Wood Duck and Skunk Cabbage

Have you ever asked yourself

” I wonder if wildlife would eat that beautiful but very smelly Western Skunk Cabbage”?

I have the answer to that question with the help of my beautiful friend, the male Wood Duck. I found this fantastic Wood Duck and its mate checking out the Beaver Pond in the ACLF.

We made eye contact and using my special powers, I asked him if he would do something memorable for me. 

After a short pause, my new friend was off to dine on a Western Skunk Cabbage. Skunk Cabbage is one of the first wildflowers that appear in spring. 

He became extremely interested in the spadix, the center part of the flower. 

He grabs it and snaps the top off, they love eating the seeds of the spadix. 

It is official, and with the help of my friend, the Wood Ducks do eat skunk cabbage. They are one of the few animals that can digest the plant’s tough leaves and stems. Skunk cabbage is a valuable food source for wood ducks, as it provides them with essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The plant also helps to keep wood ducks hydrated, as it has a high-water content.

Wood ducks are not the only animals that eat skunk cabbage. 

Other animals that eat skunk cabbage include beavers, muskrats, and deer. Skunk cabbage is also an important food source for insects, such as beetles and butterflies. 

Wood ducks are an important part of the wetland ecosystem. They help to control mosquitoes and other pests. They also supply food for other animals, such as hawks and owls. 

If you are lucky enough to see a male wood duck, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its importance to the environment. 

Anacortes Community Forest Lands in Anacortes, Washington is a significant part of the ecosystem in an expanding population. The ACFL needs to be managed in a respectful way for the wildlife in the area to flourish and let nature maintain a healthy balance. There are many fantastic and beautiful creatures in the forest to see if one just lets nature do all the talking.

Big Beaver Pond, Anacortes

03.07.2023

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