Greensboro Daily Photo

Flyaway Farms

Flyaway Farms is a 39 acre farm located on Pleasant Ridge Road, just down the road from Summerfield Farms. The farm has a 5 bedroom 4 1/2 bath home built on it that was constructed in 1978. The current occupants have owned it for ten years. Hopefully, they will maintain the property as a farm. There is every indication it will remain a farm. As you drive past, you will notice the two donkeys and a herd of sheep. If they wanted, they have the perfect set up to host a living nativity scene. They even have the word "farm" in their name.

As we check online, Guilford County currently ranks 28th out of the 100 North Carolina with respect to land for sale. According to Land.com, there are currently 3,000 acres of rural land for sale in Guilford County. At 657 square miles, Guilford County is the 24th largest county in North Carolina. When you look at how beautiful the land is in our region, it makes our hearts fill with joy. Let's just hope that we are able to maintain our green spaces.

Happy Monday!

Caribbean Flamingos at the Greensboro Science Center

Yes we have Caribbean flamingos in Greensboro. If you have been to the Greensboro Science Center lately, you have probably seen this exhibit. The Caribbean flamingo is native to not only the Caribbean, but also South America and the Galápagos Islands. These interesting creatures are approximately 5' tall and weigh between 4-9 pounds. They can live up to 50 years. They usually only lay one egg at a time and it takes close to 30 days to hatch. The birds can be hard to get them to the point where they warm up to their keeper. However, the ones at the science center  seem relatively settled in. It is fun to watch them eat and to interact with each other.

We hope you have been  safe during the recent storms, and, that you get a chance to visit the Greensboro Science Center soon! Have a great rest of your day!

Happy Wednesday!

Penguin Exhibit at the Greensboro Science Center

Those penguins at the Greensboro Science Center are so absolutely adorable and they capture the hearts of all who see them. The penguins at the science center are about 2 feet tall. They are African penguins, native to the beaches of southwestern Africa. Their favorite food is herring, and they love playing with cat toys. As you can see from the above photo, they are also very adept at entertaining themselves. According to the website of the Greensboro Science Center, the penguins are crate trained, trained to come up for food, get on the scales for their monthly weigh ins, and some of them are trained to stand for photos. A baby chick was born in January of this year. It's name is Niffler from the Harry Potter series.

Seeing the penguins is included in the price of a general admission. For an additional fee, there is an opportunity to have an encounter with a penguin. If you haven't been yet, try to fit a trip to 4301 Lawndale Drive and spend time viewing penguins. They really are quite entertaining.

The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House

The Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center and Butterfly House is now open at the Greensboro Science Center. It is a new (permanent) exhibit, located in the front of the building. As you can see from the above photo, while the butterfly area is enclosed, it is open to the outside, with netting to keep butterflies in, yet making the area open to the outside. It is a fabulous way to see butterflies up close and to watch their behavior as they travel through the wildflowers.

Inside, there is a temporary, traveling exhibit about butterflies. Children traverse a maze learning about butterflies as they go. Impatient children can simply crawl under the panels to get through the maze. It is so nice having the indoor and outdoor exhibit for the summer, both teach about butterflies and especially monarchs. While the Greensboro Science Center has been a Greensboro institution since 1957, if you haven't been in a while, be warned, you will not recognize it. The giant amethyst geode, the Foucoult pendulum, and the S.S. Curiosity (old ship to climb) are still there, but so many new exhibits have been added, you owe it to yourself to stop by and have a look. To be sure, we'll share more photos.

Happy Tuesday!

Oh, Butterfly!

Summer to us means having the opportunity to interact more with nature. In Greensboro, in the right environment, butterflies abound. The above female, eastern tiger swallowtail spent a lot of time in our yard yesterday morning. We know it was a she because of the iridescent, blue wash on her wings. Often, in nature, the males are more colorful; not true in the swallowtail kingdom. The swallowtails utilize many host plants, but really love trees. We have wild black cherry and tulip trees in our yard; both favorites of the swallowtail. They like to come lower to the ground for their nectar and our urban flowers are perfect. It is easy to attract butterflies, unless a yard is only grass.

Two fabulous local resources for learning more about butterflies are All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm, off of US-68 between Greensboro and High Point. Since 2001 (21 years!!!), they have been a great community resource. They also do a lot to help the butterfly population. For example, they raise monarch butterflies, helping with conservation efforts. Currently, the Greensboro Science Center has an interactive butterfly maze exhibit (until September 11th). In June, they also had the debut of their new butterfly house. It is a way to get up close and personal with butterflies. The GSO Science Center is also doing their part to help in the conservation of the monarch butterflies. As for us, we're anxious to get to the science center to see the new exhibit. In the meantime, we'll just keep nurturing the beauties in our backyard. Oh, and lest we forget, we need to head out to Sandy Ridge Road and visit our friend Helene at the Butterfly Effect. Stop in and ask her, just what exactly IS the "butterfly effect".

Happy Saturday!

Happy Pollinator Week!

Happy Pollinator Week. It is an initiative started by the Pollinator Partnership, an international organization that endeavors to protect pollinators. While their scope is international, they are based out of San Francisco, CA. The pollinator in the above photo was seen this week in our Greensboro backyard. It is a hummingbird moth. It flies and moves just like a hummingbird. This one was suspended at a flower and you can see its very long tongue. This one is visiting their bee balm. The female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves and the caterpillars crawl down under the leaves to spin their cocoon. So, if you rake all  your leaves, you are likely raking away pollinators.

At any rate, happy pollinator week. If you are interested in helping pollinators in your yard, read up on the whole process. The insect/nature balance is a pretty delicate one. Syngenta, a company with local roots, has a pollinator program, too. Their US headquarters is on Swing Road. We featured the company on GDP in February (see here). Greensboro Beautiful is another great organization to support locally if you want to see more pollinators. And then, there are some pretty great individuals, like Mr. Mullins who faithfully brings his honey to the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville Street. We featured him 13 years ago on Greensboro Daily Photo. Now, his is a business to support if you like pollinators and you like to support local businesses!

Parisian Promenade 2022

The Parisian Promenade 2022 was a big hit this year. It was held yesterday day in the Tanger Family Bicentennial Garden. The event was a project  of Greensboro Beautiful and the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department with support from WFDD Public Radio. From 12-5:00 pm yesterday, the entire park came alive with people strolling through the lovely gardens from event to event. There was singing, face painting, fairy hair, artists, food trucks, demonstrations and other talented performers. One of the highlights was the Poodle (and other dog) Parade. The dog parade was so lovely this year, dogs and their owners and or responsible handlers wrote a few sentences about the canine companion which the MC read as the dogs paraded around the circle. Some dogs walked on their hind legs, some had a cat toy as their favorite toy; for sure, they were all well loved and cared for. Gigi in the above photo was so well behaved and adored her owner. We didn't get to hear who won, but in our hearts, every human and every canine who participated was a winner. 

The pandemic shut down the promenade for a couple of years, but it was back this year and attendance seemed to be higher than ever. There was a shuttle from Signature Place at Friendly Center and the block at Hobbs where the gardens are near the bog garden was closed to vehicles, making it safer for families to get to and from the gardens. Cars on Hobbs were parked almost all the way back to Watauga Drive. The Parisian Promenade is always the first Sunday in June, just about the time school is out for the year. It is one of those Greensboro traditions that heralds the beginning of summer.

Happy Monday! And, for those students who no longer have to set an alarm clock, may your summer be everything you are hoping it will be. 

Dog Meetup at LeBauer Park

This weekend proves to be a hot one, as hot as 90º, with the possibilities of showers- up to 40º. It will be a great weekend for visiting one of Greensboro's parks. The above photo was taken in LeBauer Park. As you can see, a couple of leashed dogs were meeting, for the first time. The encounter was brief and civil, a win/win for a random canine meet up. There is also an enclosed bark park at LeBauer where dogs can enter, unleashed. 

The Greensboro Bound Literary Festival starts today with venues from Scuppernong Books to the History Museum, the Greensboro Cultural Center,  and more.* You owe it to yourself to attend events at this festival. It started in 2017, and continues to grow, with a little interruption thanks to COVID. The folks putting on the festival have worked very hard to bring great authors and, as feasible, make the presentations walkable. The festival will be a lot of fun, even if you have to attend without your fur baby!

Happy Saturday!

 

* See HERE.

Meet Chapulín

Longtime GDP reader, and enthusiastic dog lover, Jane Mitchell encouraged us to share the story of our dog, Chapulín...

Over Christmas, our young adult daughter was in Mexico, staying near the home of a woman who rescued dogs and cats and has made her home into a shelter. Our daughter began helping the rescuer by walking a few of the dogs and socializing them. She fell in love with Chapulín and was so touched by his back story that she arranged to adopt him.

Chapulín originally belonged to a professional musician who lost everything, including her home, during COVID when opportunities for musicians were non-existent. She had to surrender her two small dogs because she wasn't allowed to have them at the homeless shelter. Chapulín's sibling was adopted by an older woman, and Chapulín came to Greensboro with our daughter. The woman who ran the shelter was able to share a photo of Chapulín with our daughter to let the original owner know that he is in good hands now. Chapulín, meaning grasshopper in Spanish, comes by his name honestly. He hops through the grass just like a grasshopper. Also, he hops into our arms upon request. The shelter owner put all of the paperwork in order, got the dog a final vet visit, and agreed to take him back if there was a problem at the airport. The adoption was seamless and the Chapulín came home in a carrier under the seat on the plane.

When you hear touching stories like the situation with Chapulín and see individuals singlehandedly rescuing and rehoming animals, you realize how important it is to adopt, not shop. If you ever see us in one of the Greensboro parks walking our 12 pound chihuahua/terrier, please say hello- in English or Spanish. He is bilingual!

Frogs and Winter

This past Sunday, even the frogs in Greensboro were getting ready for winter. Soon, these Southern Leopard Frogs* will find their hibernating space for winter. Then, in early spring, these cold blooded creatures will emerge to mate and, even if we don't see them, we will hear them. These frogs are native to eastern North America. They eat bugs and beetles so they are really good to have around in the yard. Remember, if you use insecticides, they are traveling up the food chain through the frogs. This one could have been looking for a place to hibernate among the leaves and silt in the potted plants. They need to be protected from extreme cold and in a place where they won't dry out.

What are you doing to get ready for winter? With these cooler temperatures over the last few days, it is beginning to feel a lot more like fall. And this little froggie knows it. Happy Wednesday!

*at least that's what we think it is. It could also be a Pickerel frog. Do you know?

From Caterpillar to What?

Now is the time when nature begins to go through rapid change. From leaves turning colors and falling to the ground to animals getting ready for the cold, dark days ahead, it is as if we can see these changes before our eyes. One local friend has a monarch butterfly chrysalis on the brink of becoming a butterfly just in time to join the other monarchs on the journey to Mexico for the winter. The above fuzzy caterpillar, definitely not destined to be a monarch butterfly, was seen a few days ago crawling along on our door frame.

Thanks to the limitless resources on the Internet, we think this caterpillar is a banded tussock moth caterpillar. We found a site that lets you search by state and this is the one that most resembles the above creature. They are in the tiger moth family and they eat the leaves of hardwoods. There are hardwoods nearby where we found it. This creature was first described in 1787 by J.E. Smith. In the U.S.south, two or more generations are found per year. According to Wikipedia, the pupae overwinter in gray cocoons that have larval hairs on them. They are late season feeders, so seeing one this past week in Greensboro makes perfect sense. Nature is so fascinating. The more you study it, the more you see how animals are attracted to the plants and other animals that contribute to their well being. It is awe inspiring to be sitting in Greensboro looking at a moth that an entomologist in the late 18th century was also studying.

If you see a strange bug or other creature this fall,  take a little time and learn about it. To be sure, it will lead you to understanding the plant life around you. As for us, we have a banded tussock moth caterpillar because we have hardwoods. We have beetles because we have a magnolia; that latter relationship, however, seems more dynamic in the spring. Happy Monday, happy exploring the flora and fauna around you. Let us know if you've ever seen one of these caterpillars.

Autumn 2021

Happy fall; it is the first day of autumn. We leave the summer behind and edge into the cooler weather and fewer hours of daylight. The above photo, taken in northwest Gre3ensboro shows a doe trying to decide where she should rest for the night. Local deer hunters will know that Guilford County is currently in the season to hunt deer with bow and arrow, and males only. The females are still tending their young. We are in the central deer zone.

Many people feed urban deer and even try to keep them as pets. Wildlife experts advise us that the deer are actually better off if they have to forage on their own and they eat a diet that is healthier for them. Fawns who are fed on urban lawns don't learn to forage- a survival skill. It is not legal to keep a deer as a pet. So, they are best admired from afar. They are such beautiful creature. Happy Wednesday. Happy deer hunting, our favorite way; with a camera! Happy autumn. It is a beautiful season in Greensboro.

Hello September!

Happy September, the 244th day of the year. In Greensboro, this month brings First Friday  (Sept 3rd) and the Folk Festival (September 10th-12th). The 22nd brings the first day of fall. In September, in Greensboro, the average high temperature is 81° and the average low is 61°, so we will start to feel it cooling off a little. On average, there are seven days of rain. Let's hope we are all spared extreme weather events.

The above photo was taken in August in the garden center at Lowe's on Battleground Avenue. Imagine our surprise when a Hummingbird Clearwing moth was fluttering around the flowers on the parking lot. We wonder if was just eating or also laying eggs. It was pollinating up a storm the day we watched it. It is a migratory species; perhaps it was storing up food for a long trip.  We hope you have a great month and that you take advantage of all of the events Greensboro has to offer, especially the ones outdoors. The event calendar maintained by Downtown Greensboro is a great place to start to keep up with happenings around town.

Deer & Fawn

Some days, we start the day wondering what we can photograph to feature on Greensboro Daily Photo. Other days, we're sitting around having a cup of coffee and a photo lands in our lap. This mother and her fawn were walking by right in front of us. We thought they were going to pass by without noticing us but the fawn noticed us, first! The little one is turning to the right, just about to run away and the doe was not far behind. Greensboro has so many deer within the city limits. Likely, this is the second round of babies for this doe. They need to be born late enough in the spring or early enough in the summer so that there is sufficient food and agreeable weather.

The hunting forums talk about the size of the deer in Guilford County. This past fall, a local hunter, Tory Pegg, killed a 31 point buck in Guilford County.* But, not to worry for the above family, it is not hunting season for deer now and, as long as they stay in the city, they should be safe. We do need to be careful though, as Guilford County ranks second in the state for car crashes with deer and 90 percent of the animal=related crashes involve deer .** Only Wake County has more crashed.

Well, it is Friday. We hope you have a happy weekend and that you get out some to enjoy the beauty of the community around you.

 

• link to article, here. Do not read if hunting stories are a trigger for you.
• ** car crashed with deer, here.

Cluck Old Hen

Providence Farm, located at 2569 Huffine Mill Road, is a North Carolina Bicentennial Farm as it has been in the same family for over 200 years. It is fascinating to visit when Joy is in a position to take you on a tour. She is one of the owners and the person who oversees the animal husbandry aspect of the farm. She comes by her name honestly as she is a joy to listen to as she talks about her daily routines and the personalities of the animals. You can read about the farm by following the link at the beginning of today's post, or, you can go out to the farmers market they hold most Saturdays. You can also follow the farm happenings and fun on Instagram.

Today's photo is of a group of chickens who took up at the  farm, but won't integrate with the other chickens on the farm. In the above scene, you see the chickens on a wooden dance board eating the corn meal a dancer put down to make it easier to navigate the dance floor. Earlier, she was flatfoot dancing while musicians we playing old-time tunes on the fiddle and banjo. The chickens didn't waste any time. When the musicians and the dancer took a break to eat, the chickens moved in and ate the corn meal they'd been eyeing. As the chickens pecked at the corn mean, it was as if you could hear them keeping time to the tune, "Cluck Old Hen". Those are the fun and funny antics you experience when you hang out on a farm. Do you have a go-to farm in Guilford County? If not, check out the eastern end of the county. These are a few farms near Providence Farm that also have opportunities for the public to be on site. 

Happy Tuesday!

All Paws on Deck at the Corner of Spring Garden and Holden!

The above photo was taken at the corner of Spring Garden Street at Holden Road. We were stopped at a red light next to this white van with the curious canine. Summer is a time when some vehicles drive along with all windows closed and the air conditioning blasting. This vehicle is the opposite extreme; driving along with windows down and their canine loving life. If you have a dog, you probably already know that Greensboro has some great options for boarding dogs if you need to travel. Also, if you are wanting a canine companion, there are plenty that need to be adopted. Here is a link to the Guilford County Animal Shelter. The last time we checked, there were at least 75 dogs looking for homes. The SPCA also has dogs (here); and then there are cats. We have a friend who rescues cats and are trying to feature her here on GDP. However, she is so busy rescuing, it has been hard to find a mutually convenient time.  Have a great Thursday and let us know if you adopt a pet, or know of another good, local agency for adopting.

Fledglings Vs. Nestlings

Do you know the difference between a fledgling and a nestling? Above, is a fledgling. Its parents, a pair of cardinals, were nearby, monitoring this baby bird's every move. It couldn't quite fly yet, but could hop around and balance on branches. This baby is a fledgling and should be left alone to continue on its journey to learning to fly. We saw it when we were on a walk in northwest Greensboro, near Horse Pen Creek Road. A nestling is a bird that can't even stand on its own, and it almost looks naked Nestlings, probably won't survive if they fall out of the nest, but fledglings will. As a matter of fact, their road to flying is being scaffolded. Greensboro's own Happy Tails Veterinary Clinic shares a lot about baby animals, here.a lot

We took the above photo a few weeks ago; so, by now, there aren't as many fledglings in Greensboro. But, we can still be on the lookout for small animals and, in most cases, let nature take its course. We hope you have a happy Friday and that you get out to explore the city a little today. Complete unrelated to baby birds, but, related to things to do in Greensboro, please consider attending Porchfest in Dunleath tomorrow. Unfortunately, we won't be able to stop by, but there will be so much live music going on in the neighborhood. Please check out the events (HERE), and do be on the lookout for animals in the road... including humans!

 

Oh, Groundhog

It is so fun to go on walks in Greensboro. You never know what you are going to see. This one was seen foraging along Jessup Grove Road. Groundhogs are largest species in the squirrel family. With these warm, dry days, groundhogs have been out in full force.  This one was either a juvenile or one that hasn't been out of hibernation long. It was very skinny. The dark markings on the fur were curious.

Some people, especially gardeners, see them as destructive pests. Actually, they are important in the food chain. They mostly eat plants (and sometime garden vegetables), but they also eat grubs and snails. Their favorite place to forage is just like the area above, the transition edge between open, grassy areas and thickets. If you see big mounds of soil and a deep hole, chances are you have a groundhog. The above groundhog must accustomed to lots of road noise as it wasn't nearly as skittish as most. They are native to North Carolina and populations are said to be stable, actually increasing. The groundhog at the Greensboro Science Center died in 2013, and, the last we heard, he hadn't been replaced. Wonder if they are in the market for one! Happy Wednesday; we know, hump day, not Groundhog Day!

Westerwood Mural: Part Alebrije, Part Postcard

Today's mural is on the side of the Westerwood Tavern. The Westerwood Tavern has been a Westerwood institution for over sixty years. While the name and owners have changes, that Cheers feeling of everybody known your name remains the same. Westerwood is a neighborhood of artists and the bar holds events to support artists. Today's mural is an example of their support of the arts.

The mural is most visible when headed west on Guilford Avenue. It evokes part Mexican alebrijes (as in the movie Coco) and part vintage Americana postcards. Local artist Beka Butts@bbutts_illustration created the mural. We actually featured Beka last November when she was working at the Day of the Dead exhibit for Casa Azul (see here). Beka trained at Savannah College of Art and Design and, fortunately, decided to bring her SCAD training back to Greensboro and share it with us!

Happy Saturday! May you have a chance to explore your community this weekend; whether it is Greensboro or elsewhere.

Black Rat Snake Time

OK Greensboro,  the weather has warmed and snakes are out now. We saw this black rat snake in our backyard this weekend. They are not snakes that look for trouble. The snake saw me before I saw him and he froze, hoping not to draw any attention to himself. These snakes are non-venomous but will strike if they don't have a choice. However, their real superpower is that they are proficient climbers. Somehow, they can scale walls and trees with no evidence of having any way to grip. They earned their name because they eat their fair share of mice and rodents. If you see one, please leave it alone. 

The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is a great place to start to learn more about snakes.* There is also a Facebook group called N.C. Snake Identification & Education. If you don't mind seeing photos of snakes, this is a great place to learn about snakes and really to become less afraid of them. Happy Thursday and sorry, if you are feeling you can't "unsee" this photo!

 

*see here. 

Carved Seahorse on the Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel

Last week when we featured the exterior of the Rotary Club of Greensboro Carousel, several people requested to see an example of the animals. Above is a photo of one of the most unique animals, a seahorse. If you look just behind the seahorse, you can see a hummingbird. There are 56 handmade animals, some of which are endangered species. They are carved from wood. There is so much of Greensboro in this carousel; a UNCG Spartan horse.and an NC A&T bulldog. 

Above the animals on the upper section of the carousel, there are paintings of scenes around Greensboro: Wrangler Jeans, New Garden Friends Meeting, Lebauer Park, Levi Coffin, O. Henry, Carolina Steele, The Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship and so much more. Soon, we'll feature some of the photos, too. This is a place of so much history and joy in Greensboro. We hope you get out to see it soon. The carousel is part of the 400- acre Battleground Parks District. Greensboro is so lucky to have these resources.

Doggos Dog Park and Pub

At Doggos Dog Park and Pub, humans get in free and canine companions pay a fee. Above, owners Paula and Keith are featured in front of the wall of canines at the entrance. We interviewed Paula briefly on Saturday as she was super busy taking care of  customers. Doggos is located at 1214 Battleground Avenue, relocating there about a year ago from West Market Street. Their current location is the former Landrover lot; just look for the brightly colored exterior wall. Doggos is the first dog park/pub in Greensboro. We stopped by on Saturday afternoon, first noticing all of the fun everyone was having while en route to The Tiny Greenhouse. It was a sunny day and dogs were romping around joyfully as owners sat around socializing, socially distanced, outside. This midtown business is a hit with humans and all of the dogs give it a four paws up.

Here is a link to the Doggos website where you can learn about day, monthly, and annual passes. Annual members have access to members-only events and great "pawties." Humans must be over 21 and dogs must be friendly, fixed, and vaccinated. By the looks of the way the dogs were interacting the other day, the dog park/pub concept is a great one. And you can be sure Paula and Keith know the names of the canine members. As we were leaving, Paula addressed a Rhodesian ridgeback by name as he walked through the door. You could tell by the spring in his walk that he knew where he was going and that he was going to have a lot of fun. 

A Day in the Life of a Very Big House

Yesterday, we shared a tiny house on Greensboro Daily Photo. Today we go big, grande indeed. This house, in the Carlson Farms area of Northwest Greensboro, is about 10,000 square feet on an acre and a half lot. Greensboro has an array of housing options and  houses surrounding the Greensboro Country Club both in town and at the Farm Course all tend to be very large. This house in the photograph, built in 1990, was a natural brick color until about a month ago when it got painted all white, a trend which remains popular in Greensboro- and elsewhere.

You also notice a home service was at the house the day we photographed it. Home services are booming with the pandemic. This home was getting a visit from "Doggie Paws and Kitty Claws", a mobile groom service. At 10K square feet, there sure is a lot of space for the owners and their canine/feline critters. The white van and white car, against the late afternoon sun, match the fresh white paint, yet are attention getting. The trees in winter off a little drama to the view. Have a happy Saturday! Give yourself an out-of-doors break today and see what you can get outside and notice.

Fall Lewiston

Fall is such an absolutely glorious time in Greensboro, North Carolina. The above photo was taken on Lewiston Road as the sun was low to the horizon. The grasses in the field are partly glowing and partly shaded. The cloudless sky is sporting a waxing gibbous moon and waiting for the full moon in five days, on Halloween. The purple Martin gourd houses are noticeably the whitest feature of the photo. The little abandoned building hiding to the right of the birdhouse post is a weathered gray that almost looks white. 

While the Purple Martins have already headed south for the winter, it would be a perfect time to install a gourd system for them as they return as early as February and sometimes the ground is still frozen. They do like to be around a water source and are one of nature's best bug busters. If you want to learn more about Purple Martin Time in the Carolinas, here is a wonderful place to start. You will even learn about their mass migrations. While you won't see Purple Martins, today should be a sunny day; perfect for taking a little time to go outside and explore nature. 

Ponies and Horses

Seeing a field on ponies or horses on a fall afternoon is a glorious sight to behold! These beautiful animals are a vital part of Guilford County's economy and culture. The above ponies were seen in northwest Guilford County, home to many of the equestrian farms in the area. Within a few miles in the northwest end of the county, you can find fields of horses, ponies, and miniature horses. There are also places to board and ride. According Horse Properties*, the total number of horses in North Carolina is about 256,000, number eight in the USA with respect to horses. Pony ownership is not as accessible.

If you are a horse or pony person, you probably already know of the websites for searching available equestrian properties for sale "Equestrian Properties for Sale in Guilford County and * Horse Properties."  Also, there are plenty of horses for sale and the prices range from a few thousand to $10,000- &12,000, see here.  If you are out, beyond the city limits of Greensboro, keep your eye out. You will have so many opportunities to see these beautiful creatures. Please be mindful not to touch or feed them. They can have very delicate digestive systems and it is important for the owners to know what they have ingested. However, great admiration and respect from the road is encouraged.

American Toad

The above toad was found in our Greensboro garden. He is nice and fat and was actually hanging out with a frog. Unfortunately, they hopped apart, or we could have had our own little "Frog and Toad" Arnold Lobel story. This toad is fat and was enjoying living in with the squash plants. Once the plants were pulled up to plant the cold weather crops, the reptiles hopped over to the bean vines. This looks like it might be a common American toad and Greensboro is well within its range. It could also be a Fowler toad. It is also common in Greensboro.

Toads like leaf matter and burrow to hide from predators. It is so good for the earth to leave leaves on the ground. If at all possible, consider expanding the natural area of your yard and decreasing the manicured lawn. Before you know it, you'll have critters like this handsome toad to hop around and chirp happy sounds. Here is a list of toads ( with photos) you are likely to see in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Regardless of what it is, this toad is so cute!  Happy Tuesday. 

 

Crooked Tail Cat Cafe

The Crooked Tail Cat Cafe has been open for almost three years now. It was the the first one in North Carolina. (See earlier 2017 photo, here). It is located at 604 South Elm Street, across the street from Mellow Mushroom. While the goal is to get the cats adopted, it is also a place for them to roam and learn to socialize with each other, as well as with humans. The above kitty was the only one hanging out in the window the other day. It was as if he knew he needed to maintain a good social distance.

If you are interested, you can book a time slot online, here.

At the beginning of the year, Guilford County approved 12.5 million dollars for a new animal shelter on Guilford College Road. It will accommodate up to 324 dogs and 250 cats. That is a lot to take in that at any given time, there could be over 500 pets surrendered or abandoned that need homes. The Crooked Tail Cat Cafe is doing their part to try to find homes for cats. Working together, the people of Guilford County are making great strides in improving the quality of life for animals awaiting homes.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Ducks At Country Park

There is so much to see at Country Park in Greensboro. The waterfowl have been spectacular this year, from ibis, to heron, to ducks, and geese. The paddleboat fowl in the background are pretty impressive, too. Please remember that you are not to feed the birds in the park, and bread is actually harmful to them.

While the days are still long and the weather warm, be sure to head to Country Park. Parking is very convenient at the Spencer Love Tennis Center off of Pisgah Church Road. It would be a good mid-week activity!

Greensboro Is In the Heart of Horse Country

Straw Hat used to be a sleepy road, tucked in between Jessup Grove Road, Lewiston, and Horse Pen Creek. This horse is proof positive that there used to be horses at the aptly-named Horse Pen Creek. These days, the area has been changing almost before our eyes. This horse has probably seen a lot of these changes. It has a big field back behind its house, but yesterday, he seemed interested in hanging out in the front yard, near Straw Hat, the old dirt road.

Perhaps the was curious about all of the athletes practicing soccer. Within a stone's throw are the Proelific Park fields, Caldwell Academy, and Northwest Pediatrics. The horse is in good company as Guilford County remains one of the top horse counties out of the 100 in North Carolina. If you love horses, you probably know about all of the stables and riding options in the Greensboro area!

Country Park in August

Country Park is such a dynamic place to be in August, especially on a sunny day. There are still several hours of daylight in the evening. People from all walks of life are out exercising, maintaining a safe distance, and in their family "bubbles". People are out walking dogs, riding bicycles, running, and exercising. In the background of today's photo, you can see a group lifting weights. In the foreground is one of the many painted turtles along the water's edge. This one is dedicated to Noah Chambers, an 11-year-old who was hit with a car, and died as a result, while trunk-or-treating. Noah's turtle reminds us that life can be fleeting and we need to do the best we can to be kind to each other and appreciate the beauty of life, family, and friendships. Those words will become very important as we get closer to the elections.

It is so to see people enjoying each other and the beauty of nature in Country Park. We didn't see any turtles we were walking the loop, but we did see a lot of birds. Please note that the park asks us not to feed the waterfoul. And remember, wherever you see waterfowl, bread is not good for them. With the abundant rain recently, there seems to be a lot for the birds to eat! Happy Wednesday, dear readers!

Canada Geese Alive and Well in Greensboro

At least once a year, we like to post a photo of Canada geese; they command such a presence in Greensboro. The above photo features a gaggle of Canada geese. They live at Home Depot at Brassfield. There is almost always a puddle of water in the corner near the drain by the lawn and garden section. Even when it hasn't rained, the birds can usually find water there.

Two of the populations in the Piedmont area of North Carolina migrate back to Canada in the fall. One group stays here year round. The year round population is growing and the migratory groups are decreasing. Canada geese mate for life, and they don't usually mate in the first few years. In 2015, the population reacted almost 6 million in the United States. If you are interested in their habits and habitat, read more, here.  

Deer

Can you believe it is the last day of July? Summer is fleeting. The above photo was taken last week in northwest Guilford County. Once you get out in the suburbs of Greensboro, white-tailed deer seem to be everywhere and fawns are still being born. The gestation period is 201 days and fawns can't be born too late in the season as they need to be mature enough to survive the winter. It is interesting to see how the doe leaves them hidden and then comes back to get them, which was the case in the above photo. If she has more than one, she leaves them in different places as a precaution.

The lifespan of a white-tailed deer can be from 6-14 years, but the average age is 4.5 years due to hunting, disease, and automobile collisions. Are there deer you recognize in your yard? Do you think it is the same ones? They are creatures of habit and tend to stay in their given territory. As we all stay closer to home, noticing wildlife is a great pastime. Have a great weekend and let us know if you spot any does with their fawn! 

Praying Mantis

At least once a summer, we like to post a photo of a praying mantis. This one is small; we're thinking it is a male. He has been seen several days behind the blueberry bushes, in the same spot when we water. We haven't seen him since the big rain at the end of last week. Did you know there is such a thing as a Carolina mantis? Read here, if you want to learn about them. We learned from when we posted a mantis photo back in 2010 that the word "mantis" is Greek for "prophet." Also, the praying mantis is a distant relative of the cockroach.

If you are out exploring or looking for that praying mantis, here is a list of the 980 bugs and other insects found in North Carolina. With a little effort, you are bound to find some of these creatures sooner or later. Perhaps you could consider keeping a list of all that you see over the next month. See here. If you do not live in Greensboro, or North Carolina, for that matter, you can search your state at the same site. If you have small children in your life, who knows, you just may have a budding entomologist on your hands!

Farmers Market at Providence Farm

Today, from 10am-1pm, Providence Farm will be holding their Farmers Market. It is located at 2569 Huffine Mill Road. Darryl and Joy Cobb, who live at the farm have a variety of products from local farmers, bakers, and crafters; including everything from eggs to goat cheese, to bread, and even bison meat. They have product menus at the gate and work very hard to keep you COVID safe. The farm has been in the Cobb family for over 200 years, but this is the first year Darryl and Joy have undertaken selling products to the public. Joy recently retired from teaching in the public schools and is able to dedicate more time to tending to all of the critters. They have horses, sheep, chickens, pigs, turkeys, and working dogs. Some of the animals, like the donkeys, are rescues; some have a home there until they can find homes (the potbellied pigs); some, like Mr. and Mrs. Tom Turkey have become pets and come running as the owners approach. 

If you have a chance, drive to McLeansville today and support this local business. Likely, Darryl will greet at the gate playing banjo music. If you love history, this website will tell you the history of Providence Farm, dating back to the  1700s, way before Greensboro became a town! The above photo features the gambrel roof barn, not the corner of the property where the food is sold. However, we just couldn't resist photographing the playful chickens. If you are asked to wait a few minutes to shop, ask Darryl to pick you a tune; the keys of A and D are especially popular with old-time musicians! Happy Saturday!

 

See, here for more information.

Beetles of Greensboro: Why Did the Beetle Cross the Road?

You never know what you will find on evening walks. This giant beetle, almost 2", was seen along Jessup Grove Road near Proelific Park. It looks like a female Hercules beetle, given the shape and size.  See #35 on these pictures of the 151 beetles of North Carolina.  The females look very different from the males  (see here). Hercules beetles can be green, gray, or tan. They feed on and live in rotting wood. So, if you want to create a habitat for beetles, don't clean all of the sticks and downed trees out of your yard.

There are about 400,000 species of beetles and they were around to pollinate even before bees; which is why they are the pollinators for magnolia trees. Why don't you hold on to the above list of beetles of North Carolina and see just how many different beetles you locally this summer.

As for the above photo, that giant beetle sure looks imposing on the side of the road.  We confess the above was just the outer shell of the beetle. Perhaps she had moulted. During the walk, a 7 year old boy was in his yard with his mom and we gave it to him. It was a hit, because, he immediately ran to show it to his friend next door. Ahhhhh, making memories in summer.

Regarding the title question, we'll never know why the beetle was trying to cross the road!

Sustainable Living in an Urban Area

In the side yard of the Proximity United Methodist Church, near Fourth Street and Vine, is a house that appears to be participating in many sustainable practices. They have a greenhouse in the backyard, chickens, and evidence of gardening and composting and recycling, and more. If you have ever tried self-sufficient, and sustainable practices, you know that it involves a lot of hard work. If you look in front of the bright green container on the right, mid-photo, you can see one of the chickens. If you could see beyond the plastic cover, you would see plants thriving. 

We hope to drive by sometime and see someone out to talk to their ideas and goals for their fascinating, backyard efforts. It would also to be interesting to know if they attend the church next door. Actually, they have a church across from them too. Happy Wednesday! 

Make Way for Goslings

It is that time of year when the non-migratory Canada geese have their young. Frequently in Greensboro, the adult geese are seen with their babies crossing major roads- like Battleground Avenue. The above gaggle lives in Bur-Mil park near the pond over the hill at the wildlife center. The open field and clear access to the water is a perfect habitat for them. Canada geese are very loyal to mate and family. Both parents are very involved in raising the goslings. Somehow, those goslings are hardwired to stay with their parents.

In the above photo, the male is bringing up the read. He is slightly larger than the female and more vocal. If you look at his beak, you can see that he is honking as we were getting a little too close, These can birds seem like pests, especially because of their droppings. However, the more you learn about their behavior, the more endearing they become. Is the mate gets sick or hurt, the other will remain with it, until the hurt bird gets better or dies. This loyalty is amazing.

Have a great week, dear readers. And please, if you see them on the move, make way for goslings!

Click here to see a really interesting bird website, and to see how vast the sighting of Canada geese is.

Assassin Bugs

Have you heard of assassin bugs? We spotted these in a tree in Greensboro. It is a tiny egg cluster about the size of a  quarter (25¢) and are attached to a tree about 4' off the ground. Assassin bugs have a killer sting to their prey. It is a predator that feeds on insects, including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, and more. Generally they are considered a friend to farmers and gardeners since they eat things that destroy crops. However, do not touch them as their sting is very painful to humans.

Nymphs are hatching now. They molt through several stages and curiously, they seem to stay near the egg cluster, unless when we checked a few hours after taking this photo more were being born. Nature is amazing to watch and definitely provides something fun to do while we are in quarantine. Learn more about Assassin bugs from the NC State Extension Service, here.

Happy Monday! Happy May! 

Leave It To Beavers

In case you wondered, beavers are alive and well in Greensboro. The above photo was taken at Lake Brandt this past weekend, just north of the Strawberry Road entrance to the greenway. Beavers, America's largest rodent, on average weigh 35-40 pounds, but can grow to 70 pounds. Beavers are found throughout North Carolina. They are known to frustrate humans because they can fell a tree in no-time. The above cedar didn't have a chance!

While humans might not want their property flooded or swampy as a result of a beaver dam, the dams can actually help control erosion and sedimentation and provide habitat for wetland wildlife (reference and more information, here). Beavers are highly prized for their pelts, meat, and the castor oil derived from their bodies. As long as they aren't doing any harm, it is best to leave these critters alone.

Airborne Blue Heron

You never know what you will see when out walking. Greensboro's three lakes (Higgins, Brandt, and Townsend) have their fair share of herons. The above photo shows a heron that had just left Lake Higgins, heading east. We suspect he was headed to Lake Brandt. In North Carolina, these birds are commonly seen in the Piedmont region and they are year-round residents. The blue heron is a large wading bird, and if you look at that silhouette, it is hard to imagine that this beautiful creature can fly. Look at those long legs. The wingspan can get to 6 1/2 feet and it can weigh over 5 pounds.

Truly, the blue heron is a magnificent creature, and it is amazing to be walking and see one fly right overhead. Enjoy your weekend folks; try to get outside, but, keep your distance.