January 4, 2025

I am known as an Anhinga

My sharply pointed beak is great for fish-spearing

I use my long, stiff tail for many things
Including flight lift, balancing, braking and steering.

Location: Lake Woodruff WMA

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

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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May 23, 2023

We are a family of Anhingas

Dad is black, mom is tan, baby's white

When mom feeds baby with her long pointy beak

It looks like they're have a sword fight!

Location: Goodwin WMA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Anhinga/id#

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 19, 2022

I am known as an Anhinga

The stripe on my wing is not normally pink

It's usually silver-white, but mine's not quite right

I might be molting weird, or just very distinct.

Location: Goodwin Wildfowl Management Area

Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170805142503.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 29, 2021

(Left) I am known as an Anhinga

(Right) And I am a Boat-tailed Grackle

We get along fine in the wild as friends

But you won't find us in a wedding chapel. 

Location: Goodwin Wildlife Management Area, Fellsmere

Sources: https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2019.00113

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 14, 2021

Mwah mmm wuuuma

Hmmm mhuhhh mnuhhh

Mwah mmm wuuuma

Hmmm mhuhhh mnuhhh

(Note: This is an Anhinga, but he can't introduce himself because his mouth is basically stuck shut. If you click the picture to enlarge it, and check out his beak, you can see that it's serrated. This cloth appeared to be stuck on the serrated edges of his beak. Just a reminder to please don't litter. If you are in  a park and have trash, take it home with you and dispose of it properly - you never know who you might be hurting down the line!)

Location: Jetty Park, Fort Pierce

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 30, 2020

Location: Taylor Creek/Nubbins Slough Conservation Area, Okeechobee

I am known as an Anhinga

Surviving in this age is no easy task

I spread my wings to social distance

But my beak keeps poking holes in my mask!

Sources: Birds Have Their Own Disease Problems That Sometimes Become Ours

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

October 19, 2019

Location: Titusville, Chain of Lakes Park

I am known as an Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga is my scientific name
I'll repeat it over and over
I'm just like Puddin' n Tain

(Sometimes when a living thing is identified, if it is the first species in its genus, then it will be assigned the same genus and species name, hence the Anhinga's scientific name is Anhinga anhinga.)

Sources: Puddin' N Tain
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Animal Diversity Web - What is in a Scientific Name?

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 18, 2019

Location: Viera, Viera Wetlands

We are baby Anhingas
Right now we are pink, white and tan
When we grow up, we will be black and sleek
For right now, at least, that's our plan.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Anhinga

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson