Greensboro has a diverse bird population, some of which are year-round residents. The Carolina chickadees have discovered our bird feeder. The orange feeder is actually a ceramic cup, filled with a treat concoction that we assembled at Providence Farm on Huffine Mill Road. Lead farmer, Joy, mixed pork lard with peanut butter, birdseed, nuts, and more. A twig poked in the middle serves as a perch. The birds have discovered it and, so far, the squirrels haven’t.

This time of year, birds that have remained in Greensboro are looking for food. With the extreme cold, they need even more fuel. Here is a list of backyard birds of North Carolina. Many of them winter over here. If you have a chance to purchase seed, find a locally owned store and head out to get some. If you aren’t feeding birds, but want to see and photograph them, the Bog Garden and the Lake Brandt area are excellent options. You can also visit the website of the Piedmont Bird Club or the T. Gilbert Pearson Audibon Society. Thinking ahead, planting perennials with seed pods that last into fall and winter, like coneflowers and black-eyed Susans, are a good option. They are so much fun to watch!

Stay warm and enjoy your Tuesday!