1982 R.C. Mumme Melanerpes forficivorus Buckeye (4 May) meaning the young have already hatched. This means that 25 May would be a good day to struggle up here with the extension ladder and band the birds. 24 May Alan has been watching here today and on 22 May, and has seen no activity in the nest hole. The implication is that the nest has failed @ (possibly because of my disturbance on 4 May?) and they may have a new nest somewhere. On 22 May I walked around here, and found no new holes as nobody looking out of any holes that I knew about. Today Alan saw a bird carrying food off to the large trees just to the north of the granary, but I found no [illegible] holes there. 1410, I'm watching the granary from the blind Very hot day All 4 helpers (♂663, ♀664, ♂665 ♀666) seen well + simultaneously in the granary, 1515: No evidence of food-taking. And where are the breeders? Could they be gearing up for a new nest and are in the throes of mate guarding? Could some disaster have befallen them all here nest failure? Ah, the mysteries of Buckeye! 4 June Watching here 0900-1130. Both ♂252 + ♂239 seen well, plus ♀664, ♂665, ♀666. But no evidence of a new nest. Almost every time the birds came to the granary, they flew off toward the north, to