1976 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus School Hill Hastings Reservation 5 June 1415. Measured the kits, then collared them from 1430-1530 but either the collars weren't tight enough or they weren't fed (I suspect the latter). 8 June 1115. Measured the kits. Near the end, several birds came and karit-cutted in the area, including 8 WLW #195. 10 June 1200. Measured the kits, set up the ambush trap and went on now in the hide. 1215. 8 & 6 in storage area. Several others there also; drilling on acorns can be heard. (2) 3 WLW #195 there also. (3) 8 BP / Ca? #191 there. (4) 8 - 7 La #256 too. And a 5th bird at least. 1225. (5) 8 Or-Lo/or Ed-W/M #194. No wing streamer. Reeled 8 195. At least a 6th bird around. (6) 8 Red/ yell? #88 here. (7) 8 ub with food here. 1235. Birds have left the vicinity. 1305. 8 256 fed. 1325. 8 256 and 8 191 over in storage area; former still beating up on the latter when they get together. Is this why 88 seem to leave groups more frequently? There continues to be frequent begging by 2nd-year birds from the adults. 1353. 8 256 fed acorn bits, possibly some insect material also. 1402. Birds are doing some flycatching now. 1407. 8 256 fed again. 1410. 8 (ub?) came to rest, fed briefly, then flew off karit-cutting (saw me?) 1436. 8 191 fed. 1500. Feeding rates are undisputedly low. 5 feedings in 3 hours (or 5 in the 2 hours since the first feeding) is pretty marginal. As for the birds themselves, several of the 88 nest begone (8 193; probably one of the ub 88, maybe even 8 192). 88 are intact.