1977 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Road 3 Hastings Reservation (26 April) 1610. ♂184 flew to low hole in sycamore, then up next to ♀30r/LB#68, who then also flew down and checked out the hole. 1614. At least 2 birds went into the hole briefly. 1615. Leaving. All birds flew off. 27 April 1845. A bird in the low hole in the sycamore prompted me to go up and check. I only used the device I made, but I'm pretty sure there was nothing in it yet. 1 May 1045. Bird in hole again. This time I went up and was able to see 5 eggs for sure. Therefore, either I messed up on 4-27 (4 days ago) or the 1st-year ♀ has laid at least 1 egg. Tomorrow it will be checked for sure. (Since the adult ♀ here laid eggs last year and fledged 5 young in 1975, I would be fairly confident of the former alternative as long as no further eggs appear here.) 2 May 1100. Opened the hole, which still contains 5 eggs, which were duly measured. No doubt I missed at least 1 egg on April 27th (all eggs look pretty fresh). 5 May 1515. Bird incubating. 6 May 1230. " 9 May 1145. " 12 May 1500. " 14 May 1510. Bird in hole; not flushed. Lots of acorns remaining here- 1515. Watching. Several birds here, inc. ♂#184; bird out of hole 1532. Several birds (2) just came with food - babies are hatched and still alive. Feeding is at least partially of acorn bits, which 2 birds are dealing with at an anvil and then flying to the hole with.