1987 Walker D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Plague HNHR 22 April 1420. Still 4 eggs. Clutch almost certainly complete. 24 April Early this morning Loretta did a nest watch. Starting at 730 I put nets up and eventually (945) caught 8723. Not perfect, but he'll have to do. The hope now is (1) the incubation will continue normally [hard to tell with the workmen all over the barn, which they are restoring], (2) I can catch 8521 in a few days when (after) I let 8723 go. For now, 8723 is in the aviary. 25 April A bird did roost in the hole last night. Also, Loretta did a watch this morning and they are still incubating (but not 8521, and there are still apparently large gaps where 8723 "would" have been incubating - they do not seem to be compensating for him very well!). 27 April 810. Let 8723 go, who, by the way, had a brood patch and a cloacal protuberance. He is fine except for a toenail that broke off. Katy is watching until 1100, when I'll check the hole. 8723 was out from 24-27 April (3 days). 1105. Still 4 eggs. Katy watched 'til now - 8723 only (probably) came to the hole once, but did not go in. 1530. Me here watching. (Workmen are here with macho equipment, but I think they'll be leaving soon.) 1730. Leaving. No sign of 8723 yet, but others are incubating just fine (including 8521 and a ♀ helper [4984]). 28 April Ambushed this morning, catching 9973 (Who I