Sunday, December 31, 2023

December 31, 2023

This was a Cuban Tree Frog
You can tell by the size of it's legs and its skin was bumpy
And you can also tell that it was female
Cause it's not a daddy, it's a mummy. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/osteopilus_septentrionalis.php

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Saturday, December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

I am a first winter Franklin's Gull
I look remarkably similar to a Laughing
But I am smaller and have more black round my eyes
And overall, I am far more dashing.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Frank Rendon Park, Daytona Beach Shores

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Franklins_Gull/species-compare/71312131

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Friday, December 29, 2023

December 29, 2023

I am a Tyrian Metaltail
I have a short, straight, black beak
I have mostly emerald green feathers
And a forked tail that is ever so chic.

Location: Guango Lodge, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/tyrmet1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, December 28, 2023

December 28, 2023

I am a Sword-billed Hummingbird
My beak is longer that my bod
I appear to have a human-like sclera
But that's just my postocular whitespot.

(Note from Dee: I am now officially retired from high tech and working with David full time. First up: we recently returned from a trip to Ecuador and I am writing a new book tentatively titled, "The Rhyming Guide to Ecuador's Choco Andes Highlands", planned for a February release. For now, be on the lookout for book previews like this one here in the blog!)

Location: Reserva Yanacocha, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/swbhum1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

December 27, 2023

I am a male Mournful Sphinx moth
You can tell I'm male cause my tail ends in an anchor
To be scientifically correct, not a tail, it's the end of my abdomen
(I don't want to attract science nerd rancor!)

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Okeechobee, FL

Sources: https://www.sphingidae.us/enyo-lugubris.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

December 26, 2023

We are Vermilion Flycatchers
We are known to wander about
We're from South America, but sometimes
We get to Florida when our internal GPS says "reroute".

Location: TM Goodwin WMA (top), Quito, Ecuador (bottom) 

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson


Monday, December 25, 2023

December 25, 2023

I'm a male Andean Cock-of-the-rock
I'm fluorescent red with an orange-eyed stare
You can't see it right now, but I've got a beak,
You'll just have to trust me - it's there. 

(Wishing the happiest of holidays to all of my readers! - Dee)

Location: Refugio Paz de las Aves, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/andcot1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Sunday, December 24, 2023

December 24, 2023

I am a Red-nosed Black-bellied Whistling Duck
I'm leading my flock to the north pole
We hear there's an old fat guy who needs a hand with a sleigh
And I think I can fill the role.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: Probably too much egg nog.

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Saturday, December 23, 2023

December 23, 2023

I am known as an Osprey
I can travel 160,000 miles in my life
Some of us Ospreys are migratory
But we return to the same mate and nest after our flight.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/osprey/cur/breeding

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Friday, December 22, 2023

December 22, 2023

I am known as a Snail Kite
To say I'm a picky eater would be an understatement
I only like native or exotic Apple Snails, 
And only when I can't find one will I look for a meal replacement. 

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, December 21, 2023

December 21, 2023

These structures are called floating wetlands
The water has too much pollution
The floating islands contain plants that remove
Nitrogen and phosphorus - it's an elegant solution.

Location: Bracco Pond, Cocoaf

Sources: http://www.beemats.com/how-it-works.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

December 20, 2023

We are a family of Muscovy Ducks
A youngun, a dad and a mom
In Florida, it is illegal to release us
But not in South America, where we are from.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/birds/waterfowl/muscovy-ducks

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

December 19, 2023

I am an immature Black-bellied Whistling duck
My beak isn't orange like mom and dads
And my belly isn't black yet, but as my name implies
Soon I'll grow and will be black-bellied clad.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-bellied_Whistling-Duck/id

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Monday, December 18, 2023

December 18, 2023

I am a leucistic Palm Warbler
I would normally be yellow and white
But I am lacking melanin pigment
Which can affect mating, predation and flight.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/gbw/gardens-wildlife/garden-birds/behaviour/plumage/leucism

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Sunday, December 17, 2023

December 17, 2023

This is a plant in the genus Polygonella
Based on location, probably Sandhill Wireweed
It has pink, poofy flowers that grow on a spike
And a lot of moisture is not something it needs.

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-polygonum-nesomii/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Saturday, December 16, 2023

December 16, 2023

We are known as Roseate Spoonbills
Hanging out with our friends the White Ibis
Our relationship is purely platonic
Trying to kiss would give us spondylitis.

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Friday, December 15, 2023

December 15, 2023

I am known as a Green Heron
My build is short and stocky
But I only weigh about 8 ounces
I'd make a better jockey than player of ice hockey.

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, December 14, 2023

December 14, 2023

I am known as a Tricolored Heron
Although I have way more colors than three
When I'm breeding I get maroon feathers on my neck
And bright aqua skin on my beak.

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

December 13, 2023

We are Northern Pintail ducks in silhouette 
You can tell by our slim bodies and pointed tail
It's easier to ID us when we are sitting in water
But a predator put us up in the air!

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/norpin/cur/identification

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

December 12, 2023

We are a group of Lesser Scaup
In North America, we're the most abundant diving duck
But in some regions our population is declining
Due to polluted water and habitat that's shrunk.

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Monday, December 11, 2023

December 11, 2023

I am known as a Monarch Butterfly
I weigh less than a paperclip
My lifespan's a few months
Unless I enter diapause,
Then I can live longer, as time permits.

Location: Senior League Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.fws.gov/species/monarch-danaus-plexippus

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Sunday, December 10, 2023

December 10, 2023

I am known as a Northern Shoveler
I have a big bill but I eat tiny food
Such as minute crustaceans and seeds
That I swallow whole, I've no teeth, I don't chew.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWR

Sources: https://abcbirds.org/blog/do-ducks-have-teeth/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Saturday, December 9, 2023

December 9, 2023

I am known as a Cottonmouth snake
I'm venomous and a pit viper
I'm semi-aquatic and like to eat fish
And won't hurt humans unless I'm incited.

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Rock Springs Run Preserve

Sources: https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/agkpis.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson



Friday, December 8, 2023

December 8, 2023

I'm known as a Banded Water Snake
I'm semi-aquatic and my body is heavy
I can be found everywhere in Florida
Except for the Florida Keys.

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake/southern-watersnake/

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson



Thursday, December 7, 2023

December 7, 2023

I am a Spodoptera pulchella
My name means "diminutive beauty"
The curved, white line on my forewing
Can lead you to conclude that I'm me.

Location: My House, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20p?see=I_MPG32958&res=640

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

December 6, 2023

I am a Lineated Woodpecker
I'm not aggressive but this guy's gonna get hurt
The perverted little Palm Tanager
Is trying to look up my skirt!!

(Note from Dee: I am now officially retired from high tech and working with David full time. First up: we just returned from a trip to Ecuador and I am writing a new book tentatively titled, "The Rhyming Guide to Ecuador's Choco Andes Highlands", planned for a February release. For now, be on the lookout for some previews here in the blog!)

Location: Mirador Rio Blanco, Mindo Ecuador

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

December 5, 2023

This is the flower, fruit and leaves of Angel Trumpets
The red flowers enjoy hummingbird pollination
To humans all parts of the plant are poisonous
They can cause death, paralysis and hallucinations.

(Note from Dee: I am now officially retired from high tech and working with David full time. First up: we just returned from a trip to Ecuador and I am writing a new book tentatively titled, "The Rhyming Guide to Ecuador's Choco Andes Highlands", planned for a February release. For now, be on the lookout for some previews here in the blog!)

Location: Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Quito, Ecuador
Sources: https://www.britannica.com/plant/angels-trumpet

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson



Monday, December 4, 2023

December 4, 2023

I am a Shining Sunbeam hummingbird
I look sweet, but I'm really quite territorial
I'm aggressive towards other nectavores such as
Flowerpiercers and other hummingbirds equatorial. 

Location: Yanacocha Biological Reserve, Ecuador

Sources: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332625669_The_behavior_and_diet_of_the_Shining_Sunbeam_Aglaeactis_cupripennis_A_territorial_high-elevation_hummingbird

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Sunday, December 3, 2023

December 3, 2023

I am a male Great Thrush
You can tell I'm make by my orbital skin
If I was female it would be dark, not light,
But we both have an orange beak, feet and shins.

(Note from Dee: I am now officially retired from high tech and working with David full time. First up: we just returned from a trip to Ecuador and I am writing a new book tentatively titled, "The Rhyming Guide to Ecuador's Choco Andes Highlands", planned for a February release. For now, be on the lookout for some previews here in the blog!)

Location: Quito, Equador


Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

December 2, 2023

I am known as a Eared Dove
I'm similar to a Mourning Dove with a shorter tail
My name comes from the black spots beneath my ears
And my call is more growly, not a plaintive wail.

(Note from Dee: I am now officially retired from high tech and working with David full time. First up: we just returned from a trip to Ecuador and I am writing a new book tentatively titled, "The Rhyming Guide to Ecuador's Choco Andes Highlands", planned for a February release. For now, be on the lookout for some previews here in the blog!)

Location: Quito, Equador


Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Friday, December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

I am a Sorghum Webworm Moth caterpillar
I eat the seed heads of sorghum
You can find me in sorghum plantations
Or grass fields when I want to explore some.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/17470

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

We are Southern Green-striped Grasshoppers
We come in green or brown form
You can find us where
The soil is bare
Girl is larger than boy - that's the nor

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN010

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

November 29, 2023

I am a Silver Long-jawed Orbweaver
I'm frequently found in fields
But sometimes a car drives by
I get blown inside
Then I end up on a blog, oh what an ordeal!

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/143120

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

November 28, 2023

I am a Great Egret
Hanging out in the Pickerel Weed
I am the very embodiment 
Of the torture that retirement is to Dee.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Monday, November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023

I am probably a Rice Stink Bug
It's difficult to tell from a side angle
Possible clues are my color and eyes
And my head's shaped like a triangle.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/295792-Oebalus-pugnax

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Sunday, November 26, 2023

November 26, 2023

I am known as a Scarlet Skimmer
I compete with the Eastern Pondhawk and Snowy Egret
We all like to snack on Rambur's Forktail
But to me, a Common Clubtail's a threat.

(Check out the cool Trophic Web chart at the Encyclopedia of Life link below that shows predator/prey relationships.)

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://eol.org/pages/131983

Saturday, November 25, 2023

November 25, 2023

I am known as a Leucauge argyra
Enlarge my picture to see my spinneret
It is where my silk comes from which I use
To wrap prey and to build my web.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Friday, November 24, 2023

November 24, 2023

I am a Setophaga palmarum
Commonly known as a Palm Warbler
I breed in the boreal forest during summer
When I feel cooler weather is order.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Thursday, November 23, 2023

November 23, 2023

I am an immature Turkey Vulture
You can tell by the black tip on my beak
Soon my beak will be white and I'll have a red head
But I'll retain my dead-sexy physique.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

November 22, 2023

I am a Tropical Kingbird
I've got an olive-green back and a yellow tummy
I like to nest near Icteridae and wasps
Who keep predators from trying anything funny.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson



Tuesday, November 21, 2023

November 21, 2023

I am an Arabesque Orbweaver
An identifying mark is 3 pairs of dark spots
In the day you can find me curled up on leaf
At night, I wait to see who my web stops.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/39293

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson



Monday, November 20, 2023

November 20, 2023

I am known as a Savannah Sparrow
With that name you'd expect to find me
Only in savannahs - but I'm named for 
Savannah GA - one of the first places I was seen.

Location: TM Goodwin WMA

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Sunday, November 19, 2023

November 19, 2023

We are Rambur's Forktail Damselflies
And we both have unwanted visitors
We  were infested with mites soon after we emerged
And until they are engorged, we remain their prisoners.

(I paid the price for these photos - I was unknowingly - till it was far too late - stood if a fire ant nest while taking these photos. Ouch.)

Location: TM Goodwin WMA, Broadmoor Unit

Sources: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10682-021-10130-z

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson