1982 R.C. Numme 3 Melanerpes formicivorus Gate 12 April Drive past, 0900, and it looks like a power struggle is in progress: Fighting, chasing, etc. Back with Alan + scopes, 1000: Hmm! Right off I find a FNB giving frequent garricks from a willow near the creek. Looks like there at least 2 other intruders too. However, all the breeders are here: 9519 + 8627 are conspicuous, and 8626 is here but keeping a low profile (not seen by me, but by Alan) Also 9601 + 9685 are here, but 9686 is missing, and I would guess gone for good. I would guess that this is just an attempted takeover- power struggle. By 1030, things calming down, the residents look in full control of the granary. Nonetheless, it is good to know that often birds try to takeover a territory. 13 April Lesliet E look in here, 1600. All quiet now, so it was definitely a short-lived power struggle. However, as we walk up, one ♀ is looking into the 1981 nest, and another ♀ is in the hole looking out 20 April Watching from the bridge, 1010: A ♀ is in the '81 hole, looking out, as I arrive. Its 9519, and she is followed out at 1020 by a ♂, with another ♂ nearby. Mate guarding has begun! See details on back: Also, Over on Square nail flat I find 3 birds (9519, 2♂) in the Broken Live Oak, and I also find a new hole in that live oak, near where the core 3 was hanging out. 9601 hole for a while. 8626, 8627, 9519 here + "tight" End 1140 Back at it 1440: A bit more data, but its tough here pm