1981 R.C. Munne Melanerpes formicivorus Plague 19 April Walked up to the Buckeye canyon hole at 1630, pulled out the two eggs that were still there (for use in egg-toss experiments). At about 1530, while up at the cabin, I saw Plague birds going in and out of the hole in the 2° tree. Definitely interested, and since Buckeye canyon hole wasn't cleared out yet, it looks good for the 2° tree hole. Interesting to see how long it takes these guys to renest. Watching 1700. Walt Byron just checked hole, no eggs. 1710, 9494 + another bird in the Plague tree scaling moss off past the branches. One trip up the Adobe Hill worried me, but I walked back to the canyon hole area and saw no birds. End 1730. 21 April Watching back in the Buckeye canyon area at 1500. 8473, 8321, 9496 back here. 1530. FUCK! 9496 enters the upper hole of the 2 canyon holes. I fear we have already Blown it here -- AGAIN! Will have to open it pronto. Incidentally, while here at 1515, saw a nice prolonged copulation between 8473 + 9496. On a horizontal branch of a Blue Oak, good tail twist underneath the 9, good cloacal contact. 8521, nearby, flew over and gave 8473 a gentle peck near the end of the copulation. Concurrent with the peck, 8473 + 9496 flew apart. End 1540. Going to get gear to check hole. Hole finally opened at 1700. 2 goddamn eggs, very different in size. Probably laid today. (1) 25.7 x 19.5 (9494?) (2) 27.1 x 18.5 (9496?) That's the way it goes. Also stayed with these guys