1981 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus 4 1800 (29 April) Many more ♂-♂ copulations + mountings occurred before roosting. I'd say 10 total for the afternoon. ♂347 seemed more intent on screwing ♂476 than vice versa. Never saw any aggression between ♂♂, or mounting of the female. 3 May Watching from the lane 1130. Lots of action in the broken-stub hole on the S side of the granary (hole facing Big Creek). At least 3 birds in together on one occasion. Birds may or may not have laid yet. Watching from usual spot above granary 1610. ♂♂ still hot for following the ♀. No ♂-♂ mountings seen today though. Lots of action around the broken stub hole. I really should peep in there tomorrow. End 1730. 4 May Checked the stub hole here with the peeper. No eggs yet. These guys are going to be like Gate + Rd 3, keeping us waiting. 5 May Hole check at 1400. Still nothing 6 May Well, checked the stub hole with the peeper at 1500 and Legg! Laid today, without doubt. Will have to open soon 7 May Hole checked + opened at 1330. 2 eggs, another one laid this morning. Two eggs numbered 1+2, but this does not correspond to known laying sequence. Watching 1555. 1645, core 3, 9565, + others in top of granary when ♂561 flew from sap tree to the branch right next to ♀193. ♂476 immediately flew over and started