1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Plague Hastings Reservation 4 July Added another set of acorns into the Plague tree in an attempt to lure the babies back into the area. 26 July All this afternoon while I was working in the labs there was an intermittent racket here as if someone were quite upset. Occasional Kanits, calls, etc. by at least one excited bird in this area made me wonder what was up, but I never got a decent look at anyone. 29 July Still an odd amount of activity here this morning. 2 August 14:00. (1) ?♀? /♀? #482 atop Plague tree. 17:00. Still a lot of activity here. There are 2 birds but what's up? Two birds just disappeared up the hill behind the upper barn—possibly from Buckeye? Checked the hole here but found no sign of any remains of babies inside. 3 August 825. ?482 here again. 840. A flurry—3 birds in 20 tree; one being chased. @?16/♀? #473 remains behind to kanit-cut for several minutes. 17 September Purge: j488 and j489. Seen by Paul Williams over by MacRoberts on 24 June, not seen by Nancy Joste on 28 or 29 June; also only 26 birds roosted here on 5 July → Disappeared about 26 June. 21 September 14:00. Well. Another coup for the birds. Ron, by accident, stumbled upon no less than a nest with 2 babies in it up in the spring nesthole ☐ while I was gone on the 17th So I dashed up this afternoon and indeed, the babies were well along, and in need of banding (one (#521) weighed 79.4gm [wl 88mm], the other (#522) weighed 82.8gm [wl 86mm].