1981 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Lower Arnold Z Hastings Reservation (17 February) has all the characteristics suggesting a definite 1st yr bird (!) She was banded as #637. Meanwhile, there was already some activity in the area involving at least 2 or 3 other unbanded birds (one of whom was probably the new unbanded ♂ who roosted in the out tree in the higher roost hole). When released, the ♀ immediately flew to the granary and began chasing out the other birds. Also I cleaned out the old nest hole in the Blue Oak (actually yesterday) which turned out to be full (at least several inches worth) of wet wood chips. See back for details. 18 February 1715. Added some dry wood chips into the old nest hole as I was going up to set an ambush at the upper hole, hopefully to nab the unbanded ♂. 1750. All 3 birds here. 69 LP/BIR #637 seen. 19 February 1100. Almost nabbed the ♂ again this morning, but he slipped out somehow (a full moon did not help). Purge: 8610. Last seen 11 Sept. 1980 by Ron; gone and replaced by 29 Nov. (my watch) → Disappeared about 20 Oct. 1980 ± 1 month Add: 8846 (still unbanded). Moved here ~20 Oct. 1980. Purge: 8507. Last seen at LA2 on 11 Sept. (Ron); seen by me at A1 on 22 Oct. Probably gone by 29 Nov., definitely gone by 7 Jan.81 → Disappeared ~10 Nov. 1980 ± 2 wks replaced by 8845 (now #637). An interesting group—now has 2 unrelated ♂♂ both in a position to breed along with a new ♀ (1st-yr!)