November 20, 2024

I am a Black-crested Titmouse

My beak and eyes are also both black

I'm mostly gray and white, and for songbird I'm small

Despite being called Titmouse, I don't have a big rack.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-crested_Titmouse/overview

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 19, 2024

I am known as a Black Saddlebags

Named for the large black spots on my wings

These spots shade my abdomen so I don't overheat

They are not just sharp-looking bling. 

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/black-saddlebags-dragonfly-family-libellulidae/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 18, 2024

I am known as an American Snout

So named for my elongated mouth

I am known for mass migrating northward

When my population explodes in the south.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/snout-butterfly/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 17, 2024

I am known as an Inca Dove

My underwings are chestnut - the rest is just tan.

My outer tail feathers are white

But you'll only see them in flight,

My feathers look scaly, like a snaky wing span

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 16, 2024

I am a male Great-tailed Grackle

My feathers are iridescent purple and black

You can find me in rural or urban areas

Looking for grain, fruit or animal snacks.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great-tailed_Grackle/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 15, 2024

I am known as a White-wing Dove

I eat grains and sunflower and corn

I've adapted to living close to humans

Who provide feeders and places to keep warm.

Location: Corpus Christie Texas

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-winged_Dove/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Visit http://deeat8am.com/ for more Dee-Natured Rhymes and Reason. If you would like to get this blog in your email every morning, go to https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2022/11/get-dee-at-8-am-by-e-mail.html for instructions. Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

November 14, 2024

We are all known as Green Jays

Chowing away at Dee's friend's bird feeder

You know, at this rate, 

If we procreate

Clay's gonna need a 50-seat feeder!

Special shout out to Clay in Corpus Christi for letting us visit his amazing backyard butterfly and Green Jay sanctuary.

Location: Corpus Christie, private residence

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.