April 22, 2026

I am an Idioderma virescens

In the south-eastern US I'm a common true bug

True bugs have incomplete metamorphosis

Click below for a website Dee loves. 

Note from Dee: I was researching this bug and I couldn't find a lot of information about it, but my search did turn up this amazing site that shows how all life on earth is related. It is just too cool. Warning to nature/science nerds: don't click if you have to do something important in the next few hours:-)

Location: My car, Sebastian

Sources: https://www.onezoom.org/

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.

April 21, 2026

I am a female Pine Warbler

I'm sitting in a pine tree doin' my thing
My mate is much brighter yellow than me

But we both have a white, broken eye ring.

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

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

April 20, 2026

This red stuff is known as Bark Rash Lichen

It's a mixture of alga and fungus

Its color changes depending on season and shade

And it won't grow on a tree that is trunkless.

(Make sure you read the linked article, it has one of the best descriptions of identifying lichens that I have found, including a brief but informative vocabulary section.)

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

Sources: https://lucec.loyno.edu/natural-history-writings/bark-rash-lichen-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.

April 19, 2026

We are known as Cedar Waxwings

Why are we called that? I'm glad you asked.

See the bright red wingtips 

In the first pic

It looks like I dipped them in red candle wax!

Location: North Sebastian Conservation Area

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

April 18, 2026

I am an adult Milkweed Bug

I'm in my 5th molt, so I'm ready to breed

I only eat seeds

Of the plant, Milkweed

Unlike Monarchs, I don't eat the leaves

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/milkweed-bug#:~:text=Milkweed%20bugs%2C%20Oncopeltus%20fasciatus%2C%20are,per%20day%20in%20small%20clusters.

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.

April 17, 2026

I am a Monarch caterpillar

My current age is between 36 hours and 12 days

I'll curl up for a day, hanging from a leaf

Then it will only take me 3 minutes to pupate!

(Be sure to check out the link below to learn about the lifecycle, very cool photos.)

Location: My house, Fellsmere

Sources: https://susanberkkoch.com/blog/monarchs-are-mythical-and-mysterious/

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.

April 16, 2026

I am an adult Tricolored Heron

When I was younger I was more rusty

Occasionally my beak becomes a bright aqua color

It's a sign that I am feeling lusty.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

April 15, 2026

I am a male Boat-tailed Grackle

I mate using harem defense polygyny

I defend and mate with a group of females

But, they cheat on me when I leave the colony.

(According to the source article, only about 1/4 of the young in the colony are proven by DNA to be the dominant male's offspring!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Boat-tailed_Grackle/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.

April 14, 2026

We are both Little Blue Herons

But only one of us is blue

I am a juvenile, so I am still white

My friend's a happy adult, not blue through and through.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

April 13, 2026

This tree is a Carolina Willow

Its leaf shape reminds me of Weeping Willows back home

But the willow in Florida's much smaller

And the fruit opens to soft, white fur like the beard of a gnome.

(Special thanks to my bestie Heather for teaching me that the white furry stuff is coming out of the fruit!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stjohnsco/2021/03/15/carolina-willow/

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.

April 12, 2026

I am known as a Luna Moth

In mythology, Luna is the personification of the moon

My antennae are fancy and feathery

And I have no mouth so I can't eat macaroons.

Location: DeLuca Preserve

Sources: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/field-guide/entry/luna-moth

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.

April 11, 2026

This plant is Bulltongue Arrowhead

It grows well in swamps and marshes

It attracts bees and songbirds and other pollinators

But if want a close look, you should bring your galoshes.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/sagittaria-lancifolia/

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.

April 10, 2026

I am an Orange Bluet damselfly

Alas, I am not long for this world

I accidentally flew into a spiderweb

I can't get out, no matter how hard I twirl!

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutdamselflies/family-coenagrionidae/wadforangebluet.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.

April 9, 2026

I am known as a Fragile Forktail Damselfly

I like to hang around on pondweeds or lilypads

My most defining feature is the

Horizontal exclamation marks on my thorax.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://dnr.illinois.gov/education/wildaboutpages/wildaboutinvertebrates/wildaboutdamselflies/family-coenagrionidae/wadffragileforktail.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.

April 8, 2026

I am a Florida Red-bellied Cooter
I had an alligator for a nanny

My mom laid her eggs in the alligator's nest

And the gator protected me, it's all quite uncanny!

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

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.

April 7, 2026

I am known as a Carolina Wren

I'm small, but sing LOUD to prove my mettle

My songs aren't particularly creative though, 

All I sing about is my love of tea kettles!

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

April 6, 2026

I am known as a Great Egret

As an adult or chick, I show elegance and grace

I swear I could be a fashion model

As long as you don't look me direct in the face.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

April 5, 2026

I am known as a Glossy Ibis

I sometimes eat crops such as sorghum and rice

If the ground is wet, I'll stick my bill in it

And hope to find an earthworm, snail or snake that tastes nice!

(The linked article lists many more of the critters that the Glossy Ibis will consume. They sure aren't fussy!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

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.

April 4, 2026

I am known as a Sandhill Crane

Though at the moment I don't look my best

I'm having a personal issue right now

Most likely mites, or maybe I'm possessed!

(If you happen to run into my bestie Heather today, make sure you wish her the happiest of birthdays!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://acarina.utmn.ru/upload/iblock/ecc/2y6iyfhazgc04q53ttltolarfnx473u7/3_S.-V.-Mironov.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.

April 3, 2026

This plant is known as Spatterdock

It has a brilliant yellow display

It reminds me of the eye of Sauron

But in a bright and happy way.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauron#Eye_of_Sauron

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.

April 2, 2026

I am a very small baby Alligator

That flower above my head is maybe 4 inches across

I'm vulnerable to predators like racoons and birds

My mom should be watching me, but she is not!

Location:  Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/facts/

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.

April 1, 2026

I am an American Alligator

Birds are not always something I eat

My diet tends to consist

Of lots of fish,

But if a bird is slow and within my reach...

(After much discussion of color, size, etc, David and I determined that this was a Great Blue Heron in this Alligator's mouth. But not necessarily the mate from the previous post.) 

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/facts

https://myfwc.com/media/1743/alligator-rice-a.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.