March 6, 2021

We are Gray-headed Swamphens

Our blue-purple feathers sparkle and gleam

Although we are no longer called "Purple Swamphens"

We still have our deep purple dreams!

(Note: Happy birthday to my sistah Lynn, this birds for you!)

Location: Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBImNrLzwqc

https://ebird.org/species/purswa3

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 5, 2021

I am known as a Great Egret

I stand about one meter tall

Although I'm pretty big as birds go

I'll never fulfill my dream to play basketball.

Location: Stormwater park, Sebastian

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 4, 2021

This is known as a Moonflower

So called because it only blooms at night

This one though, is a scofflaw -

It's blooming right out in broad daylight!

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/ipomoea-alba

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 3, 2021

I am a male Tropical Checkered-Skipper,

If I were female I would appear much darker

I have white hair scales that cover my wings

The female's scales are brown so she looks much sharper.  

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesofcuba.com/burnsius-oileus---tropical-checkered-skipper.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 2, 2021

I am a male Ceraunus Blue butterfly

I fly around when it's warm looking for a mate

She will lay eggs on a flower

And our caterpillars will emerge at a later date.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Hemiargus-ceraunus

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 1, 2021

This is Helianthus debilis

Also known as Cucumberleaf Sunflower

It's also known as Beach Sunflower

It seems like common plant names change on the hour!

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=hede4

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 28, 2021

I am a Common Buckeye

I live in the southern US and Mexico

Our range is expanding northward

In Canada a few of us have summer homes.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/common_buckeye.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson