1981 R.L. Mumme 3 Melanerpes formicivorus Road 1 12 April Start here 1000; Not ready to nest. I saw 9269, ♀383, and a ♂ (486?) in the nest hole at various times, all throwing chips out. 9269 seemed to be without escort by ♂486, and I later saw him more away from 9269 on 2 occasions. A complete census, however: 9269, 9383, ♂486, ♀294, ♂577, ♀578, ♂579, ♂580 all spe- well. Will watch here again 14 April, say? End 1120. 14 April Watching the hole under construction here at 1020. Yesterday I got a string up in the tree 1045, I find 9269 down by the 1980 nest area. When she flies back to the granary, she is followed by a unknown bird. Uhh-Oh. 1135, ♀383 has just spent the last ½ hr in the new hole in the Black Oak, tapping away. Immediately after entering, she threw a few wood chips out. ♂486 followed her to the nest area or looked in a few minutes, then flew back to the granary. He may have "visited" briefly during this time. 1143, 9269 goes to hole, with a ♂ (486?) following, In briefly, leaves with wood chips (a mouthful). 16 April Watching from my spot above the granary at 1300. Walter watched here this AM as ♀383 laid a runt egg and threw it out herself. 1410. quitting for now. Just not getting anything. Complete census, but it looks like ♂294 is not really following ♀383. 17 April Start watch from PO Hill, after a short watch at the Black Oak nest hole here. ♀383 laid an egg here today, and has not thrown it out yet. Egg normal.