost mounting, birds going in and out of holes, etc. Finally they roosted in 2 holes, 1 I knew about and another I didn't! * Pam reports having seen 6584 (the former 1st yr 8 from here) in the 2nd canyon on Blomquist's drinking from a hole in a tree. He is clearly "floating" out here. 30 April A successful ambush this morning netted 8493 and all 3 unbanded 99, now 6498-9650 (the other 2 88 were probably in the hole too but I was worried about intruders showing up so I didn't wait for them). This group is hopefully all banded again.