1981 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Gate Hastings Reservation 13 April Start 1135. Neglected to write that I watched roosting last night. Didn't see what happened, really, but there was some substantial aggression between two of the birds, fighting + scrapping in the presence of the ♀. Today, ♀ following by ♂626 + ♂627 continues, though ♂627 was slacking off a few times (see reverse) End 1245. 16 April After seeing a bird looking out of the low broken stub hole at 1440, I return to check the nest at 1630 and find it still empty. I do, however, introduce 1 fake egg into the nest. Hopefully, it will be tossed out within a day or two. 18 April Nest check at 1700 and the ♂ fake egg is gone! N=2! Thrown out within 48 hours. Also, these guys have not started laying themselves yet. 19 April Watching the granary at roosting, I don't see anything! 20 April Check the stub hole after seeing a bird at the hole this morning, 1800, still no eggs. 22 April Another check, no eggs. Perhaps those guys are in another hole? I'll watch here tomorrow 23 April Watching here 1320, ♂♂ Still hot on following the ♀. No interest shown in any holes, however. As before, ♂627 not quite as a persistent follower than ♂624, 1430, lots of intruder action, the only one I see is good old ♂540 from Finch M / LPAK. 1450, Also ♂501 <Blue-or/LBInt as ♂542, both from Finch. ☐ Concentrating their activities in the Live Oak near the gate that still has acorns. That must be the attraction. 1500, All of all birds, Q601 missing