1982 R.L. Mumme Melanerpes formicivorus Road 3 12 April After Alan reported more activity in the 1980-81 nest hole, I check it at 0920: No eggs. 16 April Watching here, 1430, for any evidence of ♀-guarding or activity in any holes. A definite yes for the latter: About 1445 ♀265 entered the 80-81 hole, and ♂68 followed her in about 1455: ♀265 left about 1415, But ♂68 Stayed in, and did not follow the ♀ out. Unfortunately, ♀265 stayed around the gra-ary area, so I couldn't truly call it a FTF. However, ♂68 was down (not looking out) virtually all the time he was in the hole alone: So ♀265 was out of visual canact. Will check hole later: Later, 1745, I climbed up + peeped in. No eggs! 20 April Alan has been reporting ♂68 guarding ♀265, so I check the hole at 1800: Still no eggs. 22 April Checked the hole, 1600: No eggs! 24 April Checked the hole, 1330: Still no eggs, despite the fact that Alan reports half-hearted guarding of ♀265 26 April checked the hole, 1500: Still nothing 27 April "" "" 0815 (0915): Still nothing 29 April Zounds! I check the nest at 1500, 2 eggs!! So laying began on 28 April, with one egg on each day! 3 May Check the hole, 0800: 4 eggs, but they are cold, what gives? Actually, Alan watched the hole later, no incubation was going on no problem. Anyway, this means I should expect hatching about 11 May, babing around 2 June 16 May Checked hole, 0730: 4 healthy babies, marked + weighted (see nest record