1978 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes fomincivorus Westgate (=Gate) Hastings Reservation (16 May) intruder. 805. @30 or DG/or #238. More action over on the inner side of the creek. But where are the babies?? 835. Those 5-6 birds that there are keep coming over to this side (to the '77 nest area and/or the Live Oak). Looks good for the nest being here (ultimately, at least). 840. One of them finally: @Fye-Blefm #397 with 9433 in Gake tree. 955. ! Well well - the Beggars fooled me again! Believe it or not, @3 M/Reb-DB#396 is in the Gake tree - with ½ an eggshell in his bill! Today is hatching day, and I daresay it's time for me to go find and then open the nest. 1520. After 2½ hours of sitting on the side of Haystack, opening the hole in the Live Oak, and wandering for some time through the Boston Oak across the road from the Gake tree examining trees I fear I am forced to admit that I'm stuck! If it hadn't been for the eggshell episode, I'd confidently state that they don't have a nest. As it is, I guess I have to convince myself that maybe they don't knowing full well that they do and that I'll kick myself when I discover where it is. The birds are definitely sapsucking here (that perhaps is their main activity over here on the Live Oak field side of the creek) as well as hawking. Their nest, if any, can't be too obvious... 17 May 1555. Nobody in any holes here. 19 May 1500. " " " " 27 May 1800. Bird in the hole I cut open on 16 May. Finally, maybe? No! Egg- tossing & Cophagy! 30 June 1981 If only ! I'd known!