1979 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus 1500 Hastings Reservation (16 May) good news: first, he flushed the ♀ out of the hole when he arrived; second, he saw all 3 birds pre-roost mount on top of each other (a true ménage à trois), and finally, a bird did roost in the hole. Thus, it would seem as though the nest is on after all! 17 May 1350-1620. Watched the nest at 1500. See compilation on back. [illegible] 1500. 848 seen in the Plague tree staggering out — [illegible] 18 May 1400-1630. Watched the nest, where incubation continues. See compilation on back. 19 May 720-1020. Watched the nest, see compilation on back. Note the interaction between 8297 and 8298 at 11.30 again suggesting that 8297 is subordinate. 24 May 645. As expected, hatching has begun (?) here. The 2 babies were both young and probably hatched late yesterday. The other 3 were still eggs, and though opaque and shiny, there was liquid which moved around in each of them, suggesting that they probably will not hatch. 25 May 615. Weighed the 2 babies, who are still very small. I also removed the 3 eggs, which are still unhatched and clearly going to remain so. Checking the 3 eggs, all 3 had a small (~6mm) embryo; thus all had been fertilized. 2 June 1045. Weighed the 2 babies, who are both in good shape. I tried collaring them from 1100-1300, but to no avail — there were no feeding visits during this entire period. There are also still stores remaining here.