December 8, 2022

We are a pair of Sandhill Cranes

We are known to mate for life

But occasionally we peruse the Sibley Guide

Variety's the spice of life, it cannot be denied.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 7, 2022

I am a Southern Green-striped Grasshopper, 

In Florida I can be found year round

I like to hang out in pastures and road sides

And in flight I make a crackling sound.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/666535

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 6, 2022

I am a Snowy Egret

I was planning to rob this preserve

But witnesses will know how tall I am

Rangers don't trust me, they sure have some nerve!

(Ok, I'm just being silly. The Orlando Wetlands Park plays a very important role in wastewater treatment. Water depth in the cells is just one of the many data points that are monitored to properly maintain the wetlands. Check out the links below for more details.)

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Wetlands-Park/Wetlands-Renovation

https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Wetlands-Park/Wetlands-Management

Video: Orlando Wetlands Park Cleans Our Water

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 5, 2022

I am known as a Pied-billed Grebe

I'm an excellent swimmer and diver

My feet are placed far back on my body

So I swim well, but am a terrible driver.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 4, 2022

I am a Florida Redbelly Turtle,

Hanging out with my friend, the gator

I laid my eggs in her nest so she can protect them

Together, we make a great pair of maters.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 3, 2022

I am a Botaurus lentiginosus

But you know me better by "American Bittern"

I'm known for my ability to blend in with plants

Unless they are all green, then I don't remain hidden.

(Note: This is another one for my family and friends back Boston for whom "bittern" and "hidden" is a perfectly cromulent rhyme.)

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-ipomoea-sagittata/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipomoea

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 2, 2022

This is a plant known as Saltmarsh Morning-Glory

Ipomoea sagittata is my scientific name

Ipomoea means "resembling a woodworm"

Because of how I wind and spiral in a manner arcane

Sagittata comes from the Greek word for "arrow"

My arrow-shaped leaves is to what that pertains.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-ipomoea-sagittata/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson