1977 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Gate (♀) Hastings Reservation 21 May 1815. Watching. Bird in hole; ♂ pub atop Wa tree. 1830. ♂58 took the place of the ♀; couldn't tell if he had food or not. 1840. Still incubating? 26 May 1845. Watching. Nobody looking out of hole. 1853. ♂ pub atop Wa tree. 1935. Absolutely no interest shown in the nest, nor is there a bird in it this time. Definitely looks grim. 27 May 150D. Nobody in hole in Wa tree. However, a bird was in the lower hole in the willow by the creek, prompting me to go over there. He flushed, leaving numerous rasping babies!! I haven't been duped this completely in a long time! I must admit that I'm quite pleased the nest wasn't in the Wa tree after all, however. This one will have to be cut open as soon as possible. 29 May 1430. Hole opened: 5 babies! Pretty far along. All were marked and measured. I also found a Rocket Red wing streamer on the ground almost below the hole, which I presume was ♂238's. It was definitely well worn. 2 June 930. Watching hole; ambush set up for unbanded birds. 1030. Given up on the ambush part; now just watching. 1115. Somehow, this just isn't working out. I'm leaving. 5 June 1945. Heard some reassuring rasps from the nest. 6 June 1400. Banded and measured the babies as #s 394 to 398. 7 June 1230. Bird in the hole in the White Sycamore. It is just dawning on me that this group might just be crazy enough to have a second clutch here... 8 June 1815. Bird in White hole, I dare say I bet it is a 2nd nest...!