1979 Walter D. Koenig 16 Melanerpes formicivorus School Hill Hastings Reservation 29 September Watched the nest from 800-1100 - but saw little, as the birds here seem to remain extremely shy. 8402 was here, however, and provided the only brooding visit of the morning. See compilation on back. Afterwards I checked the nest and measured the babies. 1840. Tonight at dusk I watched from the hide only to find that no one roosted in the nest again (at least by the time it was definitely dark)! And this time I can't imagine that I scared the bird off, since no one even approached the hole. This is a first - and I'm particularly impressed that the babies are still making it with treatment such as this. 30 September 810. Walked by and heard noises still coming from the nest. 1 October 1805. Checked the nest, where both babies are doing just fine! 6 October 800. Checked and measured the babies, who are still fine! 9 October 715. " " " " " " 715-945. Watched the nest (150min), managing to see no feeding visits at all. These birds are definitely causing problems. 13 October Watched the nest from 1430-1630, again with no feeding visits, though at 1625, 8402 flew into the nest tree with a load of insects before shying off. This group is clearly hopeless to get any further data on; I have no idea why they're so wary but there's no doubt but that they are. At 1630 I went over to band the babies, who are now #523 and S24. 15 October Watched the nest this morning from 900-1130, seeing a