I have posted about this before (Cow Parsnip Cache, 07/28/21). I felt like it was worth reposting because Downy woodpeckers are beautiful birds and I am seeing them everyday. There are heaps of cow parsnip plants down the river path and out in the wetlands where you can observe them foraging. Walk quietly and listen and you will likely hear the pounding of Downy woodpeckers opening the stems of cow parsnip to extract the caterpillars or the cocoons of a carrot seed moth that are inside. Downies are usually quite tolerant of your presence and will allow to observe at a fairly close distance. There is a nice patch right next to the bathroom that I have seen them frequently foraging on as I have waited for the bathroom. It’s fun to watch them hop along the cow parsnip stems exuberantly opening them and a few times I have seen a juvenile Downy following a parent from stem to stem impatiently begging for food too. I saw tons of the caterpillars this year eating the seeds and burrowing into the stems which are hollow and provide an excellent home. That probably explains why I am seeing Downies on them so frequently. You can see one of the cow parsnip stems below and it has been absolutely shredded by Downies.
It’s a beautiful world. I hope you are enjoying your summer. See you out there.
