Howell, T.R. 1948 sphyrapicus varius daggetti 8mi. N. and 13 mi. W. of Canby, 4700ft., Modoc Co., Calif. May 22 (cont'd.) - Then another Sapsucker screamed several times and this bird (call it bird A) flew off. 15 minutes later I heard a few screams (they vary from 1 to 6 in succession) (and another similarly colored) and a moment later bird A returned to the feeding spot. It was immediately followed into the tree by two others. Then two of the three now in the tree flew, including the presumed bird A. The one remaining was a typical daggetti, and it picked about the holes, including the one bird A had freshly dug, for about a minute and then flew away. 5 minutes later the presumed bird A returned and began to peck a new hole above the last one; then it screamed 6 times and departed. 10 minutes later I heard several screams, and a typical daggetti flew in and picked at the holes. I could see it swallow but could not tell what was being swallowed. This bird then began pecking another hole to the left of those of bird A. The holes are apparently through the bark and are filled with fluid. Unfortunately I cannot sex these birds without collecting them. I am not sure whether the drumming procedure is a declaration of territory or part of a