1981 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Westgate Hastings Reservation 16 January 1038. Counted stores: 931. Also took a sample of acorns from the granary, but with the extension ladder I could only get 11 (I need to bring the stepladder out). 20 January 1500. Finished taking a sample of 50 acorns. 18 February About a week ago Ron noted that the low limb off this tree - one which held ~250 acorns - had fallen. He propped it up nearby for the time, but yesterday (17 Feb) we hoisted it back up into the granary and balanced it 30' 40' or so up in between 2 living limbs. Most of the acorns were still intact (some had certainly been lost and fungi - apparently growing very rapidly while it was on the ground - had invaded several holes) but in general we salvaged the greater part of it. Will our foying with nature ever stop?! Somehow, despite the fact that this group is of marginal value, I feel rather obligated to old 858 who is, after all, the lowest-numbered bird still extant in the study. Long may he Waka! 8 April 945. Counted stores: 542. Doing fairly well, considering the (war) loss of the low limb. Also saw 858 up in the granary chase out an intruder. 14 April 1700. Went over and checked last year's nest hole, which turns out to have broken off right at the cavity. 7 May 1400. Bird flushed out of a hole low in the granary, followed by a flurry of wood chips. 9 May 1500. Checked and opened the hole: they have 4 eggs! 13 May 1400. Checked the hole again: still 4 eggs. The 8 was in the hole incubating (at least he can get in it!) The nest here is 6.3 m high.