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.

November 8, 2024

I am known as a Laughing Gull 

I'm preening so he will adore me -

I want to look my best for Amar Ayyash

When he comes to Space Coast to tell you gull stories.

Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival will be January 22-26, 2025, and reknowned gull expert Amar Ayyash will be one of our keynote speakers. Go here for details and be sure to register early for the festival so you don't miss anything!

Location: Ponce Inlet

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Laughing_Gull/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 7, 2024

I am a Emmesomyia socialis

Root maggot flies are my kin

Our maggots eat roots of cruciferous veggies

But right now I'm trying some snake skin.

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

Sources: https://extension.usu.edu/planthealth/ipm/notes_ag/veg-maggots

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 6, 2024

I am an Orchard Orbweaver

Tetragnathidae is my family name

My web doesn't have as many radii

As other orbweavers, but some traits are the same. 

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

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

https://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/spiders/longjawed/longjawed.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.

November 5, 2024

We are Northern Leaf-footed bugs

We are healthy cause we eat our veggies

Humans get blue 

Cause we eat their veggies too

We'll even eat buds, shoots and berries.

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/projex/gallery/dl/Vegetable_Pests_II/text/leaf-footed_bugs.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.

November 4, 2024

I am an immature Cardinal 

I've bad hair and haven't grown into my beak

I look like I fought a lawn mower

And lost my composure

But mom says I'm beautifully unique.

Note:  Click the link below to check out my favorite cartoonist's take on Cardinals, and come hear her talk at the opening key note of the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival in January.  Registration is open now!

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

Sources: https://rosemarymosco.com/comics/bird-and-moon/know-your-northern-cardinals

https://scbwa.net/keynotes/

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 3, 2024

I am known as a Phaon Crescent

I mostly live in the south

Occasionally I can be found in Nebraska

But I prefer warmer climes, no doubt!

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/phaon_crescent.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.

November 2, 2024

I am known as a Red-banded Hairstreak

Hairstreak refers to the two-little tails

That flutter at the bottom of my hind wings

As I fly over hills and dales.

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/redbanded_hairstreak.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.

November 1, 2024

I am known as a Green Treefrog

I like to live where there are Cattails and grasses

My mate and I can make

Over 400 eggs

Which in 5 days become Treefrog lads and lasses.

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

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

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.