December 24, 2023

I am a Red-nosed Black-bellied Whistling Duck

I'm leading my flock to the north pole

We hear there's an old fat guy who needs a hand with a sleigh

And I think I can fill the role.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: Probably too much egg nog.

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 4, 2019

Location: Polk County, Circle B Bar Reserve

I'm a Black Bellied Whistling Duck
I like to nest in tree cavities.
My duckings will jump right out of my nest
Within one or two days of hatching.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 31, 2018

Location: Lake City, Alligator Lake

We are Black-bellied Whistling Ducks,
We spend more time than other ducks walking around.
We like to nest in cavities or trees,
And sometimes, in a scrape on the ground.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 7, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, Goodwin WMA

I'm a Black-bellied Whistling Duck,
I'm a type of waterfowl.
My likes include eating plants and grains,
My dislike is being eaten by Great Horned Owls.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 17, 2017

Location: Fellsmere, Stick Marsh

I am a Black-bellied Whistling Duck,
I've got a black belly, and creepy doll eyes.
I don't make much noise when I'm just hanging around,
But I make a whistling call in flight.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson