April 30, 2021

I am known as a Short-tailed Hawk

I am fairly small, about the size of a crow

My Florida population is now at risk

Due to isolation and loss of mangroves.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 29, 2021

I am a Northern Parula

I hide my nest in Spanish moss in the south

In the north, I hide my nest in Usnea lichens

So predators don't know my kids are around.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-parula

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 28, 2021

I am a baby Brown Thrasher

Right now, I've got short, stubby tail feathers

When I grow up I'll have a long beautiful tail

For now I'll just hang with my new best friend, Heather.

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

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

Photo © 2021 Heather Stapleton, text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 27, 2021

I am a Phaon Crescent,

As an adult I like Sheppard's Needle nectar

I've been seen from Guatemala to Wyoming

But I spend more time in the warmer sectors.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Phyciodes-phaon

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 26, 2021

I am an immature White Ibis

My beauty has inspired songs by many composers

With my long lithe legs, and bright orange beak

I can make the boy birds loose their composure. 

(Ok, that's a terrible rhyme, but in my defense, when I saw how this bird was posed, I thought it looked like one of those scenes from the old movies where the woman hitchhiker shows some leg to get a ride!)

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Dee at 8 a.m. Presents: Ask David Simpson a Birding Question: Episode 3: Where can I go to see Roseate Spoonbills?

In our third episode of Ask David a Birding Question, we bring you Heather S's question: Where can I see Roseate Spoonbills?

Enjoy! And, 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.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, Fellsmere

April 25, 2021

I am an Atlantic Mud Fiddler Crab

I have a strong influence on how salt marshes function

I can now be found as far north as the Gulf of Maine

I'm a climate migrant* due to human dysfunction.

* Read the article linked below. I remember swimming in Maine as a kid. Well, that's a lie. I remember dipping my big toe in the water and screaming cause it was far too cold to swim there. It's scary that the water there is this warm now. 

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

Sources: https://academic.oup.com/jcb/article/40/5/544/5874904

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 24, 2021

I am a Mangrove Buckeye,

If I were Common, I would have white

On my upper hind wings round my eyespots

I'm easy to misidentify. 

(I need to go back and check my past blog entries - I think I have some Mangroves misidentified as Common Buckeyes.)

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

Sources: http://www.susanleachsnyder.com/Conservancy%20Butterfly%20Garden/Buckeye.html

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 23, 2021

This plant is known as Coral Bean

It has scarlet red tubular flowers

Though it's nectar is great for hummingbirds, 

Its seeds are poisonous to humans and should not be devoured.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=erhe4

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 22, 2021

This is Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Commonly known as Ragweed

Growing up, I remember mom's constant complaint: 

"That !@#!@#$ ragweed is making me sneeze!"

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=amar2

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 21, 2021

This is a Western Spindalis

Formerly known as a "Stripe-headed Tanager"

They are normally found in the Caribbean

I think this one needs a navigation manager. 

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Jungle Trail

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/western-spindalis

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 20, 2021

This is Gaillardia pulchella

Sometimes also called Firewheel

Purchase your Gaillardia from native plant nurseries

To prevent non-native hybrids, which are not ideal.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-gaillardia-pulchella

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 19, 2021

This is known as Red Mangrove

In Florida it is useful and native

Its umbella-like roots stabilize the shore

But in Hawaii, it's an exotic invasive.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.environment-hawaii.org/?p=7092

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Dee at 8 a.m. Presents: Ask David a Birding Question #2: Is migration over yet?

In our second episode of Ask David a Birding Question, we bring you Jessica's question: Is migration over yet?

Enjoy! And, 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.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

April 18, 2021

This plant is known as Black Mangrove

It is valuable for erosion control

It serves as a nursery for crustaceans and fish and

For nesting coastal birds, it plays a large role.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_avge.pdf

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 17, 2021

Laguncularia racemosa is known as White Mangrove

The genus name Laguncularia is not in dispute - 

It's from a Latin word that means "a little flask"

Which describes the shape of its fruit.

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr325

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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

April 10, 2021

I am a  Tropical Checkered-Skipper,

On my upper wing there's a white hourglass

Beside, a white spot, amongst other dots

A Common Checkered-Skipper doesn't have this much class. 

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/133/tropical-checkered-skipper

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 9, 2021

This is Cutleaf Evening Primrose

It can grow to be 18 inches high

It flower has 4 heart-shaped petals

With 8 stamens and 1 pistil inside.

Location: Indian River Lagoon State Park

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 8, 2021

This is known as Marlberry

It is an evergreen shrub

It blooms and fruits throughout the year

And birds think the berries are good "grub".

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-ardisia-escallonioides/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 7, 2021

This flower is called BlueJacket

Spiderwort is another of its names

The stamen usually has bluish filament hairs

If they're pink, radiation could be to blame!

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-tradescantia/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 6, 2021

This was once a Mangrove Tree Crab,

Alas, he is no more

He is now just a crab dinner

For ants upon the shore.   

Location: Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park

Sources: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2014/case_zac2/habitat.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 5, 2021

I am a female Boat-tailed Grackle

I'm omnivorous and eat what I please

Including both land and aquatic insects

And occasionally grain and seeds.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Road, Headwaters Boat Ramp

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/boat-tailed-grackle

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 4, 2021

I am a Cattle Egret

I'm in the same order as storks

I use my beak to catch insects disturbed by grazing cows

It's easier than using a fork.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Road, Headwaters Boat Ramp

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 3, 2021

This is Showy Rattlebox

It makes a rattling noise when its seeds are dried

It is also toxic to livestock,

Remove it from pastures so your ponies don't get sick or die. 

Location: Fellsmere Grade Road, Headwaters Boat Ramp

Sources: http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/bakerco/2019/12/03/wild-weeds-showy-cotalaria/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 2, 2021

I am known as a Belted Kingfisher, 

When I was young, I processed bones in my acidic tummy

By the time I fledged, this acid went away

And I started regurgitating just like my mummy.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Road, Headwaters Boat Ramp

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 1, 2021

I am a Great Horned Owl

Chillin' on my nest with my babies

Although I am beneficial to man

Occasionally my poop contains rabies.

(Special thanks to today's guest photographer and my sweetheart, David Simpson.)

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://meridian.allenpress.com/jwd/article-pdf/12/3/444/2227084/0090-3558-12_3_444.pdf

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