December 14, 2017

Location: Marianna, Florida Caverns State Park

I am problably a Mesodon thyroidus,
White-lip Globe, more commonly.
Dee should have photographed my underside,
To obtain a more positive ID.

I learn so much writing this blog, and have had so many people contribute their knowledge. Very special thanks to Bill Frank from the Jacksonville Shells web site and Dr. Harry Lee for their help in identifying this snail.

To quote Bill Frank, "When anticipating that help with identification may be required, make sure that you photograph the ventral side (bottom) of the snail.”

Sources: Jacksonville Shells

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 13, 2017

Location: Marianna, Florida Caverns State Park

I too, am a female Green Anole,
Notice I'm green, I am not brown.
I can change my color whenever I like,
But the reasons why I do aren't well known.

Sources: Anole Annals - New Study on Color Change in Green Anoles

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 12, 2017

Location: Marianna, Florida Caverns State Park

I am a female Green Anole.
(Note the white stripe down my back.)
You can find me all over the south east,
From forests to cul de sacs.

Sources: How to Determine the Sex of a Green Anole

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 11, 2017

Location: Rockledge, Cruickshank Sanctuary

This is knowns as Pricklypear.
The white spots are a fungus.
Unfortunately, this specimen is not healthy,
And will soon no longer be among us.

Sources: Jim Stahl, on guided plant walk.

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 10, 2017

Location: Blountstown, private residence


I am known as a Swamp Sparrow.
I'm a small songbird with red on my wings.
When I'm breeding I wear a jaunty red cap,
And a simple, slow trill's how I sing.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Swamp Sparrow


Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 9, 2017

Location: Blountstown, private residence

I am a Swamp Sparrow, mooning you.
My legs are longer than other sparrow species.
This allows me to forage in water,
So I can eat aquatic invertebrate beasties.

Sources: Cornell Labs - Swamp Sparrow

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 8, 2017

Location: Blountstown, private residence

I am a Squirrel Treefrog
I can be colored tan, brown, green, or grey.
I have big, sticky toe pads and
I'm nocturnal, you won't see me during the day.

Sources: UF Johnson Wildlife Lab - Squirrel Treefrog

Photo and text © 2017 Dee Fairbanks Simpson