January 29, 2020

Location: Maritime Hammock Preserve, Cocoa Beach

I am a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Where I breed can vary by region
Here in the east I prefer to live near oaks, ash, or maples,
It depends on where's the best eatin'.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher


Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 28, 2020

Location: Maritime Hammock Preserve, Cocoa Beach

I am a White-eyed Vireo,
Though it’s my”spectacles” that are white, not my eyes
My hobbies include singing in thickets
And eating caterpillars, moths, and flies.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - White -eyed Vireo


Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 27, 2020

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

I am a female Smooth Ox Beetle
If I was male, I would have a horn
Someday I’ll lay eggs in a burrow underground
And my larvae will eat roots after they're born.

Sources: BugGuide.net

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 26, 2020

Location: David's pants, then my hand, Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

I am a male Regal Jumping Spider,
I'm much smaller than my partner
I've got black and white fringe on all of my legs
I'm smiley-face butted charmer.

Sources: University of Florida IFAS Extension - Regal Jumping Spider, Phidippus regius

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 25, 2020

 Location: Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area

I am a Southern Leopard Frog
My back is spotted and my tummy is pasty.
Despite my size, this Snowy Egret
Seems to think that I will be tasty.

Sources: UF Wildlife Johnson Lab - Southern Leopard Frog

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 24, 2020

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

I am a male Magnificent Frigatebird
You know I'm male cause you can see my gular sac
I inflate my sac when I'm looking for love
And all the girl birds are gobsmacked.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Magnificent Frigatebird

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 23, 2020

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

I am an immature Brown Pelican
You can tell cause my head is brown
I live on the coast, I don't like to boast
But I can dive from 65 feet and not drown!

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Brown Pelican

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson