March 22, 2026

I am a Red-winged Blackbird

Look at how pretty my shoulder is

Wait! You don't look impressed enough!

NOW TAKE A LOOK AT THIS!!!

(This is a true story. I am positive this is what this Red-winged Blackbird was saying to me. I've never had one show me both shoulders at the same time before!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Chrismas FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as a Swallow-tailed Kite

I usually look more dignified than this 

But some stupid bug is dive bombing me

And to be honest, I'm getting quite ticked!

(I couldn't get a photo of whatever it was that was bothering the poor bird, but it was driving him nuts. I really hope it doesn't stop him from coming back to our yard!)

Location: My House, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swallow-tailed_Kite/id

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

The red plant here is Carolina Water-Hyssop

It's a wildflower in the Plantian family
If you crush its leaves they smell like lemon

This plant is considered butterfly friendly.

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee

Sources: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/bacopa-caroliniana/

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am an Eastern Meadowlark

But I'm not related to Larks at all

I'm more closely related to Blackbirds

And Cowbirds and Orioles.

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Southern Live Oak

But I don't know how much longer I'll be

It's not that I try to hide the truth

Yet people say they can see through me!

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Red-banded Hairstreak

I eat nectar from milkweed and dogbane

As a caterpillar 

I ate leaf litter

I'm an adult now, my taste sure has changed!

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee

Sources: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/wildflowers/butterfly/red-banded-hairstreak/

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Brown-winged Striped Sweat Bee

Look on the flower, I'm the metallic green spot

I'm abundant, but need sandy soil for nesting

If you don't see me, that could be why not.

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee,

Sources: https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.882084/Agapostemon_splendens

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a female Halloween Pennant

I'm more yellow than my mate

We only get down in the morning - 

We really enjoy breakfast dates.

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee,

Sources: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutdragonflies/family-libellulidae/wadfhalloweenpennant.html

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a juvenile Bar-winged Skimmer dragonfly

You might confuse me with a Great Blue Skimmer

But have a dark head and dark abdomen stripe

And I live in shallow water - I'm not much of a swimmer.

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee,

Sources: http://dragonfliesnva.com/My%20Documents/KevinPDF/pdf/identify/species/BarwingedSkimmer-FINAL.pdf

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Western Cattle Egret

I like to find a nice grassy patch

I follow plows

And hang out with cows

And sometimes work as a cattle hat.

Location: DeLuca Preserve, Okeechobee,

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Western_Cattle-Egret/overview

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Domestic Cattle

Specifically, I'm composite known as A-Beef

I'm specifically bred to deal with Florida weather,

And, unfortunately, to be good to eat.

Location: Adams Ranch, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://www.adamsranch.com/cattle-breeds/composite-cattle/

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

This is known as a Strangler Fig

It started out as an epiphyte that put down roots
On the one hand, it strangles the tree underneath

But birds and butterflies sure love its fruits.

Location: Adams Ranch, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/ficus-aurea#gsc.tab=0

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

This is known as an Artesian Well.

The water you see flowing is an underground treasure

The pipe in the background doesn't require a pump

The water comes up because it's under pressure.

(Watch the video linked below, it explains Artesian Wells quite clearly and cleverly!)

Location:  Adams Ranch, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://youtu.be/agSg7EXRviI?si=DDNPgjnvs2s2n4z2

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am known as an Osprey

Sitting here looking dramatic
You probably think that I'm posing

But I'm practicing my moves acrobatic.

Location: Pelican Island

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Black-bellied Plover

I'm the only American plover that has a hind toe

My hind toe quite tiny, you have to look hard

It's vestigial and superfluous as toes go.

Location: Pelican Island

Sources: https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/onlinelearningcenter/species/black_bellied_plover

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are a group of Double-crested Cormorants

Hanging out with our White Pelican buddies

We live near water so you'd think we'd be clean

But our poop is known to kill our own nest trees!

Location: Pelican Island

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Double-crested_Cormorant/overview

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are mostly American White Pelicans

Well,  there are a few intruders in our midst

But we are fine with the Brown Pelicans up in the tree

And the gull? Sure, we can all co-exist.

(Look close, there is a gull in there too!)

Location: Pelican Island

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am an American Herring Gull

Top row, fourth from the left

I have light grey wings and pinkish legs

And I'm a big boy with a bit of heft!

Location: Pelican Island

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Herring_Gull/id

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are known as Eastern oysters

We live on this oyster farm

We are raised for food in a sustainable way

And our ability to clean water's just one of our charms.

Location: Pelican Island

Sources: https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/2024/01/05/a-brief-explanation-about-triploid-oysters/

https://www.treasurecoastshellfish.com/

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

I am a Northern Gannet

I rarely come close to shore, I live at sea

I have special eyes that let me see underwater

And I can plunge dive deeper than 70 feet.

Location: Pelican Island

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

Photo and text © 2026 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, 2026

We are Tamanend's Bottlenose Dolphins

We'd be Tursiops truncatus if we lived off shore

We tend to stay close

To the us east coast

The Indo-pacific is where Tursiops aduncus explore.

Location: Pelican Island

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/1562178-Tursiops-erebennus

Photo and text © 2026 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.