2001 Walter D Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Blompond HNHR 25 May 900. Spent another hour trying and failing to get into the renest here, which is way down in a knothole in the sycamore. But, the babies have hatched, so plan on banding them (assuming I make it in here eventually) about 6/12. 30 May 930. Still didn't make it all the way, but reached 1 baby, so with luck I'll be able to get them for banding. But do it early! 7 June 1330. Banded the kids - a horrible feat, since I had to reach way in and scoop them out. I can't be positive I got them all, but I think I did; having ended up with 5. 26 June 1100. Found 2 of the kids dead beneath the hole; both were at least a week older than when I banded them. They were B1k-Wn/Red and (not sure which leg) Mv/16a-(B/a) 1200. Checked the (Starling) hole: 1 egg! Unfortunately, I couldn't reach the bottom, so I'll have to come back to open it. 30 July 900. Banded the 2 kids in the 2nd nest here. This is The last (known) nest of a truly breathtaking year! 2 August 1300. Caught The 92968 in a net we set up at our pond at The School House for (with) The Birkhats.