Dead Tree Full of Acorns: What's Placing Them There?

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In summary: That’s right, Acorn Woodpeckers!In summary, the Acorn Woodpeckers use their beaks to create holes in trees, which they use as homes to store acorns. They use these homes to communicate with other Acorn Woodpeckers and to find food.
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phyzguy
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While we were hiking in California, we came upon this dead tree. The tree was full of holes, presumably made by woodpeckers, and in most of the holes something had placed an acorn. Has anyone ever seen this? What places the acorns there? Woodpeckers? Squirrels? Something else?
20150401_141838.jpg
 
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phyzguy said:
While we were hiking in California, we came upon this dead tree. The tree was full of holes, presumably made by woodpeckers, and in most of the holes something had placed an acorn. Has anyone ever seen this? What places the acorns there? Woodpeckers? Squirrels? Something else?
View attachment 81428
I've heard of this before, it's the acorn woodpecker. So glad you took a picture!

Acorn woodpeckers, as their name implies, depend heavily on acorns for food. In some parts of their range (e.g., California), the woodpeckers create granaries or "acorn trees" by drilling holes in dead trees, dead branches, telephone poles, and wooden buildings. The woodpeckers then collect acorns and find a hole that is just the right size for the acorn. As acorns dry out, they are moved to smaller holes and granary maintenance requires a significant amount of the bird's time. They also feed on insects, sap, and fruit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn_woodpecker#Food_and_homes
 
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Thanks, Evo. Now I know what did this!
 
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Not long ago the following was posted to one of my bird list-servs. Do have a look at the vid. :D

In my [a poster to the Michigan birding list-serv] industry the Acorn Woodpeckers have made a name for themselves as “microwave-path attenuators”. In this video that some of you have probably seen before, a gradual but continuous increase in “path-loss” prompted some diagnostics. All the hardware was within standards and the dishes and horns were all still within alignment limitations. The usual culprit is feed line failure and water/moisture infiltration. In this case, the attenuation of the communication signals were accomplished in an entirely different manner…
 

1. What is the significance of a dead tree being full of acorns?

A dead tree full of acorns is a natural phenomenon that occurs when a tree dies and is no longer able to support its leaves and branches. The acorns, which are the tree's reproductive seeds, continue to grow and mature on the tree even after it has died. This can provide a valuable food source for animals and can also contribute to the regeneration of the forest ecosystem.

2. How do acorns end up on a dead tree?

The most common way for acorns to end up on a dead tree is through dispersal by animals. Squirrels, birds, and other animals often collect and store acorns in trees, and some of these acorns may be dropped or forgotten on a dead tree. Additionally, wind and gravity can also play a role in carrying acorns to a dead tree.

3. Can the acorns on a dead tree still germinate?

Yes, acorns on a dead tree can still germinate and grow into new trees. However, the chances of successful germination may be lower compared to acorns on a living tree, as the dead tree may not provide the optimal conditions for growth and protection.

4. Is a dead tree full of acorns a sign of a healthy ecosystem?

A dead tree full of acorns can be a sign of a healthy ecosystem, as it indicates a diverse and abundant population of animals that are able to disperse and store acorns. However, it can also be a sign of an unhealthy ecosystem if the tree died due to disease or other environmental factors.

5. How long can a dead tree remain full of acorns?

The length of time a dead tree remains full of acorns can vary depending on environmental conditions and the species of tree. Some trees may hold onto their acorns for several years, while others may lose them within a year. Eventually, the acorns will either germinate or decompose, leading to a new cycle of growth and decay in the ecosystem.

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