1994 M. Stanback M. Formicivorus Plge (3 Apr) This Easter day, which had been marked by successes, is now marred by disaster. At 1430 I climb Plge nest to see if they've laid their First egg. It's wet out so I opt not to wear my climbing boots. I get to the nest I start to peep, r I Fall - a nice 4 foot drop r smash into the trunk r a limb. I have a bloody r sore shin, but worst, I dropped by peeping mirror! Bugger. I open the hole - empty! This was my 3rd Fall in 9 years r > 4000 climbs (UAZ, Mill, r now Plge) 4 Apr 1145 Bird at the lower hole! 1500 Climbed (couldn't resist) Empty. 5 Apr Hello - nada 6 Apr Hello - nada 7 Apr 0825-0830: watch - nada, later hello - nada 1050-1100: "" "" "" 11 Apr 1700 Hello - nada 12 Apr 0730 Chases, garvicks, extra birds... ?.. Walt Finds Fresh eggs 23 Apr Caught HF over at CVGR ps (was there yesterday) 26 Apr Bugger all! I make the wet, slippery, dirty climb only to Find that Walt's already done it. 24.8 20 29 Apr 1330 LW=5.5, LL=4.2, - =5.2. Runt egg there (I removed) 30 Apr 1230-1310. Tried trapping. Nada. 1452 The die is cast (whether it was a wise move remains to be seen. At least Jeremy did get a watch