Windy cold days, and long and colder nights are tough on birds, as summer's lush vegetation has withered away and insects have died or gone dormant.

Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site will help feed these feathered friends with its "Christmas for the Birds" free program Saturday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors can help create homemade pine cone bird feeders using suet and bird seed. They can also decorate trees along the site's entrance with these festive "ornaments."

Suet - raw beef fat - is one of the most popular bird foods because it is a quick source of heat and energy for the birds. The feeders will attract woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets, thrashers, creepers, cardinals and starlings. For visitors feeling a little "peckish," warm refreshments will be available in the gift shop while visitors browse for those last-minute gifts.

The mission of Town Creek Indian Mound is to interpret the history of American Indians who once lived in the area. For more than one thousand years, American Indians farmed lands later known as North Carolina. Inhabitants built earthen mounds for their leaders, in the tradition of Mississippian tribes. They also engaged in widespread trade, supported craftspeople and celebrated a new form of religion. Key features of the site were reconstructed following archaeological excavations that began in 1937.

A national historic landmark, Town Creek features interpretive exhibits and audiovisual displays. For additional information and to schedule tours, call (910) 439-6802.

Town Creek is the only state site dedicated to American Indian heritage. It is located at 509 Town Creek Mound Road, Mt. Gilead.