February 3, 2026

I am an American Kestrel

My population is in decline

After decades of research, the reasons aren't clear

For details, see the Peregrine Fund online.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: The Peregrine Fund: https://peregrinefund.org/american-kestrel-project

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.

December 9, 2025

I'm an adult American Kestrel
Before I fledged I was bad, such audacity!
When I had to poop
I'd just cut it loose
Onto the walls of my nest cavity.

Location: Hallstrom Farmstead Conservation Area, Vero Beach

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

October 27, 2023

I am known as an American Kestrel

I am an "ambassador bird" rescue

That means I was cannot be released into the wild

But I can look good, educate and impress you!

Location: Nature Festival, Captive Bird

Sources: https://cbop.audubon.org/about/florida-raptors

https://cbop.audubon.org/get-involved/adopt-raptor

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 7, 2023

I am a male American Kestrel

And I've caught what I think might be a cricket

Whatever it is, I think it'll taste good

I'll let you know in a minute..

*burp*

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 19, 2022

I am the headless birdman....

Haha! I'm only kidding

I'm actually an American Kestrel

Headless is just the way I'm sitting.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 16, 2020

I am an American Kestrel,

Some people call me "Sparrow Hawk"

When I'm breeding or feeding fledglings,

You'll hear one or two minutes of a whining squawk. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/sounds

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 12, 2020

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

I am an American Kestrel,
As birds of prey go, I'm quite tiny
But that is alright, I see ultraviolet light
Which helps me track me voles by their pee.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - American Kestrel

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson