1985 Walter D Koenig 2 Melanerpes formicivorus Blomone HNHR 25 April 700. Ambushed the lower (new) hole, bagging 8492 (who I wanted for the temporary ♂ removal) and 990 (!), the one I banded at Blomtwo (!!). No eggs or anything else in the hole. 2 May 1700. Bird in new hole in Valley Oak by path (just up from old hole). I opened it: empty but in good shape. They could be close here! The experiment could work after all! 7 May 1145. Fin hole: 2 eggs, fresh! 11 May 1545. Checked the hole: 8 eggs! 13 May 630. Released 8492! Then checked the hole, where the 8 eggs are still there. The ♂ immediately flew to the top of the nest tree and kamit-ed, after which he flew to the granary. 14 May 1820. Well! I'll have to check to see how Missy's watch went this morning, but he appears to have done it! The nest is empty! 5 June 1200. Despite our attempts to find this one, they managed to slip one in on us in a new hole, where they now have 6 fresh eggs. They very well may still be laying, however. I was hoping to get this one because they have 3 breeding ♀♀ here! 6 June This morning Mark watched and saw noone going to the hole. What's up? Surely they haven't abandoned just because we opened the hole? **Group Update** Add 8812. This bird clearly participated in the 1st nest, but was apparently not present during Philip's 31 Jan census>