April 16, 2021

This plant is Southern Sandbur

It is a native grass that grows in pastures

It's been known to invade poorly managed fields

Much to the chagrin of cows and their ranchers.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag373

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 15, 2021

This plant is known as Sea Ox-Eye

It is known to be salt tolerant

It propagates easily when the flowerhead turns brown

But before that, it's bright yellow and prominent.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 14, 2021

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

It's harder to tell that with my wings closed

My colors change with the wet and dry seasons

Which is a moot point if this is how I'm posed.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Ascia-monuste

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 13, 2021

This plant is known as Plantago virginica

Commonly known as Dwarf or Pale-Seed Plantain

It's a moderate allergen and there's debate

Whether it rhymes with mountain or pain.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.pollenlibrary.com/Specie/Plantago+virginica/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 12, 2021

This plant is known as Pink Wood Sorrel,

It's an exotic ornamental

Its leaves look similar to shamrocks

And it's hard to control, at the risk of sounding judgmental.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/oxalis-debilis/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 11, 2021 - Ask David a Birding Question #1 - Why do some Bald Eagle nests fail?

I am pleased to announce a new feature on Dee at 8 a.m. I will be releasing videos featuring David where he answers your birding questions. If you would like to ask a question either post a comment here or send mail to Dee directly. We look forward to your questions. Here is our first installment, "Why do some Bald Eagle nests fail?" Enjoy!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

April 11, 2021

This is known as Natal Plum

It has dark leaves and it's fruit tastes like cranberries

In South Africa, it's called "Large Num-num"

And in other places, the name can vary.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carissa_macrocarpa

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson