There are several very large White Oaks on the compound where I work in
DC(23rd & E Streets, NW).  Normally in the fall, the area under these trees
turns into a hardhat zone due to the constant rain of acorns from above.
The local squirrel population is in a frenzy gathering and burying the mast.
This past fall, I don't recall the oaks shedding any acorns whatsoever.  Any
theories as to why - amount of summer rainfall, periodical cicadas or,
perhaps, the will of the forest dieties?

Tom Marko
Olney, MD

 
-----Original Message-----
From: Maryland Birds & Birding
To: 
Sent: 3/15/2005 3:47 PM
Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] absent Jays

Interesting point. Now that you mention it, we did have far fewer nuts
in general this past fall. Our woods are a mix of poplar, oak, and hickory,
and in past years we've had many nuts on the ground, but last fall was
rather "tidy."