December 20, 2024

I am a juvenile Tropical Orbweaver

I have 8 eyes, you can see two here

They are at the bottom of this photo, not on my back

Regardless of how it appears.

(The dots on her back are eye spots (like on butterflies) that serve to ward off predators.)

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://rgvctmn.org/blog/tropical-orb-weavers/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 19, 2024

I am known as a Pillbug

But I'm a non-insect arthropod

In fact, I'm a terrestrial crustacean

More closely related to crabs than bugs, how odd!

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/Armadillidium_vulgare.htm

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 18, 2024

I am a Curve-billed Thrasher

I use my long bill to catch bugs

It also helps me forage in spiny plants

And you can find me in brushland and scrub.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Curve-billed_Thrasher/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 17, 2024

I am known as a Gulf Coast Toad

I'm small - about 2-4 inches long

An identifying mark is the stripe down my back

And when I'm in the mood I sing a short, flat trill song.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.herpedia.com/frogs-toads/bufonidae/gulf-coast-toad.php

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 16, 2024

I am a Spinybacked Orbweaver

My spikes and back colors vary widely

My spikes:  red or black

I've white or yellow on my back

But my underside varies only slightly.

The female shape and colors can vary by geography. I've seen black spiked white Spiny Orbweavers now and then in FL, but I haven't seen many of the black spiked yellow ones. 

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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

December 15, 2024

I am a Bold Jumping spider

My chelicerae are iridescent lime

I have 8 eyes and great vision

Which I use to find a mate and also to dine.

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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

December 14, 2024

I am a Three-lined Maevia

I can be found in Mexico, Arizona and Texas

I used to have 8 legs, now I have 6 -

Possibly a predator caught me being reckless.

Special thanks to my friend Karen who, upon seeing this picture, pointed out to me that 2 of the poor spider's legs were missing. I totally didn't even notice when I took the photo. 

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/476966

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 13, 2024

I'm known as a Gray Cracker butterfly

So named because I make a cracking sound

When my spiny rods contact my anal claspers

Other territorial males can tell I am around.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://sta.uwi.edu/fst/lifesciences/sites/default/files/lifesciences/documents/ogatt/Hamadryas_februa%20-%20Grey%20Cracker%20Butterfly.pdf

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 12, 2024

I am a Great Southern White butterfly

My wings can be from white to yellow to grey

My antennal clubs are always turquoise blue

And I'm sexually dimorphic, as the scientists say.

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://www2.nau.edu/~gaud/bio300b/sexdi.htm
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/great-southern-white/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 11, 2024

I am a female Roseate Skimmer

You can tell by the white stripe on my back

Another identifying mark for me:

On my lower abdomen is a brown-edged flap.

As described in the referenced article from the Houston Arboretum, the female Roseate Skimmer uses their flap to "scoop up water and fling it forward as she lays eggs so they are scattered far and wide by the splash."

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://houstonarboretum.org/dragonfly-days-of-summer/
https://lloyddragon.com/roseate-skimmer-id/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 10, 2024

I am known as a White Peacock butterfly

But I just might have fooled you

My relatives in Florida are usually white

But in Texas, I've got a baby-blue hue. 

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2020/09/september-11-2020.html

https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-white-peacock/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 9, 2024

We are a pair of mating Western Giant Swallowtails

Similar to Easter Giants except the yellow spots on our necks

The spot's shape and size

Appear different to some eyes

But we're still being studied - it is kind of complex.

Location: Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX

Sources: https://sciencythoughts.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-new-species-of-giant-swallowtail.html

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 8, 2024

We are all Laviana White Skippers

We look different based on sex and position

In general, our bodies are dark and our wings are white

With brown on the edges for some definition.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX; Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, TX, Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen TX,

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Heliopetes-laviana

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 7, 2024

I am a Horse's Paper Wasp

I live from South America to the southern US

I am beneficial to humans as a pollinator

But my sting can hurt a lot nonetheless. 

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 6, 2024

I am a captive African Spurred Tortoise

I live at the National Butterfly Center

I was badly hurt in fire,

But will and desire

Put me in touch with a new shell inventor.

(Read Spike's sad, but ultimately hopeful story at the link below.)

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://texashighways.com/outdoors/parks/meet-spike-the-national-butterfly-centers-resident-tortoise/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 5, 2024

I am known as a Blomfild's Beauty

Sitting atop of a hat

I usually keep my wings tightly folded

But today, I'll show off my beauty unmatched.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/52089

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 4, 2024

I am a Common Mestra

I'm gray to tan with an orange marginal band

I'm attracted to fruit and grasses

Scientists theorize that my breeding area's starting to expand.

(Refer to the linked article Remarks section for details of breeding area.)

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/31884

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 3, 2024

I am a Dainty Sulphur

I'm a small, yellow butterfly with long forewings

On my outer wing edge I've some black spots

If I migrate north, it will be in summer or spring.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Nathalis-iole

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 2, 2024

I am known as a Great Kiskidee

I'm one of the largest fly catchers

I'm omnivorous and I'm aggressive

And known to be a pet food and peanut butter snatcher. 

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

December 1, 2024

I am a Mexican Bluewing

But you'd never guess that when my wings are closed

My outer wings are brown just like tree bark

Only when open is blue iridescence exposed.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Myscelia-ethusa

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 30, 2024

I am a male Ladder-backed Woodpecker

You can tell I'm male cause I wear a red-beret

I like cacti and trees

Where I find things to eat

Leafworms and caterpillars are just a few of my prey.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ladder-backed_Woodpecker/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 29, 2024

We are known as Plain Chachalacas

Named for the sound we make

We're about the size of tall, skinny chickens

And eat fruit, herbs, and invertebrates.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/placha/cur/foodhabits

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 28, 2024

I am known as a Clay-colored Thrush

I'm easily confused with similar birds

But we're allopatric and don't live near each other

So it's easy to identify me if you're a geography nerd.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/allopatry

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 27, 2024

I am a Red-bordered Pixie

You can find me in the lower Rio Grande

I have two yellow spots

Red spots? I got lots!

I'm at my prettiest when my wings expand.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/148506-Melanis-pixe

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 26, 2024

We are a pair of Variegated Meadowhawks

Flying together through the air

There are predators around

But we're getting down

And are far too busy to care. 

Check out the amazing video linked below - see what mating dragonflies are up against!

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

Sources: https://dragonflywebsite.com/dragonfly-mating.cfm

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 25, 2024

I am an Altamira Oriole

You can use the orange patch on my shoulder for ID

Even though you can't see 

Much of my eyes or my beak

The patch is enough to confirm the real me.

Location: National Butterfly Center, Mission TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 24, 2024

I am probably a female White-checkered Skipper

My body is black, it is not blue

To know for sure if I'm male or female

Requires dissection, which I'm not willing to pursue.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Pyrgus-albescens?page=2

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 23, 2024

I am known as a Whirlabout

I look chunky, but still a butterfly, so delicate

I can be found year round in Florida and Texas

And occasionally as far north as Connecticut.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources:  https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Polites-vibex

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 22, 2024

I am a Mexican Bordered Plant Bug

I'm in the family Largidae

My forewings are edged with a contrasting color

And I feed on plant juices and seeds.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 21, 2024

I'm a male Golden-fronted Woodpecker

If you look close, there's gold above my beak

If I was a girl I'd have no red on my head

But our backs are both black and white streaked.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-fronted_Woodpecker/id

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 20, 2024

I am a Black-crested Titmouse

My beak and eyes are also both black

I'm mostly gray and white, and for songbird I'm small

Despite being called Titmouse, I don't have a big rack.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-crested_Titmouse/overview

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 19, 2024

I am known as a Black Saddlebags

Named for the large black spots on my wings

These spots shade my abdomen so I don't overheat

They are not just sharp-looking bling. 

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://uwm.edu/field-station/bug-of-the-week/black-saddlebags-dragonfly-family-libellulidae/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 18, 2024

I am known as an American Snout

So named for my elongated mouth

I am known for mass migrating northward

When my population explodes in the south.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/snout-butterfly/

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 17, 2024

I am known as an Inca Dove

My underwings are chestnut - the rest is just tan.

My outer tail feathers are white

But you'll only see them in flight,

My feathers look scaly, like a snaky wing span

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 16, 2024

I am a male Great-tailed Grackle

My feathers are iridescent purple and black

You can find me in rural or urban areas

Looking for grain, fruit or animal snacks.

Location: Corpus Christi, TX

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great-tailed_Grackle/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 15, 2024

I am known as a White-wing Dove

I eat grains and sunflower and corn

I've adapted to living close to humans

Who provide feeders and places to keep warm.

Location: Corpus Christie Texas

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-winged_Dove/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Visit http://deeat8am.com/ for more Dee-Natured Rhymes and Reason. If you would like to get this blog in your email every morning, go to https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/2022/11/get-dee-at-8-am-by-e-mail.html for instructions. Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

November 14, 2024

We are all known as Green Jays

Chowing away at Dee's friend's bird feeder

You know, at this rate, 

If we procreate

Clay's gonna need a 50-seat feeder!

Special shout out to Clay in Corpus Christi for letting us visit his amazing backyard butterfly and Green Jay sanctuary.

Location: Corpus Christie, private residence

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 13, 2024

I am a Schaus' Tussock Moth caterpillar

Summer usually marks my arrival

I will become a moth in the autumn

But for now I look like 80's rocker Billy Idol.

Location: Corpus Christie, Texas

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/217917

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 12, 2024

I am an Echo Moth caterpillar

I live in flat woods and scrub

I believe that Oak and other woody plants

Make for some good eating' grub!

Location: Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/45044

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 11, 2024

I am a baby Pond Slider

I hatched from a flexible shell

The shell was permeable so I could absorb water

And formed the shape of my plastron as well. 

Location: Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 10, 2024

I am an American Crown Conch

You can find me in oyster reefs and mud flats

I'm carnivorous and eat lots of oysters

And I grow larger when in oyster bar habitats.

Location: Ponce Inlet

Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0022098194900256

Photo and text © 2024 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.

November 9, 2024

I am a sick Laughing Gull

What's wrong is hard to say

I might have a disease or a predator got me

I'm not long for this world either way.

Location: Ponce Inlet

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/laugul/cur/behavior#predat

Photo and text © 2024 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.