January 7, 2022

I am known as a Painted Bunting

My mate and I are sexually dimorphic

We make an odd couple like Oscar and Felix

But would make us anthropomorphic.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_dimorphism

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthropomorphism

https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Passerina_ciris/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 6, 2022

Speaking of invasive exotics*, 

This is known as Brazilian Pepper

Do not be fooled by it's pretty look, 

It is a Florida native plant wrecker.

* See yesterday's blog about Air Potato

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/schinus-terebinthifolia/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 5, 2022

This is known as an Air Potato

It is one of Florida's most invasive exotic species

They can grow at up to 8 inches a day

And are prohibited - you must NEVER breed these.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/dioscorea-bulbifera/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 4, 2022

I am known as a Loggerhead Shrike

I spend most of my time hunting

I need prey for food and to feed my young

And to convince girl Shrikes they should hump me.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lanius_ludovicianus/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 3, 2022

This is Largeflower Mexican Clover

It is a perennial herb

In Florida, it's a class II exotic

And it grows well in areas that are disturbed.

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP610

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 2, 2022

This is Savannah False Pimpernel

It's low-growing and forms a mat

It has two lips, one purple, three white

And five linear sepals (like bracts.)

(Make sure you check out the wikipedial Glossary of Botanical Terms linked below, I find it a great resource.)

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-lindernia-grandiflora/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_botanical_terms

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

January 1, 2022

I am a feral Muscovy Duck

I have a lek mating system

I wag my tail and show off my crest

The girl ducks say, "Oooh I just can't resist him!"

Location: Cocoa Christmas Bird Count

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/news/what-heck-lek-quirkiest-mating-party-earth

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson