1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Buckeye Hastings Reservation (26 May) checked, finding 8 (count then-8) eggs, all rather fresh, inside. So we begin here again. At least now I'm willing to say that there must be 2 ?? here! 30 May After one good watch a couple days ago Gwen reports that the nest here has apparently failed once again! 1430. Came up here, 1st flushing several birds from the granary, and possibly 2 from the 2nd nest hole itself (I checked it- no eggs). Then I went over to the other hole, where none was home. Checking it, there are still 8 eggs (I didn't actually go inside the hole so I couldn't confirm that they are cold) however it seems clear that they have abandoned here for a 3rd straight time. 31 May 930. Watching the granary. 1000. 08424 and 08423 here briefly to shag out Bluebirds 1045. Birds are mostly off to the left. Going to move hide, check the other holes, and leave for now. 3 June 1045. Watching 1215. Leaving. Heard some calls from way up on the hill, but nothing else. None in any of the holes, either. 5 June 1030. Flushed 3 birds from the granary (possibly for or near holes) in passing. 1730. Returned, again flushing several birds from the granary. There wasn't anyone in any holes, but I went up and began checking holes anyway. There was nothing in the low nest hole or one of the roost holes, but in a 3rd roost hole I hit the jackpot: 3 eggs (using the peeper). Tomorrow morning we finally find out what's up here!