Howell, T.R. 1950 S.varius ssp. 29 mi. SW of Princeton, ft, British Columbia June 2 - (cont'd.) tree 15 yds from the nest. 3:08- n. struggles out, drops to her usual branch 2 ft. below the nest. Both r. and n. engage in fly- catching close by the nest tree, frequently going within a few inches of the nest itself. 3:20 n. finally goes back in the nest; r. drifts off, flycatching. There are many insects visible in the bright sunlight. 3:50 - n. struggles out, taking a full minute, drops to her usual branch, looks around, preens. 4:00 P.M. - n. hitches up and down the nest tree above and around the nest, flycatches. 4:30 - n. finally leaves the nest tree, out of my sight. 4- [illegible] 4:45 - n. return directly to the nest, then sits looking around and preening for 10 minutes. Sapsuckers must be among the preeningest of all birds. 4:55- n. finally goes in the nest; I leave. This behavior leaves me uncertain whether the birds have eggs or not. They are definitely not working on the nest cavity, for they do not cast out any chips. I was sure they were in- cubating until the nest was left empty for a full 65 minutes -3:50 to 4:55 P.M. Of course the sun is on the nest tree all day, although never directly in the nest, and it may get pretty hot inside. Still, I don't believe the birds count on that. 53 mi. SW of Princeton, ft., B.C. June 3 - Clear except for slight haze, not very cold. Arrived at 6:10 A.M, stayed until 10:30A.M.