1977 Walter D. Koenig 24 Melanerpes formicivorus Hastings Reservation. 29 June 1000. Measured the babies, The latest developmental report: Upper mandible all darkish; lower still dark only along central ridge. Claws quite dark, toes still pink. Eyes wide open. Red crown feathers just barely popping thru skin. Most all papillae thru skin; feathers just barely breaking thru the sheaths in rectrices, wing coverts, body feathers. Sheaths not quite broken in remiges. Egg tooth small but still conspicuous. 1630. Watching nest. 1650. 916 (removed fecal sac). / 1703. 916. 1710. 8261 (fed insects). / 1714. 8322 (fed insects). 1724. 916 (" ") / 1741. 8261 (" " removed fecal sac) First "dipping" into nest. 1802. 916 (" " removed fecal sac) / 1803. 8261 (just dipped inside possibly did not feed) 1805. 916 (needed only to dip inside to feed babies! Tail visible the whole time. 1815. Leaving, 2030-2100. At dusk, the activity consisted of ① 8322 briefly entering the hole at 2052; ② 916 entering for a minute at 2055, and finally ③ 8322 returning at 2058 to stay for the night. "Several" others obviously are roosting next door in the big Valley Oak. 30 June 1515. Have collared the babies and am now watching the nest. 1543. 916 (insects). Went all the way into the nest. 1602. 916 landed on lip; stayed to 1614 dipping shallowly twice; probably did not feed. 1615. Going to recover whatever I can. 1730. Recovered more insects after leaving the babies collared another hour