March 31, 2025

I am a Chestnut-headed Oropendola

I have blue on my wings, body and eyes

My mate looks like me

We both have an ivory beak

But her colors are duller and she's about 3/4 my size.

Location: La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/chhoro1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 30, 2025

I am a male Snowy Cotinga

I'm white with a light blueish-gray crown

My mate is light gray with white wing bars

Mid-springtime is when we get down.

Location: La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/snocot1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 29, 2025

I am known as a Great Kiskadee

I can be found in South America and Texas

My population is large and healthy, 

So right now, no one needs to protect us.

Location: Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 28, 2025

I am known as a Great Green Macaw

I'm on the critically endangered list

Due to habitat loss and cutting of Dipteryx trees

I will most likely soon cease to exist.

Location: Location: Sarapiquí, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 27, 2025

We are known as Red-lored Amazons

My lores are red but I'm mostly a green shade

I'm one of three subspecies in South America

And I'm popular in the pet trade.

Location: Ara Ambigua Lodge, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 26, 2025

I am known as a Green-fronted Lancebill

I'm a small hummingbird yet a butterball
If you close, you can see my crazy-long bill

That is nearly as long as I am tall.

Location: C. a El Socorro, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/grflan1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 25, 2025

I am known as a Short-tailed Hawk

I hurt by diving from high in the air

If I spot a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

It will be in my clutches before it knows I am there.

Location: C. a El Socorro, Costa Rica

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Short-tailed_Hawk/overview

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 24, 2025

I am a Green Iguana

I can grow to be over 6 feet long

You can find me in trees in south America

And in the southern U.S where I do not belong.

Location: Ara Ambigua Lodge, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 23, 2025

I am a Golden-hooded Tanager

Me,  Masked, and Blue-necked Tanagers comprise a superspecies

That means genetically we are closely related,

But we live in separate geographies.

Location: La Fortuna's EcoCenter Danaus, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/gohtan1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 22, 2025

I am known as a Roadside Hawk

One of 12 subspecies that are found

From northern Mexico to Argentina

Forest edges and roadsides are where I abound.

Location: Ara Ambigua Lodge, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 21, 2025

I am a male Montezuma Oropendola

I'm chestnut and black with a bi-colored bill

I have pale-blue skin on the side of my face

And I spin on tree branches to give girls a thrill.

Bonus video by Dee: How to Tell if a Montezuma Oropendola is Falling for You

Location: Ara Ambigua Lodge, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/monoro1/cur/foodhabits

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 20, 2025

I am known as an American Dipper

I'm the only aquatic songbird

I walk under water looking for aquatic arthropods

I prefer my meals to be watered.

Location: C. a El Socorro, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 19, 2025

I am a Hairy Woodpecker

Downys look like me but one thing I lack -

My outer tail feathers are solid white

Downys tail feathers are spotted black.

Very special thanks to today's guest photographer, Scott Jordan.

Location: Avalon Trail, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-tell-hairy-woodpecker-downy-woodpecker

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 18, 2025

I am known as a Canada Jay

I used to be called "Gray Jay"

Instead of judging me based on my looks,

Now I'm known for where I live, breed and play.

Very special thanks to today's (first time!) guest photographer, Scott Jordan.

Location: Avalon Trail, White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 17, 2025

I am known as Red-tailed Squirrel

My color can vary from yellow to orange or black

Capuchin monkeys,  boa constrictors, and humans 

All like to eat me for snacks!

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 16, 2025

I am known as a Prong-billed Barbet

I'm named for my pronged upper mandible

I'm fairly drab colored except for my shiny red eyes

If you overlook me, that would be understandable.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/prbbar1/cur/priorities

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 15, 2025

I am a female Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird

My underparts are spangled white and green

I molt annually from inner to outer primaries

The order helps flight stability when I'm out making the scene.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/grcbri1/cur/appearance

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 14, 2025

I am a male Green-crowned Brilliant hummingbird

I'm mostly different shades of blue and green

It almost looks like my eyes have sclera,

But that is a white postocular spot you see.

(In humans, the white of the eye is called "sclera". The white you see on this bird in the second photo is actually little, tiny white feathers that give the bird a slightly creepy human-eye look,)

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/grcbri1/cur/identification

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 13, 2025

I am known as a Palm Tanager

Birds of the World describes me as "drab looking"

And they describe my calls as "unmusical"

But in the neotropics, I'm widespread and enduring.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/paltan1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 12, 2025

I am a Chlorospingus flavopectus

Common Bush-Tanager is my non-scientific name

But I'm actually a New-world Sparrow

Taxonomists drive me insane!

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/cobtan1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 11, 2025

I am a female Summer Tanager,

I'm yellow-green where my mate is red

We are not true Tanagers,

Taxonomy managers*

Say we are closer to Cardinals instead.

(* Yes, I know the proper term is "taxonomist", but that doesn't rhyme with "Tanager".)

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 10, 2025

I am a male Summer Tanager, 

Superficially, I look like a Cardinal

But I don't have a crest

Nor black accents

In fact, other than red feathers, our similarities are marginal.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 9, 2025

I am a Scarlet-rumped Tanager

I'm solid black, except for my flaming red butt

When breeding, at dawn,

I sing a long song,

And impress girls by fluffing my stuff. 

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/y00599/cur/sounds

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 8, 2025

I am a Violet Sabrewing

For a hummingbird, I'm remarkably large

My feathers are electric purple and blue

You might say I look super-charged!

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/viosab1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 7, 2025

I am a Buff-throated Saltator

I am in the Tanager family

Scientists thought I was related to Cardinals and Finches

But Phylogenetic Analysis proved that to be a fallacy.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/butsal1/cur/systematics

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6126798

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 6, 2025

I am a Red-headed Barbet

My bright crimson head makes me unique

I'm  mostly green and yellow with a white neck stripe

And I have a large greenish-yellowish beak.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/rehbar1/cur/appearance

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 5, 2025

I am a female Red-legged Honeycreeper,

I'm more plain than my blue boyfriend

I'm mostly olive green 

With some pale yellow streaks

And my legs are more pinkish than red.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relhon1/cur/introduction#fieldid

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 4, 2025

I am a male Red-legged Honeycreeper,

I'm known to have a catholic diet

This means that my diet is universal and broad -

Whether arthropods, fruit or nectar,  I'll try it!

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources:  https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/relhon1/cur/introduction

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/catholic

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 3, 2025

I am known as a Clay-colored Thrush

I am Costa Rica's national bird

My song is believed to summon the rains

And represents renewal - the honor's deserved.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Sources: https://originslodge.com/blog/national-bird-of-costa-rica

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 2, 2025

I am a male Baltimore Oriole,

You might recognize me from baseball caps

The oldest Baltimore Oriole lived to 12 years old

Which beats even Cal Ripken's stats.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 1, 2025

I am a female Baltimore Oriole,
I'm not as brightly colored as my baseball-famed mate

Although my color gets bolder

As I get older

I might be orange someday at this rate.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.