searching for food

normally this time of year i would be seeing the wild turkeys out scratching for food under the snow. but this year the snow it too deep. seed-heads like this help. this is a tough time of year for northern critters.  it’s tempting to put our seed. but experts tell us it creates dependency.  any of you have opinions on this? i have mixed feelings.  [also, anyone know what this plant is? i was unable to identify it, but i love it.]

unidentified winter stem with large seed-head