1977 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes fomcicivorus 1800 Hastings Reservation, (9 May) rasping or noises from the hole, but it's pretty far up and I. certainly could have missed them. In any case, it would appear either as though the nest here isn't yet a total loss, despite the wretched weather we've had ever since these poor babies hatched, or that it was indeed a loss and they've already begun again. 1545. ♂ went back in hole, ♀ on top of nest tree. My guess is that the nest is indeed still going. As soon as we have a decent day I'll go up and check for sure. 12 May 1130. Went up to the hole, evoking no response and hearing no sign of life. It was apparently a valiant effort on their part, but the weather, which had not improved on the 10th-11th of May, seems to finally have done them in. I did go around and count stores: Nest tree: 28 ? Main tree: 220 } 248 14 May 1630. Nobody seen here in a brief pass. 16 May 1245-1315. Nothing at all here going on. 20 May 1345. Watching. 1352. 2 girls heard in Main Tree; ♂ seen. 1358. There is an ♂ checking out the holes in the nest tree (i.e. dipping into them). 1400. The ♀ is on the storage limb in the nest tree. ♂ #43 is on its top. #43 dipped into the 2 nest holes also. ♂ hiding on the underside of the limb; it's possible he doesn't know for sure she's there. 1407. ♂ finally dropped down in tree, saw ♀, then went up, karrit-cut 2 tires, then as ♂ #260 flew over the ♀ intruder flew off. 1415. Leaving 2 residents o.k., but no new nest yet.