March 31, 2018

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I'm known as a Carolina Wren,
I could possibly cause Dee a divorce.
Every time she hears me sing, she says "What is that?"
David rolls his eyes and replies, "CAROLINA WREN, OF COURSE!"

But in Dee's defense, I have a repertoire
Of dozens of possible songs,
And if you hear a different song but don't see me,
It's easy to get my name wrong!

Sources: Cornell Lab - Carolina Wren Sounds

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 30, 2018

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I'm known as an American Crow,
I kind of look like I'm in silhouette.
I can be confused with a Fish Crow,
But I'm slightly bigger and heavier-set.

Sources: Cornell Lab - American Crow Similar Species

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 29, 2018

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I'm known as a Red-Shouldered Hawk.
I belong to the Florida race;
I'm a bit smaller than northern hawks are,
And I'm nearly white on my tummy and face.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Red-shouldered Hawk (scroll to Regional Differences section.)

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 28, 2018

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am a young American Alligator,
My age is around two or three.
You can estimate my age because I still have stripes on my tail,
But I'm no longer protected by my mommy.

Sources: Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute - American Alligator

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 27, 2018

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am known as a Black Racer
I'm common throughout the southeastern United States.
I'm non-venomous, and mostly quite shy,
But will bite if the situation dictates;

My bite is basically harmless,
But I do have pretty sharp teeth.
So it's best that you admire me from afar.
And just let me live in peace.

Sources: Florida Museum - Southern Black Racer

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 26, 2018

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I'm an Eastern Meadowlark
I eat insects and occasional fruit.
My nest can be just a woven cup on the ground,
Or it might include tunnels and even a roof!

Sources: Cornell Lab - Eastern Meadowlark Life History

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 25, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian Preserve State Park

This is a nest box for a Brown-headed Nuthatch,
They, too are cavity nesters.
But unlike RCWs, they'll live
In boxes provided by human protectors.

Sources: Helping Cavity Nesters in Florida
Cornell Lab - Brown-headed Nuthatch

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson