1980 Walter D. Koenig 2 Melanerpes formicivorus Finch Hastings Reservation 21 March Purge: 3499. Last seen 10 Oct. 79. Gone by 17 December -> Dis. about 13 Nov. ±1 month. 10 April Nobody in any holes here at 910 16 April 1400. Went up and opened the nest hole (in the sycamore by the bridge) where there are 6 (!) eggs. 18 April 1650. Checked the nest - still 6 eggs. 26 April 1700. Checked the nest- 4 babies plus 2 unhatched eggs. The babies were measured, banded, and returned 13 May 1500. Checked the holes- no sign of a second nest so far. 14 May 1600. Banded and bled the babies, all 4 of whom are fine (which is more than I can say for the weather, which is rotten). They are #540-543. 15 May 1700. None in any new holes. 22 May 1115. "" "" 2 June 1400. Checked the nest hole (where Ron had seen a bird looking out) to find 5 eggs. 6 June 1415. Checked the hole: still 5 eggs. 1650. Counted stores: Valley Oak: 345 Main Sycamore: 169 Misc. oyc: 166 } 680. Also decreased markedly. 18 June 1800. Checked the babies, of whom 4 have made it thus far. No other sign of the 5th 3 July 1500. Banded and bled the babies, who are now #613-616. They were all in good shape- a lot of ectoparasites, but ok anyway. 14 July Sandy came back from a nestwatch here at about 1300 with a bagful of feathers, which were found in 2 distinct piles right below the roost holes facing the road in the Sycamore granary (and this year's nest tree). They were (go to p. 4)