1976 Walter D. Koenig 2 Melanerpes formicivorus Road 3 Hastings Reservation 29 April 1515. One bird was sitting in the perch tree when I drove by; the ♀ flushed from the lower hole in the sycamore nest tree when I investigated. 30 April 1000. All 3 birds seen (but not individually identified) plus - maybe a first - an intruder, who was briefly chased from over in the perch tree across the creek. Birds are hawking 1 May 1940. Drove by, finding one bird sitting in the sycamore nest tree and the other two each in their private holes. 2 May 1000. Flushing the ♀ out of the low hole again, I went up and opened it, finding 5 eggs, not quite fresh (e.g. barely translucent). 6 May 1600. Still 5 eggs. 7 May 1945. One bird in nest tree eating acorns, noise in nest hole. Take it back - somebody is in the nest hole. 12 May 1435. Watching hole. One bird flushed from nest tree, but nobody in hole. 1445. Well, there is indeed a bird in the hole - he just stuck his head out to pant awhile (excuse me - gular flutter). 1453. ♂ is still looking out of the hole waiting for someone to replace him. It would appear that hatching hasn't occurred yet - this is still incubation. 1815. Opened nest: nestlings sure have hatched! Estimated day 4 or 5 (0 = hatching day). I didn't have bands, so I marked them with Higgen's Eternel; hopefully it will last until tomorrow. For measurements, see today's Journal. The kids' eyes were closed, the back feather follicles were clearly visible. 14 May 1730. Measured the kits, who all look fine. Eyes not open yet, but back feathers just about to break through the skin. [go to p.4]