1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanorpes formicivorus 1500 Hastings Reservation 15 May 815. Hole opened: 5 eggs, measured and returned. 930-1115. Watched the nest. Nobody ever entered it (except for a Bluebird); thus, incubation must really just be beginning. 0.00. Nothing 0.00. Nothing 9.45. 8298 looked into hole 955. Leaves. 1500. Bluebird checking out hole. 2000. 9 here. 2300. 9 flew over and greeted 8298 - vigorously. 2950. 8297 on branch. 8298 flew to him. 8297 chattered at 8298 for several seconds, 8298 did not chatter back. 535. 8435 at hole 710. 9 flies off. 000. 1500. Still nothing. Watched for 105 minutes. Note the dominance interaction between the 88 at 2950. 1930. All of a sudden it looks very bad for the nest here. Though my disturbance this morning was minimal, none of us saw any visits into the hole all day and, even worse, none roosted in the hole tonight. Whether this was my fault or the result of the Bluebirds who were hanging out there much of the day (and actually seen going into the hole by Nancy) or some unknown third catastrophe between 815 and 930 is anyone's guess. However, it looks like a premature end here. I may learn more tomorrow when I check the hole again. 16 May 730. Checked the hole, which had none in it but still had all 5 eggs and except that they were cold, looked fine. I suppose they may do it yet with these eggs. 1930. Larry watched the nest this evening and reported (go to p.5)