1981 Walker D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Upper Arnold 2 Hastings Reservation 9 January 1420. Watching from hide. 1440. ①♀ M/P#591 down in the Valley Oak roost tree. 1500. ②♀591 up in the granary shagging some Dickey-bird out. 1505. A ♂ here also, but he split before I could identify him. 1515. Leaving. Need another watch, preferably earlier in the day. 12 January 1300. Watching. 1407. In the canyon eating an acorn in a Black Oak is ①♀ wh-dr/M #621. (She's too far away to see well, but that's my guess). For a moment at least there were 2 ♂s in the tree with her. A 2nd ♀ there as well: ♀ M/#591. Probably the whole group! ③♂M/DB-? #590. All 4 birds right together. 1445. After staring at the birds for ½ hr, the dominant ♂ finally moved. My look at him wasn't great, but he was banded and did indeed appear to be ♂DB/18-0#123. 1450. Leaving. Everyone ok here. 2 February 1600. Counted stores: Main tree: 1335 2205. 2nd tree: 870 Also saw ♀591 while counting, and took a sample of 50 acorns for my own uses. 7 April 1440. Counted stores: Main tree: 1535 2570. 2nd tree 1035 So far this is the only group that seems to have improved its storage situation since February. And they really are in good shape: they literally have acorns stuck everywhere! I did not see anyone while here, however. 26 April No one seen in any holes in passing. 27 April 1500. ①♂ M/or-? #590 over on back side of A1 (toward UA2).