1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Black Oak (total) Hastings Reservation 29 April 1845. At least 4 birds, here roosting in the '78 nest hole and the hole I just opened the other day. Add: ♂321, ♂426. Returned here ~30 March (see Bianca notes). ♀320. A definite problem. Last seen (prior to this month) for sure on 21 May 1978, but according to my notes I probably did see her again on 29 December 1978 and then again now on 19 April 1979. Thus the best I can assume is that this bird was probably here the whole time, and should be reinstated. 5 May 6S. None in any holes here. 6 May 1330. With a ♂ looking out of the '78 (etc.) nest hole, I went up and discovered 2 eggs - the 1st of the season! One was "fresh" (clean) [marked #2] while the other was dirty already and had a small dent at one end [marked #13]. Both were marked and returned. 7 May 1330. Checked the nest - still 2 eggs (the same 2 as yesterday) They were slightly dirtier than yesterday, however, so at least something has been going on here. 9 May 1630. Checked the nest - only one egg and it's stone cold. Also noone in the nest. This nest is clearly abandoned. 12 May 745. None in/out of any holes in passing. 17 May 1110. None in any holes here or seen in passing. 24 May 1030. A ♀ in the same old hole prompted me to go up and check. They are at it again with 4 eggs this time! 25 May 900. Hole checked: the same 4 eggs, warm. 26 May Watched the nest this morning from 630-930. See compilation on back. (cgo to p.5)