December 31, 2021

This is part of a Florida Pricklypear

It's sharp and got stuck in my boot

It took me a long time remove it,

So glad I was not walking barefoot.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://arboretum.ucf.edu/virtual/prickly-pear-cactus/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 30, 2021

I am an Eastern Leaf-footed Bug

You can find me north to Long Island, New York

I like to dine on crops such as oranges and plums

Which farmers hate, but it's just my days work.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/orn/leaffooted_bug.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 29, 2021

This is part of a Grasshoppers exoskeleton

They don't have a backbone like humans

They molt their exoskeleton 5 times in their life

A shiny new grasshopper comes from the ruins.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://youtu.be/a-wvuWOWY5A

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 28, 2021

I am known as a Wheel Bug

I'm beneficial because I eat insects

But I'll also give humans a nasty bite when disturbed 

I'm proud of my multiple skills sets.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/trees/wheel_bug.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 27, 2021

I am a male Linear-winged Grasshopper

Despite my name, I am totally flightless - 

Wings are something I lack, 

I just have linear pads,

But my color is totally righteous.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/spur1.pdf

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 26, 2021

I am an Atlantic Grasshopper

You can tell by the length of my antenae

They are twice the length of my pronotum - 

A part of my body not known to many. 

(Click the link below to see where the pronotum is located. In genera, it's the little shield like thing over the first part of the thorax, just after his head.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/spur3.pdf

https://animalcorner.org/grasshopper-body-anatomy/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 25, 2021

I am a Florida Box Turtle

I'm faster than a snail, but not as fast as a pheasant

It's a good think I don't work for Santa Claus

Cause you'd have a really long wait for your presents.

Happy holidays and best wishes for peace and joy in the new year to all of my readers. - Dee

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 24, 2021

We are both known as Red-shouldered Hawks

Though our sizes and shapes can differ

Depending on genetics, location and age

We might be darker or lighter or bigger. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/photo-gallery

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 23, 2021

I am an American Alligator

Swimming where Manatees gather

But the Manatees have nothing to worry about

I prefer meals with a much smaller stature.

(In the link below, click on the "Mortality, Rescue and Rehabilitation" link to learn about Manatees natural predators. Be sure to click the link to the video, it's very cool and shows Alligators and Manatees hanging out together.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere, Manatee overlook

Sources: https://www.savethemanatee.org/manatees/manatee-faq/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 22, 2021

This tree is known as Baldcypress

It lives in the south east in areas that are moist

You will often find them surrounded by knees

Which are conical structures, not achy leg joints. 

Location: Senior League Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/taxodium/distichum.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 21, 2021

This is known as a Winged Elm

Granivorous birds like to eat its seeds

Its bark can be woven into baskets and rope

And deer eat its twigs and leaves. 

Location: Senior League Park, Fellsmere

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

https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/ulmus/alata.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 20, 2021

I am known as an Osprey

I sit here looking ever so regal

I have a white head and chest

Don't mistake me for a Bald Eagle. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Osprey/species-compare/60329071

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 19, 2021

I am known as a Wild Boar

I live in a large group called a "Sounder"

I nudge a female when I want to mate - 

If she won't pee in response, I won't hang around her.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 18, 2021

This is a plant called Tarflower

Some people also call it Flyweed

Its flowers are sticky and sometimes insects get stuck

Such as flies and many species of bees.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/bejaria-racemosa

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 17, 2021

I am a female Southern Two-striped Walkingstick

Some people call me "Witch's Horse"

I assume because my husband always rides on my back

He's kind of lazy, I think I need a divorce!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/walkingstick.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 16, 2021

I am a Milkweed Assassin Bug

I like to eat mosquitos and flies

I'll also eat earthworms and caterpillars

And my color can vary based on where I reside.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/bugs/zelus_longipes.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 15, 2021

This is Green Arrow Arum

It grows well in moist, boggy ground

It forms dense clumps over time

The Atlantic coastal plains is where it's commonly found.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e836

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 14, 2021

I am a Salvinia Stem Borer Moth

Water Hyacinth is something I'll eat

I have been used as a biological control 

Due to my taste for invasive aquatic weeds.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/8154

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 13, 2021

I am a Vetch Looper Moth

So called because my caterpillar hosts are Vetches

I have 4 indistinct lines across my wings

The fourth is line of dots near the bottom edges.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/21913

https://www.britannica.com/plant/vetch

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 12, 2021

I am a female Goldenrod Crab Spider,

My eyes form a crescent shape

Although it looks like I only have six eyes,

If you look close, you'll see I have eight.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/6751

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 11, 2021

I am a Florida Scrub-Jay, 

I normally wear 4 bands for ID

The silver one’s engraved with a number

That’s in general, too small to see.

So monitors use the combination of all four

To positively identify me.

And if one band should happen to fall off,

Monitors can use the remaining bands and history.

Note: One of this birds bands has fallen off, but I could determine who he was based on where he historically held his territory (where he hangs out), his mate, and his behavior.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://fsjconservation.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/florida-scrub-jay-banding-guidelines_final_2019_02_28.pdf

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 10, 2021

I am a medium-sized fly catcher

Known as an Eastern Phoebe

My habit of building nests under bridges

Has earned me the nickname "bridge peewee".

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 9, 2021

I am in the Genus Nectopsyche

Also known as White Miller Caddisflies

As a larvae I lived in still or slow-moving water

As an adult, you'll mostly see me at night.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/53447

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 8, 2021

I am a male Eastern Pondhawk

I am known to be quite aggressive

Not to humans, just to other insects

Even other dragonflies, now that is impressive!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/miss/learn/nature/pondhawk.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 7, 2021

This is Subtropical Common Reed

It can grow up to 13 feet high

It has a large, fluffy inflorescence

And its leaves are stiff and wide.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=phau7

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 6, 2021

I am a Florida Ivory Millipede

I don't sting and I don't bite

But I can release a drop of hydrogen cyanide on you

If you do not treat me right. 

Location: Kissimmee Prairie State Park

Sources: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2020/06/24/millipedes-annoying-but-important/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 5, 2021

This is a vertebrae from a mammal

That left me in a state of confusion

It might be from a wild boar or a deer

And I certainly hope it's not human!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: (Human) https://www.physio-pedia.com/Lumbar_Vertebrae

(Deer) https://www.etsy.com/listing/267484027/deer-bone-4-assorted-vertebrae

(Boar) http://www.boneid.net/product/wild-boar-sus-scrofa-3rd-lumbar-vertebra/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 4, 2021

I am in the Lycosidae family

Commonly called a Wolf Spider

Like the wolf I'm a solitary hunter

And though I look scary, I'm not much of a biter.

(Note: Like all spiders, Wolf Spiders contain venom, but in general, it is not harmful to humans, only other bugs.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 3, 2021

I am a Black-crowned Night-Heron

My eyes are red and quite distinct

The rest of me's grey, white, and black, with green-yellow legs

Unless I'm breeding, then my legs are pink.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 2, 2021

A Boat-tailed Grackle, an Osprey, a Great Egret

They seem disparate, but have two things in common:

They each have four separate subspecies

And none could survive eating only ramen.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.nwrafting.com/articles/ospreys-a-unique-bird-of-prey

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 1, 2021

We are Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks

We're known to eat insects and seeds

But now and then you'll see dangerous ducks

Like the one who eats, shoots, and leaves.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 30, 2021

I am a Belted Kingfisher

I need water near a vertical dirt patch

To build a burrow where I can nest

And protect my babies after they hatch.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 29, 2021

(Left) I am known as an Anhinga

(Right) And I am a Boat-tailed Grackle

We get along fine in the wild as friends

But you won't find us in a wedding chapel. 

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2019.00113

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

David Simpson and I are pleased to present to you episode 6 of Dee at 8 a.m. Ask David a Birding Question. Today's question comes from Joy Handley who wants to know: How can you tell terns apart? Thanks for the question!

If you have a question you want David to answer, please leave a comment here. And if you want to support my dream of giving up my day job and doing this full time, be sure to click the YouTube Like and Subscribe buttons!

https://youtu.be/xOgcxZsAyug

November 28, 2021

This is Macroptilium lathyroides

Also known as Phasey Bean

It's flowers are purple-ish red,

And it has compound leaves. 

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/macroptilium-lathyroides/

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compound%20leaf

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2021

I am known as a Cucumber Moth

In Africa and Asia, I'm considered a pest

I tend to eat fruit

There lies the dispute

I don't only eat, I infest!

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Palm Bay, FL

Sources  https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/assets/factsheets/diaphania-indica-nitidalis-hyalinata.pdf

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 26, 2021

I am a male breeding House Sparrow

I like to live where I have human neighbors

Because I'm so common, I'm easily studied

As evidenced by nearly 5000 published scientific papers.

Location: Cape Cod, MA

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

(Note: I'm feeling a little homesick, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to the last time I had a real vacation with my sibs when we went to Cape Cod in July of 2016. Enjoy the trip up north!)

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 25, 2021

I am known as a Tree Swallow

I live up north when I'm breeding

But when the weather gets cold

I'm just not that bold

Come July or August - I'm leaving!

Location: Cape Cod, MA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tree_Swallow/maps-range

(Note: I'm feeling a little homesick, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to the last time I had a real vacation with my sibs when we went to Cape Cod in July of 2016. Enjoy the trip up north!)

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 24, 2021

I am a Black-capped Chickadee

I have a black hat and bib

My mate and I excavate a tree cavity

Each year to make our little nesting crib.

Location: Cape Cod, MA

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

(Note: I'm feeling a little homesick, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to the last time I had a real vacation with my sibs when we went to Cape Cod in July of 2016. Enjoy the trip up north!)

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 23, 2021

I am an Anaxyrus fowleri

Commonly known as a Fowler's Toad

Don't look at this picture too closely

You will notice I just dropped a load.

(I swear I did not see the poop until I downloaded the picture, and it was in EVERY picture I took of him.)

Location: Cape Cod, MA

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

(Note: I'm feeling a little homesick, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to the last time I had a real vacation with my sibs when we went to Cape Cod in July of 2016. Enjoy the trip up north!)

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 22, 2021

I am an Eastern Towhee

I'm black, white and reddish brown

I can be found in Florida throughout the year

And further north when I want to get down.

Location: Cape Cod, MA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Towhee/maps-range

(Note: I'm feeling a little homesick, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to the last time I had a real vacation with my sibs when we went to Cape Cod in July of 2016. Enjoy the trip up north!)

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 21, 2021

I am known as a Horned Lark

You know I'm male cause of my bold black mustache

I have tiny black feathers that stick up like horns

They make me look sexy and brash. 

Location: Cape Cod, MA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Horned_Lark/lifehistory

(Note: I'm feeling a little homesick, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to the last time I had a real vacation with my sibs when we went to Cape Cod in July of 2016. Enjoy the trip up north!)

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson