1981 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus SOBO Hastings Reservation 19 February This morning Ron and I ambushed here, catching 3 of the (apparently) 4 birds present in the group (288 (1 1st yr) and 1 ♀; the 4th bird is apparently a ♀ also). Since they have lots of stores down here, they've clearly been here since at least last fall; however, we are unfortunately at a virtually complete loss beyond that. I know I've been down in this area looking for (and seeing) the Black Oak birds in the past, but I can at present find no record of when those times were; I certainly cannot guarantee offhand that I've been down here since Winter 79-80. Thus, this group could even have lived and bred here last spring, and perhaps have existed here even longer. But I know they weren't here at least up to 2 yrs ago, say. For now, records will simply begin from this date-- 13 April 1025. Came by here with Byron; there are plenty of stores but none in any holes. We did flush 1 bird from the area. 26 April 945. Still plenty of stores. Saw ♀ Pa/De-#640. Looked around for holes. Found a nice flat with some nice big Valley Oaks but no holes. 27 April 3636 seen at 1600 at KeepOut (seen was Red/M or M/Red). He was chased out by some other ♂. 7 May None seen down here, nor was I successful in finding any other nice holes. 22 May Ron found and opened the nest here, finding 3 babies