Maimafu, Eastern Highlands Province, 06 30.10 S 145 01.49 E, was experiencing numerous fires until around 3 Dec 97 when rains increased. Area is normally very wet mid-montane forest. During the study, leaf litter and mosses were exceptionally dry. The study found high numbers of netted birds in active molt or with brood patches. This suggests stress was not too bad for many birds. Found six active nests without searching. Fat scores of netted birds were significantly HIGHER than from birds netted nearby during non-drought years. These result were unexpected, I had anticipated more evidence of stress. Bird of Paradise leks (2) were active. A short note is in prep. I suspect that possibly the absence of rain freed more time for foraging among birds that are usually constrained in their foraging by frequent, heavy rain.--Andrew L. Mack <a.mack@conservation.org>