1982 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Road 1 26 April Peeped in, 1600: 8 eggs, so both 99 are definitely laying. I have decided to take the clutch when its complete, and let these birds nest again. 28 April As promised, 1400 I remove all 8 eggs from the nest, See nest record for details, 1 May 0800 - 0900, First watch here after clutch removal, from PO Hill. Several interesting developments: ① 7486 appears to be following 9269 again: It good sign! It could mean renesting fairly soon. ② Birds shopping around for various holes. The leading candidate appears to be the new black oak hole just below the 1981 nest hole. 9269 went into that hole for ~5 min, with 7486 looking in most of that time. 7486 also entered after she left, which may mean that he's not totally serious about following her yet. Also, I saw who I thought was 9383 what looked like enter the '81 hole briefly and fly out with a piece of Starling wing (?)! Could they have killed the Starling in the hole? Will check it tomorrow. 7486 also went into the 81 hole for a few seconds, but left with nothing. Also, 9269 made a brief entrance into the middle of the 3 holes in the dead stub of the Valley Oak above the Black Oak. Will keep an eye on it. Tomorrow I'll watch from the blind ad from the road (to keep an eye on the 2°g holes). → ③ Also, note that 9578 has won a power struggle at Blom 2, and has apparently moved there. See Alan's notes.