Goldenrod galls are, I think, very attractive at this time of year, with their bronze colouring, and some dry leaves curling above them. This one has been opened, likely by a woodpecker, and the fly larva extracted. Goldenrod galls are made by the Goldenrod Gall Fly, whose larva is a source of food for woodpeckers, chickadees and squirrels, as well as other wildlife. Sometimes an entire stand of goldenrod with galls will have every last gall opened!
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