January 15, 2021

We are Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks

You might find us in fields eating harvested grain waste.

We also gather in large groups in ponds surrounded by trees

Where we party loudly without social restraints.

Location: West Cocoa

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/black-bellied-whistling-duck

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 14, 2021

I am a Greater Yellowlegs, 

I'm tall, have spots and am somewhat lanky

The spots are light colored but get darker

When I'm in the mood for some hanky-panky.

Location: West Cocoa

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 13, 2021

I am known as a Killdeer

I have a large range but I don't like cold weather

When the temperature falls under 50 degrees

I'll migrate south to warm up my feathers.

Location: West Cocoa

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 12, 2021

I am known as a Limpkin,

Snails' what I love to be eatin'

I'm not a social bird and hang out alone

Except during breading season.

Location: West Cocoa

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 11, 2021

I am known as a Wood Stork, 

From afar, you might mistake me for a large heron

But in flight I'm known to extend my neck - 

Herons don't, which make our differences apparent.

Location: West Cocoa

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 10, 2021

I am known as a European Starling

My color, shape and beak make me unique visually

I am known to mimic the sound of other birds calls, 

If you ID me by sound, you might be wrong initially.

Location: West Cocoa

Sources: https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/smsfp/IRLspec/sturnus_vulgaris.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 9, 2021

I am a Northern Mockingbird

In the spring and summer I eat insects like ants

In the fall and winter I eat more berries

And other tasty fruits from plants.

Location: West Cocoa

Sources: https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Birds/Northern-Mockingbird

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson