February 29, 2024

We are four American Flamingos

Our legs and necks are ridiculously long.

We're big and pink,

Our bill is distinct -

The bottom mandible is attached, not the top.

 

(Note: Check out the source article below. I had no idea about the beak, it sounds like it would be so hard to eat!)

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Haulover Canal

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

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.

February 28, 2024

I am a Long-billed Dowitcher

The Cornell website says I look "muddy"

They say I have a long beak

I prefer to call it "unique"

What the heck? They also describe me as "tubby"!

(Note: Seriously - check out the description at the link below - it sounds like who ever wrote it had something against a Dowitcher!)

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Long-billed_Dowitcher

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.

February 27, 2024

I am an Orange-crowned Warbler

I don't look particularly distinctive

Allegedly, I have got an orange crown

I've never seen it, and Dee thinks it's fictive.

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Orange-crowned_Warbler/

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.

February 26, 2024

I'm known as a Great Egret

I'm not endemic like a Florida Scrub Jay

But I'm native to Florida and breed here

You know cause I'm wearing a fancy négligé . 

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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

February 25, 2024

I am known as a Spotted Sandpiper

When I'm breeding I get spots on my belly,

My beak color changes to orange,

And my legs turn the color of lemon jelly.

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Sandpiper/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.

February 24, 2024

This is the carcass of an Atlantic Horseshoe Crab

It was killed by a predator or something

Despite having eyes on it's carapace, shell and tail

It apparently never even saw it coming!

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FA254

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.

February 23, 2024

I am a Snowy Egret

I sure am a beautiful one

I opened my beak

To give you a peek

Of my perfect and pink, pointy tongue.

(Note: Click the photo to enlarge it. As with all birds, they don't have teeth, but they do have a tongue.) 

Location: Orlando Wetlands

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/snowy_egret

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.

February 22, 2024

I am known as an American Coot

It looks like I've a cut on my forehead

But all is okay, 

I always look this way

My eyes, shield, and nostrils are red. 

Location: Orlando Wetlands

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Coot/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.

February 21, 2024

I am a Common Gallinule

I have a secret you might not catch

If you look really close

My legs and my nose

Are both candy-corn colored, what a match!

Note: This is silly - I've been taking pictures of these guys for years and never noticed before that their legs and beaks have a matching color scheme!

Location: Orlando Wetlands

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Gallinule/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.

February 20, 2024

I am known as a Woodstork

I have iridescent feathers you don't always see

But when the sun hits them right,

The color's outtasight!

That Spoonbill's got nothing on me.

Location: Orlando Wetlands

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Stork

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.

February 19, 2024

I am known as a Yellow-throated warbler

Although for the life of me, I can't figure out why

When I look down, I see a big white tummy

And I see black and white when I look side-to-side.

Location: Jones' Pier, Vero

Sources:  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-throated_Warbler/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.

February 18, 2024

This plant is known as Sour or Bitter Orange

It is used as rootstock for citrus plants

Its fruit can be used

In marmalade and booze

It's very sour if you want to take the chance.

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/citrus-reticulata-syn-c-sinensis/

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.

February 17, 2024

This plant is known as Mother-in-law's Tongue

Among many other things -

It is also known as viper's bowstring hemp

Because it's fiber is used for bowstrings.

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock

Sources: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b617

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.

February 16, 2024

I am a male Violet-Tailed Sylph

My tail is long, forked, and violet blue

I seek higher altitudes

When flowers bloom

Like most critters, I follow the food.

This week I have been featuring birds from our trip to Ecuador to get you psyched up for mine and David's free presentation to Space Coast Audubon TONIGHT Friday, February 16. Hope to see you there!

Location: Sachatamia Lodge, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/vitsyl1/cur/introduction?login

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.

February 15, 2024

We are a family of Torrent Ducks

So named for where we like to hang out

We eat insect larvae

On fast-moving streams

We compete for food with introduced trout.

This week I am featuring birds from our trip to Ecuador to get you psyched up for mine and David's free presentation to Space Coast Audubon on Friday, February 16. Go here for details and to RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/space-coast-audubon-meetup/events/298994284/

Location: Cosanga, Ecuador

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

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.

February 14, 2024

I am a Chestnut-breasted Coronet

I'm green on my head and back

My tummy is chestnut colored

And my beak is pointy and black.

This week am featuring birds from our trip to Ecuador to get you psyched up for mine and David's free presentation to Space Coast Audubon on Friday, February 16. Go here for details and to RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/space-coast-audubon-meetup/events/298994284/

Location: La Brisa hummingbird feeders, Ecuador

Sources: https://www.peruaves.org/trochilidae/chestnut-breasted-coronet-boissonneaua-matthewsii/

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.

February 13, 2024

I am a Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, 

My head is black with a small yellow patch

I forage the canopy looking for fruit and bugs

I also eat bugs from midair that I catch!

This week I am featuring birds from our trip to Ecuador to get you psyched up for mine and David's free presentation to Space Coast Audubon on Friday, February 16. Go here for details and to RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/space-coast-audubon-meetup/events/298994284/

Location: Reserva Amagusa, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bcmtan2/cur/behavior

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.

February 12, 2024

I am a female Black-cheeked Woodpecker

I would be male if my whole crown would be red

We both have heavily barred tummies

And peck and hammer on trees that are dead.

Location: Sendero Frutti Tour & Birdwatching, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/blcwoo1/cur/introduction

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.

February 11, 2024

I am known as a Cinnamon Flycatcher

I'm cinnamon colored with orange wing bars

I've got a little yellow patch on the top of my head

My rattling trill call is one more of my charms.

This week I will be featuring birds from our trip to Ecuador to get you psyched up for mine and David's free presentation to Space Coast Audubon on Friday, February 16. Go here for details and to RSVP: https://www.meetup.com/space-coast-audubon-meetup/events/298994284/

Location: Cabañas San Isidro, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cinfly2/cur/introduction

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.

February 10, 2024

I am a male Andean Emerald

You can tell cause my head is blue

My mate's head is green

We are able to breed
From Columbia all the way to Peru.

Location: Sachatamia Lodge, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/andeme1/cur/introduction

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.

February 9, 2024

This plant is known as Nickerbean

It is native to Malaysia and South Thailand

It has sharp spines and thorns on its stem and its fruit

And can leave scratches and scrapes on thy hands. 

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-guilandina-bonduc/

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.

February 8, 2024

This is a Centipede Grass Orchid

It has white flowers, each with one yellow lip

It is a weed,

Brought in with grass seeds

It's tiny and can easily be totally eclipsed.

Location: Captain Forster's Hammock

Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/2019/02/19/orchids-underfoot/

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.

February 7, 2024

I am a Least Sandpiper

I think my name is a bit of canard - 

My stature is small

But I'd rather be called:

"Tern who's not large, but tries really hard"

(Thanks to Chelsea M.  for the suggested name change for "least" birds!)

Location: Titusville, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Least_Sandpiper/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.

February 6, 2024

I am known as a Bonaparte's Gull

I was named for a cousin of Napoleon

Charles-Lucien Bonaparte wrote 4 volumes of American Ornithology, a task most herculean. 

Location: Titusville, FL

Sources: https://www.lindahall.org/about/news/scientist-of-the-day/charles-lucien-bonaparte/

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.

February 5, 2024

I am known as a Ruddy Turnstone

For me, being fat is a good thing

My body is fueled by fat, not carbs

So I need fat to migrate north in the spring. 

Location: Titusville, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ruddy_Turnstone/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.

February 4, 2024

I am known as a Sanderling

You often see me foraging on the beach

I often regurgitate sand and shells - 

Sometimes I don't watch what I eat. 

Location: Titusville, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sanderling/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.

February 3, 2024

I am known as a Loggerhead Shrike

I'm gonna impress my girl with this worm

We want to get down, but but we just gained 3 pounds!

I guess that's just how the worm turns.

Location: Intergenerational Center, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Loggerhead_Shrike/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.

February 2, 2024

This plant is knows as Virginia Creeper

It uses tendrils to climb bark and rocks

It contains raphides with can irritate human skin

And don't eat the berries, lest you end up at the Doc's.

Location: Vero Beach Country Club

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=paqu2\

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.

February 1, 2024

We are known as Egyptian Geese

We are are easy to identify

We have long pink legs, stretched out necks

And heavy, dark makeup on our eyes.

Location: Vero Beach Country Club

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

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.