June 14, 2017

Location: Titusville, Enchanted Forest

I'm a Gopher Tortoise,
I'm known as keystone species.
I share my home with more than 350 friends -
It's a burrow that I dig with my feetsies.

Source: My FWC - Gopher Tortoise

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 13, 2017

Location: Location

I am known as a Bridled Tern,
So named for the white "strap" round my neck.
My diet consists, of mostly small fish,
I'n not often seen on shore, but from a boat deck.

Sources: Audubon Guide to Birds - Bridled Tern

This is the last day of Tortugapalooza. I hope you have enjoyed it. Tomorrow we return to the mainland, back to the wilds of Fellsmere!

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 12, 2017

Location: Dry Tortugas

I am known as a Merlin,
I am a small but fast bird of prey.
My mate and I will catch dinner together,
And I'll impress her with an aerial display.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Merlin

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 11, 2017

Location: Dry Tortugas

I am a Yellow Warbler,
I'm mostly yellow with large, black eyes.
I have been known to build a multi-tiered nest,
If my first nest is parasitized.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Yellow Warbler

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 10, 2017

Location: Dry Tortugas

I am a Chestnut-sided Warbler,
I've got a black mustache and a yellow forehead.
I have chestnut streaks across my wings,
And I say "Pleased to MEETCHA" when there's a girl to be courted.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Chestnut-sided Warbler

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 9, 2017

Location: Dry Tortugas

I am a Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Named for my mostly yellow bill.
I can eat 100 caterpillars in one sitting,
But mostly I sit very still.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 8, 2017

Location: Dry Tortugas

I am a Black and White Warbler.
My description is the same as my name.
I like to pluck insects from moss,
Conveniently, Mniotilta is my genus name.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Black and White Warbler

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson