1982 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Arnold I 10 March ** GROUP UPDATE ** ♂566 disappears 5 Jan 1982 ± 2 weeks Last seen on 11 Dec 1981. Missing on 27 Jan ♀567 returns to A1 14 Feb ± 2 weeks Last seen at FA on 27 Jan 1982, definitely booted out of there on 20 Feb 1982, and comfortably back at A1 on 9 March. 9 April Counted stores, 1330: 1650 Total Several A1 birds seen up at KO, plus ♀680 ms seen in the A1 granary 28 April After seeing birds in the traditional A1 nest hole the last two days, I opened it up today at 1730 + found 4 eggs, 3 normal and one obvious runt! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to measure the runt. The hole had been slightly deepened since last year, and even after a good bit of sawing on the inside of the hole, I was able to just barely touch the eggs, I'm sure I'll be able to reach and remove banding age fledged young. Also, if the runt is left in the hole after hatching, I might risk trying to salvage it then. I would guess that this nest is at the same stage as Black Oak: Hatching ~ 5 May, Banding maybe 27 or 28 May. Also, 8 May would be a good day to climb up to the hole to check for hatching. 11 May Checked nest, 3 babies 1 unhatched runt (see nest record) 29 May Banded 3 nestlings, Juvs. 760-762: See capture records 7 June Counted stores, 1630: 1460 Total. I may have missed a branch on 9 April and undercounted by ~300