1982 R.L. Runne Melanerpes formicivorus Coral Viejo 17 May I wander over here 1500 after Pam had told me of seeing a nestling looking out of a hole over at CV#2. Sure enough, I come to the spot Pam described and found about a 30 day old nestling looking out! Jeez, that means these guys must have started to lay eggs on April 3 or so (±4 days, I guess). Pretty impressive, I must say. The hole would require at least length of extension ladder (perhaps both), so I'm inclined not to try this nest, given that fact and the fact that the young might "fledge" the moment I put the ladder up. At CV#1, things were better. Found a ♂ looking out of last years nest hole (opened), flushed him, and heard nothing, making me think they are at egg stage. I will check them at a later date. 20 May Climbed up to the hole at CV#1, and to my surprise I found 2 fairly well along nestlings: Eyes open, feathers beginning to u-sheath, ~17 days or so? 24 May Banded the two CV#1 nestlings today, now J727 + J728. I did not take blood, because neither bird looked especially great. In particular, J728, the smaller of the two, was doing some strange panting or producing weird noises. These two were not as old as I thought they were now may be 18-19 days 14 June Walkover to CV#2 at 1450 and sure enough, they have a second nest! It is in the upper (proximal) hole of two opened nest holes in their blue oak nest