Howell, T.R. 1950 S. varius ssp. 29 mi. SW. of Princeton, ft., British Columbia May [illegible] 11 (cont'd) leaves. N. back behind tree. 6:37: B. appears 50 yds from "N's tree," works about just looking; flies over to a Flicker which is tapping, and seems to chase the Flicker; then it chases R. B. goes to a stub just like the one Y. is on, looks in a hole several times; then over to "N's tree," crown feathers raised. No squawks heard. N. leaves with a rattle. In a few moments, R. leaves also, in a different direction. 7:00 A.M. I am now on the north side of the tree, approximately; N. appears quietly, goes right to a hole about 5 ft from the top and 25 ft from the ground, facing west, and begins to dig. It is already deep enough for N. to get half-way in, and the bird works vigorously, pulling out beakful of chips, and then resting quietly and looking around. At 7:12, during one of these rest periods, there are yelps from down the slope. In a minute or so, N. flies off in that direction. I am fairly sure that N. is a F, as the upper throat looks whitish, but I will have to get a better look to make sure. It is, of course, certain that R. is the mate. 7:17- tattooing in the near distance, farther up the slope. 7:20- R. at nest, begins work immediately; then stops for a few minutes of preening, then starts work again. 7:35- Screams, not sure from which bird; N. up to nest by direct flight, crown feathers raised, bobs slightly squawks; R. stays at nest; N. flies off; R.