December 31, 2022

This plant is known as Feay's Prairie Clover

Some birds like to eat its seeds

It's the larval host for the Southern Dogface butterfly

And  it attracts pollinators such as bees.

Location: Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/dalea-feayi

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 30, 2022

We are different ages of Laughing Gulls

Second winter, non-breeding adult, and Juvenile

Depending on age, our whole family can look like strangers -

We understand if your state is confusional.

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 29, 2022

When looking at birds through binoculars

Some things can be distorted, for example, size

You might be looking at a sparrow or crane -  

Or two misplaced parachuting guys!

(I had an interesting morning resulting in this, my first human species post! No parachuting guys were harmed in the making of this blog post.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-choose-your-binoculars

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 28, 2022

We are known as Ruddy Turnstones

We migrate to the arctic to breed which is very hard work.

While we're in Florida we lose appendages to fishing line

Left on the ground by inconsiderate jerks.

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 27, 2022

I am known as a Green Sea Turtle

But I am more olive-brown than green

I only weigh an ounce at birth but as an adult

I'm a 500 pound seagrass eating machine!

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://fltws.org/species-spotlight/2017/6/2/green-turtle-chelonia-mydas

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 26, 2022

This is a seedpod from Dalbergia ecastaphyllum

Also called Coinvine, but it's not gold or silver

It's commonly found growing with Mangroves and Cocoplum

Both in Florida and along the lower Congo River.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Sources: https://treasurecoastnatives.wordpress.com/2015/08/07/coinvine/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 25, 2022

I am an adult Peters's Rock Agama

You can tell by my red head and blue-black body

You can also tell by my demeanor

I kind of look arrogant and snobby. 

(Part 3 of 3)

Location: Fort Pierce, downtown

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW476

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 24, 2022

I am an adult female Peters's Rock Agama

I am dull compared to my mate

I am mostly brown 

With green spots uptown

And I'm a non-native species, and was either released or escaped.

(Part 2 of 3)

Location: Fort Pierce, downtown

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW476

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 23, 2022

I am an immature Peters's Rock Agama

You can tell by my lighter color

I have scales on my tail, legs and back

And I  more closely resemble my mother. 

(Part 1 of 3)

Location: Fort Pierce, downtown 

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW476

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 22, 2022

These are the remains of a Turkey Vulture

But the poor bird ran out of luck

But looking closely you can determine

Who it was that committed the snuff

If the feathers were torn out it was probably a mammal

If it was a bird such as a hawk, the feathers were plucked

I had to delete a line from this poem

For those who know me, it won't be hard to deduct.

(Special thanks to Ann for teaching me this!)

Location: Stan Blum Boat Ramp, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-management/predator-management-for-small-and-backyard-poultry-flocks/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 21, 2022

This is known as a Silk Floss Tree

It has pointy spikes on its bark

Its flowers are mostly pink and white

And in the middle is bright yellow spike

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://www.floridagardener.com/ceiba-speciosa-formerly-chorisia-speciosa/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 20, 2022

I am a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

When I eat crabs, I do it methodically

First I tear each of their legs off, 

So they can't get away from me

Then I swallow the rest of it whole

(Well... methodically to a small degree.)

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-crowned_Night-Heron/lifehistory#food

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 19, 2022

I am an Atlantic Ghost Crab,

I live in the supralittoral zone

That means I live above the high tide mark

I'm safe as long as there's not a tropical cyclone.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 18, 2022

I am adult Fiery Skipper

It's day time so  I'm getting nectar from flowers

When I was a larvae I was nocturnal

And I ate grasses during nighttime hours.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/BFLY/fiery_skipper.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 17, 2022

I am either a White or Common Checkered-Skipper,

Although I'm difficult to ID just by sight

Visually, we are identical to one another

Only dissection will reveal which ID is right.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Sources: https://alabama.butterflyatlas.usf.edu/species/details/131/common-checkered-skipper-white-checkered-skipper

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 16, 2022

I am a female Spinybacked Orbweaver

I lay eggs from October through January

My babies are tiny and hang from a single web strand But get big in time for the photo in their high school annuary.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/g_cancriformis.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 15, 2022

I am a male Ceraunus Blue butterfly

You know I'm male cause my topside is lavender

You can find me throughout the southern US

And in Florida, for all 12 months on the calendar.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/ceraunus_blue.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 14, 2022

This is a Whitemouth Dayflower

You can grow them from seeds or tubers

Although each bud flowers for less than a day

They have many buds and are prolific bloomers.

Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 13, 2022

I am a juvenile Little Blue Heron

When I look straight at you I look somewhat strange

Unlike birds of prey,

My eyes are on the side of my face,

So views of predators are unrestrained.

Location: Stan Blum Memorial Boat Ramp, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://maxbirdfacts.com/how-do-birds-see-with-eyes-on-side-of-head-monocular-vision-to-evade-danger/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 12, 2022

I am a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron,

You can tell cause my bill's solid black

My legs are longer than my tail

And I've got little white spots on my back

Go to this page, and click on the dots after the description until you have the juvenile Yellow-crown and Black-crown side by side; the differences are quite apparent.

Location: Stan Blum Memorial Boat Ramp, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-crowned_Night-Heron/species-compare/70693031

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 11, 2022

This is a Beach Naupaka

Hawaiian Half-flower is it's common name.

It's an invasive exotic

There's no known biologic

That can send it back from whence it came.

Location: Riverside Park, Vero

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/scaevola-taccada/

https://wssa.net/wssa/weed/biological-control/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 10, 2022

I am a Red-bellied Woodpecker

My mate awaits in the tree for me

We will drum on a tree together, 

Establish a pair-bond, and then we will breed.

Location: Riverside Park, Vero

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

What is a pair bond?

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 9, 2022

I am known as a Wood Stork

I'm not very fond of racoons

They eat my babies,

And sometimes have rabies

And they wear little burglar costumes.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/raccoons-and-public-health

https://www.google.com/search?q=racoon+burglar

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 8, 2022

We are a pair of Sandhill Cranes

We are known to mate for life

But occasionally we peruse the Sibley Guide

Variety's the spice of life, it cannot be denied.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 7, 2022

I am a Southern Green-striped Grasshopper, 

In Florida I can be found year round

I like to hang out in pastures and road sides

And in flight I make a crackling sound.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/666535

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 6, 2022

I am a Snowy Egret

I was planning to rob this preserve

But witnesses will know how tall I am

Rangers don't trust me, they sure have some nerve!

(Ok, I'm just being silly. The Orlando Wetlands Park plays a very important role in wastewater treatment. Water depth in the cells is just one of the many data points that are monitored to properly maintain the wetlands. Check out the links below for more details.)

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Wetlands-Park/Wetlands-Renovation

https://www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Wetlands-Park/Wetlands-Management

Video: Orlando Wetlands Park Cleans Our Water

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 5, 2022

I am known as a Pied-billed Grebe

I'm an excellent swimmer and diver

My feet are placed far back on my body

So I swim well, but am a terrible driver.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 4, 2022

I am a Florida Redbelly Turtle,

Hanging out with my friend, the gator

I laid my eggs in her nest so she can protect them

Together, we make a great pair of maters.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 3, 2022

I am a Botaurus lentiginosus

But you know me better by "American Bittern"

I'm known for my ability to blend in with plants

Unless they are all green, then I don't remain hidden.

(Note: This is another one for my family and friends back Boston for whom "bittern" and "hidden" is a perfectly cromulent rhyme.)

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-ipomoea-sagittata/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipomoea

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 2, 2022

This is a plant known as Saltmarsh Morning-Glory

Ipomoea sagittata is my scientific name

Ipomoea means "resembling a woodworm"

Because of how I wind and spiral in a manner arcane

Sagittata comes from the Greek word for "arrow"

My arrow-shaped leaves is to what that pertains.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-ipomoea-sagittata/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 1, 2022

I am a Band-winged Dragonlet,

Let's you and I have a heart-to-heart talk

I generally like most other critters 

But I take issue with Great Pondhawks

I understand predator-prey relationships

But I do not enjoy being the prey who is stalked!

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://eol.org/pages/130940

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 30, 2022

I am a non-breeding Red-winged Blackbird

You can tell I'm non-breeding cause my shoulder's not red

Although at the moment I'm hanging out at the water treatment park,

When I'm not breeding, I usually prefer places that are not wet.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 29, 2022

I am a Black-crowned Night-Heron

I like swamps, streams, and lakes overgrown with rushes

You might hear a harsh squawk or a rattling bill

That's just my mate and I having a discussion.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-crowned_Night-Heron/sounds

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 28, 2022

I am an immature White-crowned Sparrow

You can ID me by the bold stripes on my head

I've got a yellow bill,

And eat my fill

Of seeds, fruits and insects - I am very well fed.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-crowned_Sparrow/photo-gallery/297929211

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2022

I am known as a Pig Frog

A Snowy Egret promised me a ride

But he knows that I'm afraid of heights, 

So he told me that he'd let me ride inside!

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/pigfrog.shtml

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 26, 2022

I am known as a Snowy Egret

I'm having a Pig Frog for a light dinner

He doesn't taste like ham, but I know what I am:

An aquatic animal-eating practitioner

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 25, 2022

I am known as an Eastern Phoebe

I'm known to share nests with Barn Swallows

I migrate and come back, and reuse the same nest

And the Swallows use my nest for the season that follows.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson