January 13, 2025

I am a Scaly-breasted Munia

I'm reddish brown on my head and back

My tummy feathers appear to be scalloped

Because they are white edged in black

Special thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Pinewoods Park, Miami

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/nutman

Photo and text © 2025 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, 2025

I am known as a Spot-breasted Oriole

I was introduced in Florida in the 40's

I'm actually a bright and beautiful bird

But you can't see the Oriole for the trees.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Pinewoods Park, Miami

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spot-breasted_Oriole/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2025 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, 2025

I am known as a Sedge Wretn

I blend in quite well with my souroundings

My population is said to be in deline

Due to habitat loss - which is sad but not astounding.

Location: Rock Springs Run

Sources: https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.1216384/Cistothorus_stellaris

Photo and text © 2025 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, 2025

I am known as a Snow Bunting

Florida is not where I belong

I breed in the arctic in temps below zero

But I found food here, so I can stay strong.

Very special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson. I was not lucky enough to see this bird.

Location:  Shiloh Marsh, MINWR

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snow_Bunting/maps-range

Photo and text © 2025 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, 2025

I might be a Yellow Ghost Spider

My location and shape are correct

My palps are dark red

I've got some lines on my head

But so do many other spiders, with all due respect!

Location: Dee's car, Fellsmere Trailhead Preserve

Sources: https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Spiders

Photo and text © 2025 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, 2025

I am known as a Snow Goose

I stand out among all the green

I am blue, but I could also be white

Or a plumage somewhere in between.

Location: T.M. Goodwin WFA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/snogoo/cur/appearance

Photo and text © 2025 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 7, 2025

I am known as a Gallinago delicata

Commonly known as Wilson's Snipe

I'm kind of chubby, with a long, awkward beak

I'm a shorebird, but not the beach-body type.

Location: T.M. Goodwin WFA, Broadmoor Unit

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.