1977 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus 23 (26 June) 2039.8261 came with food but did not go in, possibly because of me. 2052.916 came, stayed to 2055 when- 2055.8322 came, stayed only very briefly. 2100.8261 came, went in hole, started looking out. I thought he was definitely it until 2102.8322 came, went inside; 3 seconds later one of the birds flew calling out toward the main area. Needless to say, I don't know for sure who stayed and who left, but my guess is that 8261 remained; in any case, it seems pretty clear that both were ready to assume that duty if necessary. 27 June 735. Watching. 946.916 (loaded w/ insects). / 757.8261 (fed insects). Followed immediately by 757.916 (loaded w/ insects). / 812.8261 (" " ). Removed fecal sac. 825.916 (" " ). 835. Leaving. Back shortly to measure the babies. 905. Returned to measure the kits, who are all fine. Developmentally, their eyes are open (not wide, but open nonetheless); the upper and lower mandibles are now the same length; the white egg tooth is still present though; toes claws and upper mandible darker (white egg tooth edges a ridge darkening) Feather papillae of remiges, rectrices, back, wing, tail, coverts have all broken through the skin; crown can be seen to look red but feathers not through skin there yet. Tracts have about all coalesced; on lower back papillae are distinct rods looking like splinters. Papillae are all out of the skin by <1mm (except remiges/rectrices).