1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus School Hill Hastings Reservation (21 September) (Once again the "white-out" markings worked - but only barely. The babies are now large enough to put a band on). The unhatched egg did not contain a visible embryo and was apparently infertile. 1855. A minor disaster here when I returned late this evening to watch roosting and apparently managed to scare off the roosting ♂ entirely - a first. I waited until it was truly dark and impossible (?) for the bird to come without bursting through the night, and then went up and brought the 2 babies home. 22 September 8:50. After keeping the babies warm all night on a hotpad and feeding them well I returned them to their hole. ♀ Two birds were in the vicinity and noted my presence with Karrit-cuts. 1430-1645. Watched the nest: 000. ♀ looking out 30.00. Still looking out 5.37. ♂ left 5.40. ♂ landed w/ food but spooked and left. Total time watched: 135 min. ins. look out Total ♀ 260: 0 35.37. 35.37 45.50. Nothing. 1700. Checked the nest. Both babies were ok. 23 September 930. Watching nest (compilation on back). 1100. Going to check the nest. Oops! Things aren't so bad after all - the ♂ is in the nest and looked out when I approached! I did not check the nest. But I had better watch the nest more carefully from now on! 24 September After some more bumbling about I finally got in a 90 minute watch from 1100-1230 (see back). 25 September Watched the nest from 845-1145 (see compilation on back). Afterwards I checked the nest and weighed the 2 kits.