1997 Walter D Koenig Melanerpes formicivorus Gate HNHR 24 March 1600. Opened a new hole 'relatively' low in the limb with last year's hole: 6 eggs, just early incubation. (no runts) 25 March 1300. Still 6 eggs. Measured 2.025.5 x 19.3 @26.6x19.3 4 April 1530. 5 babies, ~4 do (no eggs). 3 babies big & healthy, 1 intermediate, and 1 almost a goner. I took the last for DNA, leaving 4 in the nest, only 3 of which may make it. 21 April 1630. Banded & bled the 3 kids. 1998 21 April 1300. Stores remaining here, along with 2 birds at the high hole in the sycamore. 23 April 1700. Nest in a new hole 2' below last year's! Two babies, ~14 days old. Band 30 April. Not so far behind last year after all! 30 April 1630. Banded and bled the 2 kids. No luck catching the unbanded bird, whoever he is. 14 May 1415. Bird in hole. Fledgling? New (2nd) nest? 21 May 1530. Checked the '97 hole, which is damp but otherwise fine. Also, stole one of the 3 eggs in the 2nd nest for hormones. Measurements: 25.2 x 20.0 1999 19 April Stores: Yes, 30 April 1100. Opened the new hole, but it's empty! 20 May 1400. 5 eggs! (Definitely 299 - there were 3 yesterday). Collected one for hormones; 4 left in the nest. 6 July Stores: Yes.