1991 Walter D Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Westgate HNHR (18 May) Note that the weather and visibility were downright pathetic this morning making observations very difficult. However, it's clear that the 88 are more or less following 91415, not 91473, around. Both 99 could have laid together (as far as we could tell, 91473 did go in the hole for 6 min. while 91415 was laying [along with the 2 88 - I have a hard time believing they could both fit in to lay]), but I to find this unlikely. It's far more probable that 91415 laid between 619-657 and 91473 between 712-805. Assuming this is true, 91473 restrained herself and did not toss 91415's egg even though she had an excellent opportunity to do so, not only when she went in to lay at 712 but even better, during a prior visit on the heels of 91415's laying at 657+. So: Restraint! Note also that Morné saw a clear dominance interaction between these 99 on 15 May (see his notes) with 91415 definitely dominant over 91473. Is it significant that 91415 is also the 9 being guarded (more or less) by the 88? 19 May • 815. Watched from 615 until now (see compilation); 91415 was in for a significant length of time right around 700 and (from observation) certainly laid. 91473 went in the hole several times subsequently but not for an extended period; I was less sure about her. So, checking the hole, much to my surprise, I discover 1 new fresh egg! The eggs from yesterday have been tossed! But why not today's egg? I quite doubt I missed anything this morning, and Roger watched yesterday in the afternoon. Heavens! What's going on here?