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

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December 26, 2020

I am a Double-crested Cormorant

Lecturing two Florida Red-bellied Cooters

We have to hold classes in person -

We don't have the internet, computers or routers. 

Location: Fellsmere Grade Road, Fellsmere

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

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 8, 2019

Location: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland

I am a Florida Red-bellied Cooter
Notice the red highlights on my shell
I can be found throughout most of Florida
And southeastern Georgia as well.

Sources: Animal Diversity Web: Pseudemys nelsoni - Florida Redbelly Turtle

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Location: Lake Mirror, Lakeland

I am a Peninsular Cooter
Compare and contrast me with the Red-bellied
He has straight lines on the back of his head
Mine are more swirled, almost like an eddie.

Note: Another clue to Peninsular Cooter ID, as described in the link below, is location - they are not as widespread as the Red-bellied.

Sources: Animal Diversity Web - Pseudemys peninsularis - Peninsula Cooter


Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson