August 31, 2024

I am a Variegated Fritillary

You can find me in parklands and roadsides 

Maypop is one of my host plants

Low and erratic is the way that I fly.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/butterflies/Butterfly/Details/39

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.

August 30, 2024

I am a Groundselbush Beetle

I'm named for the plant that's my host

I'm not called a skeletonizer for nothing

I can eat on that plant till it's smoked.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/florida-4-h-forest-ecology/forest-ecology-contest/contest-stations/plants-of-florida/saltbush/

https://centralfloridacritteroftheday.wordpress.com/2014/04/15/groundselbush-beetle-trirhabda-bacharidis-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.

August 29, 2024

I am a young female Yellow Garden Spider

I’m small and thin, but still larger than fellows

When I’m grown up my legs will be mostly black

And my body will be black and yellow.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/yellow-garden-spider.htmlText

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.

August 28, 2024

I am a male Northern Bobwhite

I'm short and plump and my tummy's white speckled.

My face is black and white striped,

And my wings have darker brown freckles.

I am a female Northern Bobwhite

2.5 million year old fossils of me exist

Cavemen would have used a stone tablet and chisel

To add me to their birding life list!

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

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

August 27, 2024

I am a Green Lynx Spider

I'm bright green and blend in with nature

Except for the long black hairs on my legs -

It looks like I could use a razor.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/green_lynx_spider.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.

August 26, 2024

I am a Twin-flagged Jumping Spider

I’m named for my two white “flags”

Although they aren’t too clear in this photo

You can see them when my pedipalps wag.

Location: Private residence, Blountston, FL

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1395

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.

August 25, 2024

I am a baby Eastern Cottontail

I'm about the size of a tennis ball

I am the most widespread of all bunnies but, 

When this young you might miss me, I'm so small.

Location: Pearson Park Dr, Oregon, O

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

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.

August 24, 2024

I am a Tuft-legged Orbweaver

You can find me in forests and grass

I am tiny but I build twelve inch webs

Which work great as dinner time traps.

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

Sources: http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Arachnids/tuftlegged_orbweaver.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.

August 23, 2024

I am known as a Mute Swan

Trumpeters are about twice the size of me

Although I'm smaller, I have a huge appetite

For aquatic grasses and weeds.

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mute_Swan/lifehistory#food

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.

August 22, 2024

I am a Wilson's Phalarope

I stop to molt in the middle of migration

When I take this molt break

I gain so much weight

Researchers can hand-grab me for evaluation.

(This was one of the life birds I picked up at the Biggest Week festival in May.)

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

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

August 21, 2024

I am known as a Trumpeter Swan

At 25 pounds, I'm a very large bird

I need a hundred meters to get myself aloft

And take off sounds like a galloping horse herd.

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

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

https://youtu.be/5ENpxcPBtRw?si=IkfNaIk__f6cw7-i

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.

August 20, 2024

This plant is Trifolium incarnatum

Commonly known as Crimson Clover

Livestock will eat

It's flowers and seeds

Whenever they come walking over.

(If you are between 60 and 80 years old, you are singing the Tommy James and the Shondells song right now. You know you are.)

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

Sources: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/trifolium-incarnatum

https://youtu.be/LyQiJKY7NpM?si=nBc4A6vXkRUjroGE

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.

August 19, 2024

I am known as a Veery

In the summer I eat fruits and berries

When I'm breeding, I eat mostly insects

And I'll eat a frog if I'm feeling big and scary.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

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

August 18, 2024

These are Turkey-tail mushrooms

So called because they resemble a turkey tail

They are common in North American woods

Where trees with hardwood prevail. 

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/trametes_versicolor.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.

August 17, 2024

I am an adult Brown-headed Cowbird

Shown here, with my mate, on the right.

I like to eat seeds

From grasses and weeds

She eats snails and eggs when the timing is right. 

(Note: As described in the linked article, because females can lay over 3 dozen eggs in a season, they have high calcium requirements. During breeding season they will eat other birds eggs to satisfy this need.)

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown-headed_Cowbird/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.

August 16, 2024

I am a Common Garter Snake

On a log, I'm easily concealed

My color can vary

My skin isn't hairy

But I do have scales that are keeled*.

*Keeled means that the scales have a raised ridge, similar to the keel of a ship.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/common-garter-snake.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.

August 15, 2024

I'm known as a Brown Thrasher

I nest in thickets and hedgerows

I like to eat arthropods, seeds and nuts

And berries right off the bush where they grow.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

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

August 14, 2024

We are known as Barn Swallows

Here's an interesting bit of history:

Many swallows were lost to the millinery trade

The term "fashion" remains a mystery.

Note: I spent WAY too long researching this one. On the Cornell site,  it says, "Although the killing of egrets is often cited for inspiring the U.S. conservation movement, it was the millinery (hat-making) trade’s impact on Barn Swallows that prompted naturalist George Bird Grinnell’s 1886 Forest & Stream editorial decrying the waste of bird life. His essay led to the founding of the first Audubon Society."  This seemed a little odd to me. I googled it, and it was clear that every article that mentions this "fact" used the Cornell site as a resource.  

The Cornell Birds of the World site cites the book Birds of the America, Vol 3 as their source for the Barn Swallow quote. I found Birds of the America, Vol 3 online, and it (see the link below) has pretty much the same quote referencing the Forest & Stream article.

So, I went and checked out another of my favorite sources, archive.org, which just happens to have every back issue of Forest & Stream magazine. I found a few references from 1886. The earliest editorial regarding the millinery trade (see link below) references the Sea-swallow, which I believe is now called either a Storm Petrel or Common Tern (either way, it was not a Barn Swallow). A later article mentions "...gulls, and terns, and herons, and even our swallows and native sparrows, our orioles and thrushes". That reference appears to be about what we call swallows.  I also found the article that called for the creation of the Audubon Society (also linked below). 

But, to summarize - the millinery trade affected many birds, but I could not find any reference that made it seem like George was really into Barn Swallows. He was just angry about the crazy number of birds that were being slaughtered for no valid reason. 

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://archive.org/details/ForeststreamXXV/page/464/mode/2up?q=swallows

https://archive.org/details/ForeststreamXXV/page/482/mode/2up

https://archive.org/details/ForeststreamXXVIA/page/40/mode/2up

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Swallow/overview

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Birds_of_America/9qIqAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1  (page 88)

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.

August 13, 2024

I am an adult male Purple Martin

I am the largest of all of the swallows

If natural cavities don't exist I live

In boxes built by Martin aficionados. 

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

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

August 12, 2024

I'm an adult male Tree Swallow

If I was female, I would have more brown

If I was young, I'd be solid brown with a white tummy

We have black masks that do not go all the way round.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tree_Swallow/photo-gallery/305568421

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.

August 11, 2024

I am known as a House Wren

I'm cleaning up my new house

Cleaning is never a pleasant chore

But it's worse when use your mouth!

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

August 10, 2024

I am an Orange Sulphur Butterfly

In America, I'm ubiquitous to an extent

You can find me in vacant lots and clover fields

My caterpillars can leave alfalfa distressed.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Colias-eurytheme

https://www.alfalfa.org/pdf/alfalfaenvironment2.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.

August 9, 2024

I'm an American Robin

You can find me from Alaska to the Florida Keys

In fact, anywhere in North America

Where there are invertebrates and berries to eat.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

August 8, 2024

I am an Olive-sided Flycatcher

I am the largest pewee

Yes, I know that's an oxymoron

But Pewee's my genus, so don't blame me.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Olive-sided_Flycatcher/overview

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

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.

August 7, 2024

I am known as an American Redstart

I've got a wide, flat bill

My tail is long and club-shaped

If it doesn't impress you, my singing voice will.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Redstart/sounds

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.

August 6, 2024

I am an Eastern Chipmunk

I am small but can be quite vocal

I can trill, chuck and chip for a half hour

These are warning calls - I'm not being social.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

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.

August 5, 2024

I am a Hairy Woodpecker

I eat insects and moth pupa cocoons

I also drink sap and sugarcane

If I had teeth, I would have a sweet tooth!

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

August 4, 2024

I am known as a Downy Woodpecker

My friends include Nuthatches and Chickadees

You might overlook me in a mixed flock - 

Nuthatches are almost the same size as me. 

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

August 3, 2024

I am known as a Fox Squirrel

I'm grey, but some of my relatives are black

I have sharp, recurved claws for climbing

"Recurved" just means they point back.

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

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

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.

August 2, 2024

I'm an American Red Squirrel

I'm smaller than squirrels that are grey

There is a reason

I only mate once per season

I'm only in estrus for one very short day. 

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

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.

August 1, 2024

This is Sundial Lupine

It is purple with long stalks of flowers.

It helps soil fertility

And it's a  possibility

By butterflies or birds it will be devoured.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=lupe3

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.