Oh, So Hardy!

Moss

There is a lot going on in the so-called dead of winter.  My January garden is a tiny thing.  Although it looks lush and tender, the fern moss is hardy to -5° F. It is completely happy outside in this 3"x 4" bonsai pot. I brought it inside to photograph because I'm not completely happy outside in the cold!  A high fired pot is impervious to freezing temps as well.

Fern Moss

Mosses are non vascular and reproduce by spores. You can read more about moss here.

Other Mosses

Lichens

Lichen on Wood

A woodpecker probably dislodged this little piece of wood with a lichen growing on it.  I found it on the ground and added it to a bed of moss.  The little shiny black bug near the top (I only noticed when processing the photo) may have been his target. 

Lichen and Sedum

A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus for structure and algae for photosynthesis. More about lichens here.

Birds

It is quite common to see beautiful cardinals at the feeders but the mockingbird usually hangs out in the front where there is a utility pole, one of their favorite haunts. However, freezing temperatures and snow-covered conditions brings him to the feeders. Most all the birds love the sunflower hearts and pieces. I've added chopped dried cranberries to their diet as well.

Mockingbird

The red-bellied woodpecker does have a red belly though it  cannot compare with his head. They are fond of the suet formulated for woodpeckers.  All the birds love it.  

Red-bellied Woodpecker

The feeders have been brought closer to the house for convenience but they will not remain. Too messy!  I'm always amazed how the birds endure the harsh winter.

Front View

Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing but to turn it into glory.  William Barclay