Overwintering in the Delta Sunflower

A California Delta Sunflower that grew to six feet tall several years ago still stands in our native patch.

After noticing birds using the dried up plant's stems as a perch, I decided to leave it standing.

Aside from being a great observation point for birds, it turns out that there are some winter inhabitants.

Note the small holes in the stalk (aligned with the slant of the stalk, near the bottom of the photo, and on the stem that is pointing to the right). I'm not sure what insect would be in there, and if birds bore the holes in search of insects.

Another hole in a stem.

Note the oval shaped hole near the fork in the stems.