February 22, 2024

I am known as an American Coot

It looks like I've a cut on my forehead

But all is okay, 

I always look this way

My eyes, shield, and nostrils are red. 

Location: Orlando Wetlands

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

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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February 24, 2023

I am known as a Wood Stork

I resemble a hunch-back when I am aground

That's cause when I sit, I have my neck drawn in

Instead of outstretched like when I'm flying around.

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Broadmoor Unit, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 8, 2020

Location: Jim Woodruff Dam, Gadsden and Jackson counties, Florida/Decatur County, Georgia

I'm known as an American Coot.
Hey! I'm an American Coot too!
Wow! By some amazing coincidence,
I think we are all American Coots!

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 13, 2019

Location: Polk County, Circle B Bar Reserve

On the left is a Common Gallinule
On the right, an American Coot.
An easy way to tell them apart
Is by the color of their snoot.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Compare American Coot with Common Gallinule

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 8, 2019

Location: Location

We are known as American Coot
We are common throughout the US.
You might confuse us with a Common Gallinule,
But their beak is more colorful, ours is less.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - American Coot

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 19, 2018

Location: Melbourne, Fee Library

I am an American Coot
I'm black with a mostly white nose.
I have a red blotch on my forehead,
And yellow-green, long bulbous toes.

Sources: Cornell Lab - American Coot

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson