1983 R.C. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Plaque Hastings Reservation 17 Jan ** GROUP UPDATE ** ♂660 moved to Pipeline 10 Sept 1982 ± 1 month Last seen at Plaque 16 Aug, missing 5 Oct, First seen at Pipeline 27 Oct. ♂724 disappeared ~ 10 Sept 1982 ± 1 month Last seen at Plaque 16 Aug, gone by 5 Oct. 19 Feb Watching here, 1430 - 1600: ♂521, ♂494, ♂496, ♂721, ♂723 all seen well and repeatedly, but conspicuously absent was ♂473! No sign of him in the 1½ hours. Not totally convinced he's gone, but it doesn't look good. 3/March First spring granary census, and first watch to see of any sign of nesting. [illegible] Doesn't look like nesting is imminent. ♂521 + ♂494 acted quite independent of each other (although that may not mean anything now that ♂473 is gone) and no evidence of interest in any holes (although the birds spent about 20 min around MacRoberts. All 5 seen well plus two interesting intruders: ♀787 Red-yellow/M Yel-wht / Red-wht 1800 ad ♂710 D6m/M of Road 3. 4April Routine granary census, on back. All 5 birds seen. Also, Plague has a new nest hole under construction, in the 20th granary facing the creek. A nice hole. 1500, I climb up and peep in, no eggs, but starting to look pretty good. Very thick wood, unfortunately, but the hole doesn't look too deep. I'll have to open it soon.