1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes fomiceivorus 4 (Hastings Reservation) (27 May) by the creeks just down from the Y - there is clearly a root hole here that I did not know about before. 3 June While standing near the barn with Debbie, Ted, and Kelley watching various goaties in the area we saw 3+ birds here, none of whom were identified particularly conclusively. However, we did see a brief 1-part mounting, apparently involving the 8 and 8"259; thus I had best keep my eyes open over here because something may happen yet. 9 June 955. I went to look at the old cut nesthole right at the Y, where I'd seen a Bluebird previously, but saw nobody. I did, however, happen upon looking up in the tree for once, where there was a limb with 3 pretty good holes in it, one with an AW looking out at me! 1330. Opened the nest: they have 3 young babies & plus 1 infertile (translucent) unhatched egg, which I removed. 10 June 1630. Despite seeing a bird back in the hole yesterday evening, there seems to be nobody within now and I hear no sounds. It seems clear the nest has failed, not too surprising given the really poor condition that even the heaviest of the 3 kits seemed to be in yesterday afternoon. 1815. Opened the nest to find the 3 dead babies. I must be sure to try and find out whether or not this group still has acorns in the locusts; I suspect not. It's now also obvious why nest success can only be overestimated. One more day here (without my purely random discovery of the nest yesterday) and I would have missed it entirely. 12 June Birds roosting in the sycamore along the creeks. 8"259 seen. Go to P.15