The oaks have been on my mind as I prepare for my Croning. I needed to provide a 'gift' for the place where the rutual will be performed and I decided to collect acorns. Every time I am near an oak, I snuffle about like a long-legged but equally hairy boar and put a few in my pocket.
The other day I visited the Copse Oak, who is looking very healthy. However, I couldn't see any acorns which had not been turned into surrealist sculptures by Knopper galls. As I pondered this - it was unusual as normally you see a few like this, or even a large number, but there are always healthy acorns too. Not here. Indeed, I watched a squirrel run down a multitude of branches trying to find healthy acorns, unsuccessfully. I started to wonder, I know this is crazy, but think of how synchronised mast years work, if the tree had attracted more wasps to put off the squirrels for next year!
Well, there's nothing to substantiate that, but I did find this useful article about galls. I knew that some of the wasps were introduced to create the galls that were used both in tanning leather and in making ink.
The trees have been quiet lately. Or maybe my mind has been loud. Whatever the case, you will be pleased to hear that I have no conversations to report.
Are you seeing fewer sound acorns in other oaks during your travels? I had a look at the galls at the link -- crazy, strange! I read a couple more articles on what triggers masting but nothing's been proven. I look forward to more tree conversations. xx