1982 R.C. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Low Hay 11 Feb Granary census 1125-1325. As I walk up I find ♂669 of Y [illegible] Or-Dblue/white Metal/, intruding briefly. ♂461 near, but no obvious response. ♂669 may "know" ♀523, since she helped raise him at S Hill last year. After that, sheer dullsville. I going to move the blind here above the granary. My presence may be disturbing these birds, so I'll try next time in the blind. Only ♀524 and ♂461 seen. 18 Feb Again, granary census 1435-1635. A little better today. Perhaps the blind does help. Anyway, a complete census (♂461, ♀9523, 524, 587 all here) and a few granary defees as well). 21 Feb Another granary census, 0830-1030. This one was pretty hot defense-wise. Lots of intruders about, including ♀664 from Buckeye and ♂695 from 1800. Complete census, all 4 birds see well. A very springlike day. The "core 3" were doing a lot of friendly greeting to each other, and the ♀s were looking very "precopulatory", if that's a word. Tail raising, opening walking, flying to ♂461, etc. The granary here is beginning to let out, adding to the general spring atmosphere. Also saw ♂587 give some chatters in the presence of the breeders, but it was difficult to tell whether they were directed toward the ♂ or the ♀. 22 Feb Another granary census, 1420-1620. Pretty slow, cool cloudy, windy day. Only real high point was a flock of 8+ pigeons in the granary rutting oak buds, being vigorously chased by ♂524 (and mildly by ♂587).