1981 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Plague (14 June) pole in front of the cabin. Several times (at least 5). I watch him probe into the wasp nest, pull out larvae (very white) and feed them to J661 in the Blue Oak or on the utility pole. Neat. 1130, Lucky, indeed. J660 + J661 show upon the utility pole, and after following them down to the secondary tree, I see dominate! 521 had been feeding J660, and had just left. J661 flew over and gave J660 a pair of gentle pecks to the head. 446 → J661 repeated a few seconds later, forcing J660 to the bottom of the branch. This is interesting, since I know J660 fledged first (see 4 June notes). Will be interesting to find out the sex of these guys. 2 July Both J660 + J661 at Y at 0700, being chased away by School Hill birds. (See Skill notes) 31 July With Frank + Walter under the plague tree, 1500, I spot both Juvs being fed by 521 in a small storage limb above me. Using Frank's binos, I see J661 pecks hard at J660 3 separate times. J661 clearly dominated! What's more J661 appears to have molted into 9 plumage, while J660 looks like a 8! Neat! A 9 dominating her brother. 3 Aug A quick look here 0730, confirm J661 in 9 plumage, and J660 8. Both have very white eyes now. 473 too 4 Aug Another quick look, 494 + 496, 521, J660, all present. 29 Aug 0700. Lots of commotion (Cinquefoil, chases, garricks waka rallies, etc.) A quick look at the birds on the utility pole near the cabin produces 494, 521, 473, J661.