1983 R.L. Numme Melanerpes formicivorus Road I 4 April Spring grany census & watch for signs of nesting, 0745- 0945. 9269, 9383, 8486, 8244, 8579, 8580, 8672 all seen. 9578 not seen, and 9804 seen fleetingly, but not convincingly. The important news is that the birds are indeed excavating a new hole in the new sycamore along the creek. Also, it looks like a bit of mate guarding is getting underway here. 8486 seems to be following 9269 fairly closely, although it looks like guarding is not in full swing. Also, I think 8486 spent a fairly long bout in the hole by himself, suggesting that guarding is not completely sure, yet. Back in the afternoon, I climb up (not too bad, with rope ladder) and saw open the new hole (a little thick, but not too bad), to find that the hole has a way to go yet. Not very deep, very narrow inside, and a pointed bottom. Still should be some time, if they use this hole. (Possible my opening will scare them off). 5 April Aquiots look 1015, I find a 8 (9269?) looking out of the new hole, so I appear not to have scared them off. 6 April Grany census, 1415-1615. Lot of action around the new hole, but not that much action at the grany. 8486's guarding of 9269 is still quite weak, it indeed ho's guardig at all. 7 April Checked the new hole 1440, lots of progress has been made! should be ready for eggs within a week.