1978 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Haystack-Blonquist Hastings Reservation (11 May) the nest, finding an unchanged 7 eggs. 1930. Returned to watch at dusk in an attempt to find out which 8 roosts with the eggs, but the same 8 who was in the hole when I arrived at 1900 stayed in the whole time with no visits from the outside at all. Earlier next time!! 1934. A brief visit by somebody (it's dark!) but the bird flew off right away (after making sure someone else was inside already maybe?) 12 May 1840. Watching nest for their "rooster" again. 1850. 8 left nest. 1855. 8 173 in. 1910. 8 173 out 1912. 8 171 in. 1935. 2nd 8 (173) in; 1 8 out. Argh. 1936. 2nd 8 came to nest, called, got an answer ("Yes, I'm here") tipped in, left. 1937. 2nd 8 returned again ("Are you sure you're ok?") (Yes yes, I'm fine") seemed to get merely a "chatter" from the bird inside, then left. Foiled again. 17 May 1040. Bird at hole. 18 May Tried to pin down who roosts in the nest again tonight, but once again there was little hope, with the last bird coming in at 1930. Only one did roost in the nest, however: 21 May 1415. Opened the hole, first pulling out 8 247, who was in brooding the 5 babies and 2 infertile eggs. 1 of the babies was clearly starving and almost dead. Both infertile eggs were taken; both were "normal" sized.