November 18, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

This used to be a Blue-wing Teal
But alas, he has recently died.
But it's body is interesting to look at up close
For the scientific data that it provides

For example, notice the wings,
Are wet, but the water is beading.
Ducks spread the wax from their preen gland
To waterproof their feathers, and keep them from freezing.

Sources: Waterproof Feathers- Birds

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 17, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

I am known as a Merlin
I'm a fast flier with strong wingbeats.
In silhouette you can see that I'm stocky and thick
Must be from all the small birds that I eats.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Merlin

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 16, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

I am either a female or immature Indigo Bunting
It would be easier if I were a bright blue breeding male.
But you can still tell I'm an Indigo by the shape of my beak,
And faintest hint of blue on my tail.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Indigo Bunting

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 15, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

I am a female Tramea carolina
Or, Carolina Saddlebags more commonly.
I have bright spots on my wings that look like saddlebags,
And am one of the few dragonflies that are migratory.

Sources: Field Guide to Migratory Dragonflies

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 14, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

I'm a Short-tailed Hawk from a long way away
You can see that my primaries are kinda snowy
The wing linings are dark, but my defining mark,
Is the fact that my tail is short, it's not showy.

Sources: Interview, David Simpson

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 13, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

I am an American Alligator
My nostrils face upwards on my snout.
This means I can swim while I'm mostly submerged
Thus hiding my disquieting pout.

Sources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - American Alligator

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 12, 2018

Location: Mt Dora, Lake Apopka North Shore Restoration Area

I'm an American Bald Eagle,
Even though I'm very high up in the sky
You can easily ID me by my white tail and head
As I go soaring by.

Sources: Hawk Mountain Raptorpedia - Bald Eagle

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson