1980 Walter D. Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Buckeye (20 June) 5th nest at all but rather the last 2 eggs of clutch 4, the 1st 4 eggs of which were laid in the hole in the granary on the 3rd through 6th. This explanation, bizarre as it seems, also helps to explain why the eggs still in the hole from clutch 3 weren't dumped (something having to do with everyone's knowledge that eggs had already been laid- i.e., she was in the middle of her clutch. Thus the presence of the other eggs was "expected"). Obviously this doesn't explain everything, but it does help to piece together a few of the weird problems this group has presented this spring. What did happen to the 1st 4 eggs (and was their loss the reason she laid the last 2 elsewhere or vice-versa?) is anyone's guess. At least it looks as though they'll finally pull this nest off. 25 June 1600. Checked the nest (after flushing 2 birds, a ♂ and a ♀, from the hole) and found the 2 babies as expected (one very much heavier than the other, however). There were also 6 of the added eggs from the prior attempt still in the hole with them. 12 July 1330. Banded the 2 babies, who are now #619 and 620. One of the added, unhatched eggs was still in the nest with them. 21 September According to Ron, these birds still have lots of stores. 27 October 820. Watching from hide. The granary here is [still, already] practically full of stores. 836. (1) DB/WN-2B #252 in granary. 855. (1) ♂ wn-red/db-wnn #504 flew into the granary with an acorn to store. 936. A brief appearance by ♂ yes #619 (♂ I think). Nobody's spending much time in the granary.