March 24, 2026

We are a Roseate Spoonbill and a Woodstork

Individually, we both seem like large birds

But when seen together the difference is striking

The Woodstork is larger by about two-thirds

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

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

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Stork/overview

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.

April 2, 2024

I am known as a Roseate Spoonbill

When I was first born, I didn't look the same

My beak used to be stubby and chunkier

But after a month, it flattened out til I looked like my name.

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Sources: https://fl.audubon.org/news/everglades-science-center-team-conducts-baby-spoonbill-surveys

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Roseate_Spoonbill/overview#

Photo and text © 2024 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 16, 2023

We are known as Roseate Spoonbills

Hanging out with our friends the White Ibis

Our relationship is purely platonic

Trying to kiss would give us spondylitis.

Location: Black Point Wildlife Drive, MINWR

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

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 24, 2023

We are a family of Spoonbills

An adult and three juvie kids

You can tell I'm the adult cause I have a bald head

But my kids wear white feathered wigs.

Location: Goodwin WMA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Roseate_Spoonbill/photo-gallery/477944

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 24, 2020

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

I  am known as a Limpkin
My girlfriend the Roseate Spoonbill is quite a fox
Unfortunately due to genetics
Our love is on the rocks.

Sources: Why Can't Different Species Mate With Each Other?

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 18, 2020

Location: Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area, Fellsmere

We are Roseate Spoonbills,
We're dressed up because we are breeding
Bright pink, orange and red all signify
That lovin' we be needing.

Sources: Cornel Lab of Ornithology Neotropical Birds Online - Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 13, 2019

Location: St. Augustine, St. Augustine Alligator Park

We are young Roseate Spoonbills
We live in Florida, South America and the Tropics.
Boys have slightly larger bills than girls,
But you'll only notice if you have really good optics.

Sources: NH PBS NatureWorks - Roseate Spoonbill - Platalea ajaja

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 30, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area

I am a Roseate Spoonbill
In South America I'm a resident breeder
In Florida I breed in three areas,
And I'm a crayfish, shrimp, and crab eater.

Sources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 1, 2017

Location: Fellsmere, Goodwin WMA

"My nest! You no can has!!"

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson