April 12, 2026

I am known as a Luna Moth

In mythology, Luna is the personification of the moon

My antennae are fancy and feathery

And I have no mouth so I can't eat macaroons.

Location: DeLuca Preserve

Sources: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/luna-moth

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 11, 2026

This plant is Bulltongue Arrowhead

It grows well in swamps and marshes

It attracts bees and songbirds and other pollinators

But if want a close look, you should bring your galoshes.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sagittaria-lancifolia/

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 10, 2026

I am an Orange Bluet damselfly

Alas, I am not long for this world

I accidentally flew into a spiderweb

I can't get out, no matter how hard I twirl!

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutdamselflies/family-coenagrionidae/wadforangebluet.html

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 9, 2026

I am known as a Fragile Forktail Damselfly

I like to hang around on pondweeds or lilypads

My most defining feature is the

Horizontal exclamation marks on my thorax.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutdamselflies/family-coenagrionidae/wadffragileforktail.html

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 8, 2026

I am a Florida Red-bellied Cooter
I had an alligator for a nanny

My mom laid her eggs in the alligator's nest

And the gator protected me, it's all quite uncanny!

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 7, 2026

I am known as a Carolina Wren

I'm small, but sing LOUD to prove my mettle

My songs aren't particularly creative though, 

All I sing about is my love of tea kettles!

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.

April 6, 2026

I am known as a Great Egret

As an adult or chick, I show elegance and grace

I swear I could be a fashion model

As long as you don't look me direct in the face.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

Photo and text © 2026 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.