Greensboro Daily Photo

Robin Egg, Babies are Hatching!

Out walking about his weekend, we saw this robin's egg shell. Just look at that lovely blue. Robin eggs incubate in 12-14 days. Hopefully, the baby birds lived. We try to provide a habitat full of berries and a natural setting where they can build their nests.

American robins can be found in North Carolina year-round and winter over here. It is not uncommon for winter roosts to number in the thousands.   They have adapted to a variety of habitats, but in the winter, are more abundant near the coast than in Greensboro. They do like all the berries found locally. 

Robins can have two to three broods a year. If we are lucky, we can go back and find more babies. It is always fun to look.

Happy Wednesday!

Featuring Canada Geese on Earth Day 2025

Happy Earth Day 2025. Earth Day is a fixed date holiday, always April 22. We were out looking around trying to find something to feature and happened upon this family of Canada Geese. They reminded us of the extent to which animals have adapted to co-exist with humans in and around asphalt jungles.

These migratory birds, Canada geese, are found as far north as the Arctic. In Greensboro, they are most likely to be found in Wal-Mart parking lots. They love freshly mowed grass next to a water source,- even retention ponds. Such is the case with the above family. They were grazing on the little patch of grass near a retention pond at the North Battleground Wal-Mart.

North Carolina has both migratory and resident populations of the geese.  It is estimated there are 10-12 thousand in migratory Canada geese and over 100,000 residents. They are a good food source to native predators like foxes and coyotes. The above male goose was pretty aggressive about protecting his hen and their six babies. Traditionally, they lay eggs in March and April and the incubation period lasts 66-30 days. This past week, we have seen them popping up everywhere.

If you get a chance, do something today to celebrate nature and to help it along. Key concepts include, reduce, reuse, recycle, share, protect, plant edibles and native plants. And, don't feed the Canada geese. They know what they need to survive!

Happy 55th Anniversary of Earth Day! Happy 45+ years of resident Canada Geese in Greensboro!

Downtown Greensboro in LeBauer Park

When we have community events in Greensboro, downtown comes alive with people, art, music and things to do. We didn't make it to First Friday last night, but we heard it was great. The Greensboro Cultural Center on Davie Street has exhibits that are still on display, including Casa Azul's  very colorful and thought provoking "Day of the Dead" exhibit. Downtown retail stores have holiday items for sale, with "Just Be" topping the list of Christmas gifts galore. 

The above photo was taken last weekend at LeBauer Park. The Greensboro Youth Council's Goulash was in full swing. The spotted standard poodle, Woody, stole everyone's hearts. He was so sweet and his owner was very kind. Woody was determined to strike up a friendship with the above black lab who is entering on the right of the photo. Downtown Greensboro is very dog friendly for friendly dogs.

The weather should be beautiful today. Head downtown and see what adventures you can have. We've got a lot of catching up to do and cannot wait until the Festival of Lights, held downtown on Friday, December 6th from 5:30- 9:00.

Happy Saturday!

Providence Farm

Providence Farm, located on Huffine Mill Road, is in the eastern end of Guilford County. It is a working farm that, on occasion, invites the public to come tour, see the animals, and learn about farm life. The above photo features one such event this past weekend. You also see the farmhouse, and in the distance, some vendors selling their arts and crafts. Ducklings, literally ducks in a row, are heading up the hill with a couple of children fascinated by their formation.

These ducks were added to the farm this summer at one of the camps held for children to get hands-on experience about farm life and regenerative agriculture. The ducks seem to like it here and have established their own routines. They are free-range ducks. It is kind of amazing the way animals stick around when they are well fed and cared for. Providence Farm will likely be at the Greensboro Farmers Market on Yanceyville this weekend. They sell meat, yarn, knitted items, goat  milk soaps, and whatever happens to be ready to take to market. This is the 150th anniversary celebration of the farmers market. Sesquicentennials don't come around very often, so head to the farmers market and enjoy the festivities. Maybe it isn't 150 years, but we seem to recall that this farm has been in the hands of the same family for at least 100. 

Happy Thursday, dear readers

Deer

North Carolina's deer population is estimated to be at about 1 million. While you can't hunt in the city limits, the deer is the most hunted game in the state. According to Landwatch, there are 193 properties that are designated "hunting land" in Guilford County. For those in lands designated for hunting, it opens in most areas on September 7th. It is hard to believe that deer were once endangered in North Carolina. With all of the construction, It is more and more common to see deer practically living in suburban back yards, as is the case in the above photo. They are herbivores, so you can count on them eating hosta and other plants. Here, two bucks and a doe are openly grazing in the late afternoon sun in Northwest Greensboro. They are graceful and fun to watch. But they are agile; able to jump a 5 foot fence easily. Do you have them in your yard?

Happy Wednesday!

Passion Flower & Ailanthus Webworm Moth

Recently, when it was overcast and windy, we snapped this photo in an open field in northwest Greensboro. While it is grainy, it captures a little Greensboro flora and fauna at its showiest. The passion flower was in full bloom. That corona is breathtaking. The plant can exude a sticky fluid which traps insects. We're not sure if that is what is happening to that moth. It is an ailanthus webworm moth. It has the coloration of a monarch butterfly and actually likes milkweed, just like the monarch does. They are found from New York to Florida, although we haven't seen one before. But then, it isn't every day that we zoom in at the macro level where subjects are showcased larger than life. Indeed, this bug was hiding in plain sight. Passion flowers are edible; however, we couldn't bring ourselves to pick any. 

As we enter this fourth of five weekends in August, let's head out and take a close up look at the plants around us. Currently, mushrooms are a plenty on the trails around Greensboro's lakes. Monday, the traditional public schools will be back in session. And next weekend if Labor Day. Have you felt the fall weather beginning to sneak in? 

Happy, happy Friday!

Field of Donkeys

TV has been fabulous this summer. First, there was the Republican National Convention, then the Olympic Games, now the Democratic National Convention, and soon the Paralympic Games. We got a little tickled when driving on Pleasant Ridge Road in Northeast Greensboro and saw donkeys grazing. Perhaps we only noticed them because we're watching the Democratic Convention. That got us wondering just how many donkeys there are in Guilford County. It is amazing what you can learn from an Internet search. According to the USDA's 2017 Census of Agriculture, there are 225 donkeys. The county with the most is Buncombe with 349 and, in all, in North Carolina, there are 10,627.*  It is fun to check in on these statistics. They are one of many ways to document change.  As of 2017, there were 51,279 horses in North Carolina, a decrease of 15,591 when the 2012 Census was published. We are second to Wake County with respect to number of horses.

All of this talking about field animals reminds us that the Central Carolina Fair will open Labor Day weekend at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, a tradition began in 1898; long before there was a Coliseum Complex. Finally, the State Fair opens on October 17th in Raleigh. There are so many opportunities in the area to connect with nature and agriculture.We hope you take advantage of them; especially on beautiful days like today and yesterday.

Happy Wednesday!

* reference.

Monarch Butterfly on Milkweed

The above photo of a monarch butterfly on milkweed was taken at the Cole Family Monarch Conservation Center & Butterfly House at the Greensboro Science Center. That background is part of a mural painted on the wall. You can go to the science center to see the butterflies until mid-September, at which time, the net ceiling on the facility will be opened and the Monarch will begin their journey south to Mexico. In North Carolina, they like to travel at treetop level along the mountain ridges, especially near Asheville.* If you want to be part of helping save monarch populations, plan to plant milkweed next spring. This is the plant they depend on for the larval stage.  If you want to become involved in a monarch conservation project, see HERE.

Another option to learn more about butterflies and to see them are the agritourism farm and plant nursery  All-A-Flutter Farms between Greensboro and High Point, off of Highway 68. They are not open for visitors to tour now, but mid-September, they will open for groups. They are open for plant sales, however. Finally, here is a "butterfly atlas" for North Carolina.  As of the end of 2023, 177 butterfly species have been recorded in North Carolina. How many have you seen in Greensboro. Start reading about them now, if you want your yard to be a haven for butterflies next year!

Happy Tuesday!

 

* Reference and more information HERE.

The Adventures of Frederick the Duck

Early in July, Frederick the Duck and his partner mysteriously arrived at the Lake Brandt Marina. The hen disappeared after about a week, but Frederick remains and is living his best life. He hovers near the Lake Brandt office. Mallards are monogamous, so we hope he recovers from missing his partner and, with a little luck, finds another one.  He has a duck box and he gets his fill of minnows to eat. There is a sign at the office that requests people leave the door closed so that it will remain cool inside and so that Frederick will remain outside. In spite of his being friendly, we must respect the fact that he is a wild animal and efforts should not be made to make him a pet. However, these ducks do tend to be gregarious and sociable. They are so much fun to watch, and photograph. He is such a beauty.  The next night paddle on Lake Brandt will be August 1st. We look forward to seeing if Frederick is still there.

Happy Thursday!

Got Katydids?

This is an insect we saw hanging out on our bean plants. After researching, we've concluded it is a katydid, a sort of  cross between a cricket and a grasshopper.  It was so beautiful, but that "snout" and looking-right-at-ya eyes are a little intimidating. Katydids are of the Orthoptera order- with "ortho" meaning "straight" and "Ptera" making reference to flying. Katydids do have  chewing mouth parts, but they don't tend to do too much damage to leaves, and we haven't noticed any. Perhaps they get full eating harmful bugs in the garden. We try to let nature take its course and  let the critters live. We have a toad who comes out every night and doesn't go in until sunrise. We've seen him at 5:00 am, but he's gone by 7:00 am. Perhaps he is eyeing the katydid. They make a distinctive sound. While they are rare, pink katydids do exist. Habitat loss and pesticides are said to be stressors on the katydid population. 

Have you seen a katydid in your yard? Have you ever seen a pink one? Nature is so fascinating. Let us know what you are seeing in your Greensboro yards. Planting edibles; not spraying chemicals and raking less yields a yard of fascinating critters.

Happy Thursday!

Carpenter Bee... Wondering Where You Live!

Tis the season for all the bugs and insects in Greensboro. Carpenter bees are going strong. They look like bumble bees, about the same size and some carpenter bees are yellow and black (some are all black). Carpenter bees have shiny abdomens, not fuzzy. This photo is a good example of those slick bodies. Carpenter bees bore holes in hardwood (in houses and trees) and lay their eggs in tunnels. If you see a hole, you have to cover it up, otherwise, they will reinhabit it and  nest there again. In the insect world, they are long-lived and can live up to three years. If you are in bed and hear your window buzzing or vibrating, check for these critters.

Above, you see a carpenter bee having a field day on our bee balm. Females can sting, usually only when provoked. This female was fed up with our taking photos of her and did follow us, but fortunately, we did not get stung. We absolutely love documenting the animals, insects, and reptiles we see around our yard in summer. How about you? Do you? What have you seen in your yard this summer? Tomorrow is Juneteenth and Thursday is the official first day of summer. The Fourth of July is in about two weeks. By Labor Day, students will be back in school. Pace yourself and enjoy every day of summer. Keeping track of critters is good, free fun. It can also help protect your house.

Happy Tuesday!

All Pets Considered

All Pets Considered is a great local business. It has been in Greensboro for 32 years- since 1992. They have pet foods and supplies, as well as pet-themed gifts. Located at 2614 Battleground Avenue, on the south side of Cone Boulevard, All Pets Considered is easy to spot when that bright pink van is parked out front. As you can see from the van, they offer delivery service. They cater to cats and dogs, offering professional pet grooming and the option to shop online. See their website HERE.

There is a second location of All Pets Considered (APC)  at 5004 High Point Road. We encourage to shop local. Local vendors do so much for the local economy. On Saturday, APC hosted a fundraiser for Red Dog Farms. We hope it was successful. We'll try to catch the next one.

Happy Monday!

From the Dog Stick Library to the Greensboro City Library

We've featured plenty of Little Free Libraries around Greensboro, where you take a book and share a book. Today, we're featuring a Dog Stick Library. We've been looking for one and, yesterday, when we were on the exit ramp from West Wendover Avenue to Market Street, we saw this one. We tired around and went back to photo graph it. The above library is located in the 100 block of South Lindell Road, on the edge of Lindley Park.  A ten-year-old child from Canda and his father are credited with spreading the concept as a Covid quarantine activity. They got the idea from a stick library in New Zealand.*  The family of the Canadian duo had a family tradition of creating something every week. We'd love to know the back story on the Lindley Park "library" and the extent to which it gets used. It is very well built. We also want to take our dog there to see if he would like to borrow a stick.

If you love libraries and are craving a good human library experience, consider heading to the downtown branch of the Greensboro Public Library today from 1:00 pm- 4:30 pm to attend the Book Lovers' Social Author Day. It is their 15th annual celebration of books, authors, and reading. A dozen regional authors will be there to mingle, sell their books, and sign books. Read more HERE. We hope to see you there! We've attended in the past and authors have always been very personable.

Happy Saturday!

 

* reference and more information HERE.

Koi Pond and Holiday Decorations in Kernersville

Today, we are cheating a little bit on Greensboro Daily Photo and taking you to Kernersville, a community just over the Guilford line and into neighboring Forsyth County. Kernersville continues to grow and seems to be especially festive this year. Recently, we visited North Main Street, in the afternoon, in time to visit some of the shops and to see the koi pond in the center of downtown. As you can see from the above photo, the koi are large and very photogenic. The reflection of the Moravian stars in the water adds visual interest. If you are interested in planning an afternoon/evening in Kernersville, read on.

The lights at the Ciener Botanical Garden on Main Street are spectacular. Of course the decorations at Körner's Folly house are three floors of beautiful. Also, there is a big Christmas tree in town and Moravian stars along the way. Perhaps most spectacular of all are the  strands of lights in the trees on Main Street. They are called "Kernersville Lights" or "Blinkies." Roger Briles designed them with what he refers to as the concept that "less is more." While he created them around 2002 for himself and friends, they really started to gain popularity about 2012. A 36 foot strand of lights only has 14 white, blinking bulbs and they blink slowly. The effect is so subtle and delicate. And then there are the shops, which are bound to be having after Christmas specials. Musten and Crutchfield Food Market will be there for your specialty food needs. So, if you are looking for something to do between now and the first of the year, you can have a days worth of things to do in Kernersville without veering too far from Main Street. Do remember to call for hours and to see what will be open. Other than the ever faithful koi who are there year-round, other places will have different hours and availability.

Happy Wednesday!

Howl-O-Ween 2023

Yesterday, Country Park was filled with Trick-or-Treaters and their canine companions. Dogs came dresses as everything from ladybugs and been (above) to bats and superheroes. The little dogs seemed to love  strutting their costumes and the bigger ones seemed to tolerate them well. The event was sponsored by Guilford County Animal Services and Greensboro Parks and Recreation. This was  the third year for the event. Dogs got treats, too. 

In addition to getting out and enjoying the lovely fall weather and getting exercise, many businesses and organizations that offer services for dogs were on hand too. When we were there, all dogs were well behaved and everyone was complying with having their dogs on a leash. There were even food trucks on hand to feed hungry adults. Every indication is that the event will be held again next year. Let's hope between now and then, we can get the shelters cleared of as many animals as possible. Events like Howl-o-Ween remind us to adopt, not shop!

Happy Monday!

Bird and Butterfly Meadow

We hope you enjoyed the week downtown, here,  on Greensboro Daily Photo.

Today, we take you today to the Bird and Butterfly Meadow at Price Park, located off of Hobbs Road between Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library and Jefferson Elementary School. In addition to the peaceful sanctuary for meditation, bird, and butterfly watching, the area also has walking trails to enjoy. The park was built on land that was formerly part of Jefferson Pilot Corporation. Adjacent Jefferson Elementary School is located on 26 acres of the insurance company's former club that they donated for the school; hence the name of the school. On the day we were there, the goldenrods were in full bloom, but butterflies were absent. We suspect they had already migrated south and that the monarchs are actually close to arriving in Mexico. The structure in the center of the photo has information about eco-exploring, how to provide habitat for chimney swifts, monarch migration trails, and more.  If you are looking for a way to get outdoors today that doesn't involve being too isolated or driving great distances, this park at 1420 Price Park Road may be perfect for you- even on a rainy day.

Happy Saturday!

Saturday Night with Poodles- on East Washington Street at South Elm

This is another great scene on East Washington Street. Everyone was stoping this young man with six poodles. They were so well behaved and he made handling six look like a cakewalk. Part of what makes downtown on the weekend, especially when there are community events, is the serendipity of who you meet and who you get a chance to talk to. We didn't get this guy's name, and he wasn't there when we were there later. Not only did we want to ask him his name, we also wanted to find out where he got those Carolina blue tennis shoes. We could use them for the Carolina grad in our family.

Just behind the photographer in this photo is all of the new construction happening on Davie Street. The News & Record building is still visible from the 100 block of East Washington Street. Just at the end of the block is the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. It is nice to see this little section of South Elm Street getting more foot traffic. 

Happy Wednesday!

The Giant Puff Ball Mushroom

Our dog thinks this mushroom in our backyard is alive. In a way, it is. It looks like a brain, and there is such a thing as a brain mushroom. However, based on this photo, a student mycologist told us it looks like a a giant puff ball mushroom- a bit aged and expired. Giant puff ball mushrooms tend to appear late summer and early autumn. It is our understanding that fresh puff balls are edible; however, this looks a lot like a brain mushroom, which is not edible. Plus, this mushroom is definitely past prime. We think we'll leave it and see just how long it sticks around.

There is a resurgence of interest in growing and learning about mushrooms in North Carolina. NC State has a fabulous website about mushrooms if you are interested in learning about them or growing them (see HERE). Also, at the Greensboro Curb Market on Yanceyville Street, there are some fabulous mushrooms available for purchase- everything from blue oyster mushrooms and shiitake. The vendors at the farmers market are very generous with information. Fall is such a fabulous to prepare those earthy dishes, soups and stews with mushrooms and root vegetables.

Happy Friday!

Flamboyance of Flamingos

A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance. A flamboyance of flamingos has landed at 1812 Walker Avenue. Earlier this month (September 4th) flamingos were spotted at the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. They were about 1,000 miles north of their usual habitat. Well, the above photos are also in an unexpected habitat, in a yard in Sunset Hills. Traditionally, this is a church youth group fundraiser; people install flamingos and you pay to have them removed. If you want to see live flamingos, you don't have to drive far. The Greensboro Science Center maintains a flamboyance of flamingos. They look very healthy and bright pink given their diet of foods containing carotenoid pigment. Here is a photo we took of them a little over a year ago.

As for the house at 1812 Walker Avenue, built in 1927, grabbed our attention as we drove around the corner. Wonder where they will land next.

Happy Tuesday! 

Goat Yoga with Cathy Yonaitis

You just never know what you are going to see at a farmers market. This past Saturday at the Corner Farmers Market, on 2200 Market Street, we happened upon Yoga Instructor Cathy Yonaitis and her goats. Trained in occupational therapy, Cathy incorporates an occupational therapy approach with yoga techniques- ever mindful of movement science and each student's need . Her business is called "Unite Us Yoga."

Cathy has a studio at her house in the Summerfield area. Cathy is so creative, offering sessions like yoga and food. You order food and practice yoga with Cathy while her husband is cooking food that is ready for you to take home after class. At Unite Us Yoga, there are so many options for all levels and needed areas of focus; group, individual, and private group lessons; in-person and online options. If you are at the Corner Market, stop by to talk to Cathy and you will feel her positive energy. Don't forget to pet a goat while you are there.

Happy Tuesday!

Deer in the Suburbs

Are you ever out walking in the morning and run into deer? We like to walk early in the morning and it is a rare day if we don't see deer before 7:00 am. There are lots os fawns now. They will have time to mature before winter sets in. North Carolina wildlife published a "North Carolina White-Tailed Deer Density" map in 2020.  According to this map, there are more than 50 per square mile in Guilford County. We have more deer per square mile than Rockingham County. They are pretty to look at, but they can do a lot of damage. They are constantly foraging and love almost anything green and leafy. It is illegal to take in a deer in the Triad and you are encouraged not to feed them because it keeps them from foraging or in some cases learning to forage. They are meant to survive in the wild and have moved into the suburbs as much of their habitat is being converted to housing and commercial properties. The above deer were seen in northwest Guilford County.

Happy Thursday! 

Va Opossum

With the extended hours of daylight in the summer and the full moon this week, wild animals have been busy. We took this photo earlier in the summer, but we see animals in our yard all the time. This Virginia opossum was out exploring and dashed into a the above hole when he saw us coming. Likely, a groundhog actually lives there. Opossums keep neighborhoods clear of cockroaches, ticks, and small rodents. They love eating ticks and help cut down on Lyme disease. They are even known to eat venomous snakes. Opossums are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch. Likely, those babies in your Greensboro yard were born earlier in the summer and are old enough to live on their own now. Please be kind to them. They won't bother you in any way. In an online search, we learned that the Virginia opossum has been in North Carolina since the Pleistocene Period- also known as the Ice Age and lasting from 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago. Wow!

Happy Thursday!

Butterfly Time

We haven't seen as many butterflies this summer as previously. However, we did see a swallowtail enjoying a butterfly bush earlier in the summer. Today's butterfly was enjoying life on a butterfly bush on a sunny day in northwest Greensboro. Swallowtails are one of the most common types of butterflies found in our area. Summer is peak butterfly season with warm, sunny weather. If you want to see more in your yard, resist pesticides. If you really want to see a lot of butterflies at once, head to the Greensboro Science Center to their Butterfly House. In addition to the seven species they hosted last year, they have added nine new species. This new exhibit alone makes renewing your membership all worthwhile. 

Hens of Glenwood

Greensboro's neighborhoods have such distinct personalities. Glenwood is an urban neighborhood known for its diversity; a very active neighborhood association; and great location close to downtown, UNCG, the Coliseum, and more! It has been a neighborhood since the early 20th century. Every time we drive through, we see something that puts a smile on our face. We see children playing in the parks; we get good food at the Thursday market and so much more. The other day, we were visiting a friend and saw a couple of the Hens of Glenwood. This is the ultimate in free range chickens. We're wondering where they lay their eggs. 

In the background, you can see a couple of the houses, so typical in Glenwood. Likely, they are two bedroom, one bathroom homes. If a small house is enough for you, Glenwood is perfect. They even have their own public library and a community center.

If you want to know more about Glenwood, read what the Greater Glenwood Neighborhood Association has to say.

Amphibians: Frog

Today's photo is a green tree frog. He perched on the door and spent the whole evening getting a meal. Here is a really nice website about frogs and toads of North Carolina. It helps in identifying local frogs and toads. What kind do you think this one was? It was found on a window in northeast Greensboro. Part of the secret to having your yard serve as a habitat for frogs and toads is that you need a water source and a natural part of the yard.

Another thing we've been seeing this week is lightning bugs. They thrive in summer heat and like a higher , unmanicured lawns. So far, we've only seen asynchronous fireflies in Greensboro. However, in the mountains of North Carolina, there are synchronous fireflies. The call went out for people to win an opportunity to go see them (see HERE). We didn't enter the lottery, so we didn't have a chance to win. In the meantime, we'll keep documenting the food and toads. Have you ever seen the synchronous fireflies in the North Carolina mountains?

Happy Thursday!

Hibernation is Over: It's Turtle Time!

This, turtle was in our yard the other day. With the hours of daylight increasing and the temperatures rising, they are ready to come out of hibernation and mate. We're guessing this 10" turtle was a male; the way he was scooting along with determination, he was probably in search of a mate. He looks like an older turtle, the way the rings on his back are growing together. Remember to only touch turtles if they need to be scooted out of the road and to keep them oriented to the direction they were headed. Do be mindful they can bite. Here is a starter page for identifying turtles in North Carolina. At first we thought this was an Eastern box turtle, but it seems a little flat and larger than most box turtles. Do you know? If so, please let us know.

Spring is an exciting time for wildlife aficionados. It is also time you will see snakes. There is a Facebook group NC Snake Identification & Education. You can have someone identify the type of snake you see with a photo and the name of the area it was found. Many people comment that they are not as afraid of snakes as a result of belonging to this page. If there are little ones in your life, it is fun to keep a wildlife journal, documenting what you see throughout the spring and summer. The more you walk in wooded areas, the more you will see. The more natural areas you have in your yard, the more you will see. If you really want to animal watch in Greensboro and in North Carolina, here is a good place to start learning.

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.