I have always noticed that there is a wide range of fluctuation in mast
crops, at least here in central MD, and it seems consistent over a regional
area.  But last fall was one of the worst mast crops I have ever seen.
There were essentially no acorns produced on the whites, reds, or chestnut
oaks around here (southern PG and AA Co.s), and most the acorns I looked at
were very small.

I was wondering if this could be related to the disappearance of our
breeding red-headed woodpeckers around here (Croom).  I don't know to what
extent they use acorns in their diet; I have never seen one eating or
carrying an acorn, but I assumed they eat them during fall and winter when
insects become scarce.  For 7 years now (or longer, that's as long as I've
been at this house), we had very localized breeding pairs with their
offspring, easily found in specific areas.  I know of at least 2 pairs at
one spot and one at another, along with all of their juvey's, that all
disappeared.  I have not seen one here since last summer.  I first noticed
their absence in late summer/early fall (mid-August - beginning of
migration season).  If they do rely on acorns in winter, they would
certainly know (from when they are foraging in oak canopies) when a severe
shortage was coming; I think probably by mid-summer they could tell.  I
hope it was related, and hope they will return in spring.  However, if they
do, it will be quite odd, since they have never migrated or went away for
winter before.  Until now, they have been year-round residents here.  Does
anyone know if red-headed woodpeckers occasionally "become" migratory, due
to food shortages?  If not, time will tell.

Jeff Shenot
Croom, MD