1982 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes fornicivorus Westgate (10 June) Another possible reason for nest failure is that the old legless ♂58 couldn't get into the hole one night and the nestlings all died of hypothermia. Or they all starved (but acorns are still present). Anyway, who knows. While we were checking the nest, there seemed to be a fair amount of action (wakus, 1or 2 garricks, after-acorns, etc) that might have been related to a routine intruder, but could suggest other stuff. We will have to watch soon. 17 June Today at 1200 + again at 1530 I found birds looking out of the same '81-'82 nest hole. Back with Alan + the usual ladder setup at 1630, I peep in but find the nest empty! Perhaps they are contemplating a second attempt, though. 19 June A bird looking out of the hole again at 1430 22 June Again I flush a bird out of the lowhole here at 1730. There must certainly be eggs now! 23 June Nope! Checked the nest with Alan's help at 1430. Still no eggs! I wonder why these birds (or bird) are hanging out in the hole all the time. 18 Aug A quick little watch 0800, produces all 3 residents. ♂58, ♀598, ♂692 all seen well. An intruder (sex unknown) was here briefly but was chased off by the males. Counted stores: 0 4 Oct Quick watch, ♂58, ♀599, ♂692 all seen well, No sign of a fallen nest. Saw ♂58 fly into the gravity with a green agrifolia acorn, then eat it.