1982 R.C. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus 1500 (19 May) remaining ♀ helper here (♀676 disappeared in early April) At least, the 2♂ sat side by side in the 130 flycatch tree without confrontation. Nonetheless, from 0850-1200 I have yet to see ♀601 in either of the storage trees. Primarily, she has been hanging out in the spindly V0 along the lane and down by big creeks. → The big news, however, is that she is being strongly guarded by ♂622 + ♂297, but not by ♂677! (See mate guarding data on reverse). This is very interesting for 3 reasons: ① ♂297 did not guard last year when he was the only ♂ in the group ② ♂622 is guarding a ♀ on his natal territory with his father ③ ♂677 may not regard ♀601 as mateable a nubile ♀, since she moved to 1500 little shortly after ♂677 thisap fledged! Very interesting. Alternatively, it could be because ♂677 is a subordinate 1 year old. He might guard ♀601 next year. Nonetheless (this ambiguity not withstanding) this is very interesting indeed. What's more, the breeding trio is very much interested in hole in a V0 on the W side of the dead lane directly across from the 1500 1º gravity. Unfortunately, it is one of those thin, dead stubs that could be a pain to open + then put back together. But the ♀ made several trips in and out, and I heard tapping. Birds were primarily eating catkins as they foraged in the Valley Oaks.