What was that non-sound?

What caused me (and certain other woodland creatures and woodland creature-watchers) to prick up our ears?The sound of no acorns blasting onto the roof or bouncing off the cars in the driveway was absolutely DEAFENING !It was a first in my lifetime, and most likely a "first" for my parents, as well. The crop of acorns in my little ecosystem was not just "light" or "scarce." It was entirely missing-- the woodland was absolutely barren!And, it appears that my silent autumn was being experienced across the country, as documented by USA Today.Oak trees can live for up to 300 years, so I guess its a lesson in humility to admit that one season without an acorn crop is insignificant, even if it does happens in my lifetime.