DEAR SUN SPOTS: I thought you might find the email from Cornell University interesting. I’m not sure it’s the whole answer, but we have had an abundance of pine cones and acorns and a very rainy early summer.

— No name, no town

ANSWER: I certainly don’t remember seeing so many pine cones in all my years in Maine as I have seen this year. Sun Spots has received many letters about the lack of action at backyard bird feeders this fall. As I wrote last month, you can put your concerns about the little birdies on the back burner because they are being nurtured very well by Mother Nature! Just take a walk in the woods and you will see feathered friends of every variety — all pleasingly plump!

According to this very interesting message sent along from this Sun Spots reader, Bird Academy Project Assistant Lee Ann van Leer at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, writes, “The good news for the Northeast is that this was a record year for producing tons of natural foods for the birds. With all the fresh, yummy, natural foods, birds don’t need the bird food at feeders as much right now. At this time of year in many parts of the country birds are relying less on feeders due to natural abundance.

“Not only are conifers producing an extraordinary abundance of cones, but I have never seen such an abundance of walnuts, hickories, oak acorns, sugar maple and white ash samaras, and other tree fruits and seeds. Interestingly, I’ve seen this above average production across the Northeast.

“At FeederWatch, we frequently receive inquiries about an increase or decline in bird populations. Although it’s impossible for us to know the cause of each specific increase and decline, there are several common causes for bird population fluctuations. The most common cause for a dramatic drop in all bird species at a feeder is the arrival of a predator, such as a hawk or a cat.

“Habitat changes frequently affect bird numbers. If there has been any change in your neighborhood, such as trees being cut down, new houses being built, or different crops being planted in nearby fields, that could be the reason you are seeing more or less birds.

“Natural food supplies fluctuate from year to year, causing birds to shift ranges to take advantage of food surpluses or to compensate for food shortages.

“Weather fluctuations often cause birds to shift ranges, especially in winter.

When we have a rainy summer, the fruiting trees and shrubs are bursting with food in the fall. The birds are probably finding plenty of foods they prefer over what they can find at feeders.

“Migration also varies a bit from year to year, and there may be a gap this year between the departure of birds that summer in your area, but winter elsewhere and the arrival of birds that only come to your area in winter. Short-term fluctuations are normal and nothing to be concerned about. Once the weather turns cold and the natural food supplies are consumed, I am sure birds will be back at your feeders.”

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.