March 2, 2023

I am Tringa semipalmata

But my friends all call me Willet

I use the sensitive tips of my bill 

To find food in a manner idyllic.

Location: Sebastian Inlet State Park

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ring-billed_Gull/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 29, 2019

Location: Melbourne, Ponce de Leon Landing

I am a Tringa semipalmata
More commonly known as a Willet
I use my sensitive bill to catch worms, snails and bugs
When my tummy is empty, that's how I fill it.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Willet

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 1, 2019

Location: Sebastian Inlet

I am known as a Willet
I'm a large shorebird with a thick, straight bill.
John James Audubon really liked me
Especially on the grill.

Sources: Cornell Lab All About Birds - Willet

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 29. 2017

Location: Sebastian, Sebastian Inlet State Park

This is known as a Willet,
In flight you can see his wings are striped black and white.
Although both the male and female take care of their young,
Only the male incubates eggs at night.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Willet

(Disclaimer: Due to a minor hand issue I've not been able to use my camera so am posting some older pictures that I haven't included before on this blog.  I will resume my regular 8:00 am postings soon, but for now, please enjoy these blasts from the past.) 

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson