1983 R.L. Numme Melanerpes formicivorus Finch 10Jan Watched here 1130-1300: 9614 a-d J817 are definitely gone. F see 863, 866, 9541, 8542, 9543, 8613 8616, a-d 9816 repeatedly and 8501 briefly. Conspicuously absent are 8282 and 8540, usually two of the more conspicuous birds. Interestingly, two of the sycamore roostholes overhanging the East bridge parking lot have fallen recently, but I found no evidence of woodpeckers in the remains. Finch birds were actively storing acorns in the Valley Oak. 866 a-d 9543 seemed especially busy. 17Jan ** GROUP UPDATE ** ① 8614 disappeared 16July ± 2 weeks. Last seen 6July, missing 26July ② J817 disappeared 1 Sept 1982 ± 1 month Last seen 26July, Gone by 5Oct. 21Mar Watching, 1120. 1300. Slow, but not too bad: 863, 866, 9541, 8542, 8543, 8613, 9816 all seen well + repeatedly. 8282 + 8540 still missing, as were 8501 a-d 8616. 31Mar Walter told me of a new hole under construction here in the usual nest limb. At 1120, I find a 8 with sawdust on his bill looking out of a very low hole in the sycamore. Worth keeping an eye on. This hole is in the live part of the limb, so it could be accessible by free climbing, though the short extension ladder would probably be best.