March 20, 2026

I am known as a Swallow-tailed Kite

I usually look more dignified than this 

But some stupid bug is dive bombing me

And to be honest, I'm getting quite ticked!

(I couldn't get a photo of whatever it was that was bothering the poor bird, but it was driving him nuts. I really hope it doesn't stop him from coming back to our yard!)

Location: My House, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swallow-tailed_Kite/id

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.

May 8, 2025

We are a pair of Swalllow-tail Kites

Right now we are on our nest with some eggs

Once they hatch, we'll hunt small vertebrates

To feed to our kids when they beg.

Location: Possum Long Nature Center, Stuart

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swallow-tailed_Kite/lifehistory

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.

August 24, 2023

I am known as a Swallow-tailed Kite

I'll head to South America in the fall

I come to Florida to breed and raise young

And hang out in trees that are tall.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/swallow-tailed-kite

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 30, 2021

This is a terrible photo

Of an interesting event

There is a boatload of Swallow-tailed Kites

Gathered together to dine on insects.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Swallow-tailed_Kite/lifehistory#food

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 24, 2017

Location: Sebastian, Storm Water Park

I'm known as a Swallow-tailed Kite,
I'm known for my beauty and grace,
I'm black and white,
and when I take flight,
I perform an aerial ballet.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson