August 2, 2021

I am a juvenile Royal Tern

Unlike my parents, I have bars on my wings

In addition, my legs are yellow, 

But sometimes shade can obscure such things. 

This is the answer to yesterday's mystery bird. Kind of a trick question as the Royal Tern was also last month's mystery bird, but I wanted to keep you all on your toes:-)

Location: Royal Palm Pointe Park, Vero Beach

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Royal_Tern/photo-gallery/170459361

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 11, 2021

I am yesterday's mystery bird

I am known as a Royal Tern

Climate change will affect me soon

But right now I'm a species of low concern.

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Least-concern_species

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 25, 2021

I am known as a Royal Tern

In non-breeding plumage I look like Danny Devito

When I'm breeding I have full head of black hair

Sometimes it's better to go incognito.

(When I wrote this, I pictured a post-breeding male on the Maury Povich show saying, "I am NOT the father, that guy had a full head of black hair!")

Special thanks to Tanya R. for the Danny Devito comparison!

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 13, 2019

Location: Indialantic Beach, James H. Nance Park

I am known as a Royal Tern
But John James Audubon called me a Cayenne
He thought I was the same as a Caspian Tern
At least he knew I'm not a Carolina Wren*

*Note from Dee: Inside joke for my sweetheart on his birthday. And I still don't know the Carolina Wren calls.

Sources: Cornell Lab Birds of North America - Royal Tern
John J. Audubon's Birds of America - Cayenne Tern

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 21, 2019

Location: Sebastian Inlet

We are known as Royal Terns
You can find us by the shore
We're not as popular in California
Cause there aren't many Sardines there anymore.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

February 18, 2019

Location: Sebastian Inlet

I am known as a Royal tern
I wear a black cap - but only when breeding.
I dive into the sea to catch me some fish -
But only when I am feeding.

Sources: Cornell All About Birds - Royal Tern

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 16, 2017

Location: Sebastian Inlet

I'm known as a Royal Tern,
I suffer from male-pattern baldness.
I'm known to poop on the edge of my nest,
To reinforce it, but I get your appalledness.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Royal Tern

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson