1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Lower Arnold 2 Hastings Reservation 13 June 1545. Checked the nest, where there are 2 healthy babies and no further sign of eggs. 19 June 1920. Flushed a bird from the nest, leaving squealing babies. 26 June 1430. Both babies still here and doing well (smaller has a very small bill, however). 29 June Began by ambushing the nest hole with the net, successfully nabbing the unbanded ♂, who is now 8610. This was followed by banding the 2 babies as #611 and 612. #612, as noted above, is really an odd beast. Not only is his bill short, stout, and virtually sparrow-like, but his tarsi are so short that I could really only put a single band on each leg. However, he weighed a reasonable amount (~53gm), and even though he's well behind his sibling I think there's a pretty good chance that he'll make it. 5 July 1415. Checked the nest to see how the kids are doing and to get some pictures of the weird one. Both were fine. 5 August 945. Nobody seen here in passing. Also I couldn't find any stores anymore: Ω. 3 October 900. Still No stores here. I watched for 10-15 min but didn't see any birds, either. 11 October 905. Watching here. 910. 3 birds together in the Valley Oak perch tree. Light is not good but I is j M/DB-6B #611 (I think a ♂, but I'm not certain). 913. All 3 gone; now ♂ LB-Red/LB-Red #626 from Black Oak (Bianca) up there, looking furtive. 915. All 3 birds no doubt still here: j612 is definitely gone (not seen after banding).