January 14, 2026

This flower is known as Moonflower

Because it only blooms at night

In the afternoon

You won't see it's bloom

After dark it's visited by moths in flight.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmore Unit

Sources: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c801

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 13, 2026

I am known as a Purple Gallinule

Shown in pictures 1 and 2. 

My beak is orange with a blue shield

Common's beak is orange without any blue.

(Note: Zoom in on the Common Gallinule photo. It's pretty funny. There is a lily pad right behind his head, but the way the wind was blowing, it makes it look like he's wearing a green and yellow beanie!)

Location: St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Gallinule/species-compare

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 12, 2026

I am a Carolina Burying Beetle

Giving this Least Shrew last rites

I dig underneath him to make him a grave

You'll only see disturbed dirt here by night.

Bonus: Check out this short video I made of the Burying Beetles in action. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve State Park

Sources: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/carrion-beetles-burying-beetles

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 11, 2026

This was once a North American Least Shrew

You can tell by it's short, hairless tail

It was most likely predated by an owl or hawk

Come back tomorrow for an interesting detail...

Location: St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve State Park

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cryptotis_parva/

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 10, 2026

I am a male Common Yellowthroat

But there's nothing common about me

I wear a black mask

When out looking for snacks

I skulk about and look somewhat shifty.

Location: West Cocoa

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Yellowthroat/overview

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 9, 2026

We are a group of Woodstorks

A mixture ot adults and teens

The more fuzzy my head, the younger I am

Adults could use a hat and sunscreen.

Location:  Cocoa Landfill

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Stork/id

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

January 8, 2026

I am an immature White Ibis

Mom's teaching me a few steps of ballet

I don't have it down yet

But she's as good as they get

And I'll dance in Swan Lake some day.

Location: West Cocoa

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White_Ibis/id

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.