February 3, 2023

We are adult Sanderlings

Eating marine invertebrates is something we enjoy

We also chase waves and have fun, fun, fun,

Listening to the Beach Boys.

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 2, 2023

We are known as Black Vultures

Most humans think we're smelly and profane

But we actually spend much of our time preening 

And bathing in shallow water, and even in rain. 

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/blkvul/cur/behavior#selfmaint (requires paid subscription - but totally worth it if you want information on ALL of the birds of the world!)

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 1, 2023

I am a male Vermilion Flycatcher

To impress a girl, I'll give her a butterfly

I carry large insects back to my perch

Where I whack them till they're tenderized.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Vermilion_Flycatcher/lifehistory#food

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 31, 2023

I am a Florida Scrub-Jay

The lower part of my leg can no longer be seen

I most likely lost it to a predator

Now I go by the name Eileen.

FYI, this bird appears to be healthy, is eating well, gets along with its family, can fly and land, and is able to put weight on the remaining stump. 

(Shout out to Chelsea for suggesting a name for this bird! )

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Florida_Scrub-Jay/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 30, 2023

I am a Florida Scrub-Jay

My tail looks striped here, but it is not

It is actually just an odd shadow

But I tell friends my dad is a hawk. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Florida_Scrub-Jay/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 29, 2023

I am a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

I have a brush-tipped tongue

I create and maintain sapwell farms

Which are shared with everyone

Including Hummingbirds, bats and porcupines

We all like that sappy, sweet fun.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.blog.sawmillriveraudubon.org/the-tongue-tells-the-tale/

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-bellied_Sapsucker/overview

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 28, 2023

I am a male Yellow-rumped Warbler, 

My breeding plumage is starting to show

Soon, I'll have larger, bold streaks on my underside

Then a wife and baby before you know!

Location: Riverside Park, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-rumped_Warbler/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson