This poor tree has been the target of so many woodpeckers that it's practically falling apart. This is something of a metaphor for human beings and nearly everything we touch, but at least we're not the only ones. Just the only ones who should know better.
Actually, I think the tree was done in by insects and the woodpeckers have been feeding on the insects.
Indeed
Yes, I think that's how it works. They don't peck at hard healthy trees with no bugs inside.
Except for the acorn woodpeckers which we have in California. I even saw a signpost full of woodpecker holes, which they make to store acorns in for later use.
That was my guess: acorn woodpeckers.
No, as @ADM says, it's an Acorn Woodpecker mast tree. See, for example: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d782402fdc56b0701c5535d/a4cc184f-2fc7-4f94-8d60-075df80fbcf9/Acorns+in+utility+pole.jpg?format=2500w
Yes.
We saw them frequently when riding in Henry Coe State Park.
Photos: https://www.amusingplanet.com/2021/01/the-granaries-of-acorn-woodpecker.html
That might be the work of acorn woodpeckers (you are at the southern end of its range on the coast). They drill holes for the purpose of storing acorns to be eaten later on. The even spacing of the holes is typical.
It is indeed their work, but, Kevin, they don't drill the holes in living trees, only dead ones or dead limbs of still living ones. So they aren't killing any trees.
Also houses, especially wood shingles.
"...but at least we're not the only ones"
Yes, except we are the only ones destroying an entire planet. And cheering ourselves on as we do it....
Nothing in particular...but Salon has an article titled "Legal experts: Supreme Court won't save Trump" subtitled "'I don't see any of that': Experts pour cold water on Trump's hope that Supreme Court will save him"
So we all know what that means...
The Fix is in.