Holm oak pest. Help with ID please

[Dai R]

I've found these holes all over a holm oak. Its covered in them, as far up the tree as I could see from the ground. I'm guessing some kind of insect. As the pattern of holes seems quite distinctive, I'm just wondering if anyone would be able to say what species? It seems weird that its a holm oak affected while none of the surrounding trees have any signs of infestation, including other holm oaks in the vicinity.

 

 

 

 

 

I think in the 3rd pic you can see some older scars above the fresh ones. The size of each individual hole is around 3-5mm. Any help much appreciated!

[sloth]

I don't see any pics... Just 'broken' boxes

[Stubby]

Pics ?

[Dai R]

Sorry, can't seem to get photos to work on here. The picture I was talking about with the scars of the old wounds is the second one in the album.

 

Here is a link to the album: dair13's Library | Photobucket

 

Thanks.

[openspaceman]

Sorry, can't seem to get photos to work on here. The picture I was talking about with the scars of the old wounds is the second one in the album.

 

Here is a link to the album: dair13's Library | Photobucket

 

Thanks.

 

It looks like a scale insect infestation but the holes are from a bird looking for something under the bark.