November 30, 2018

Location: Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am a single Love bug,
You usually see me in twos
That doesn't mean I'm ugly or smell bad,
I just can't decide which mate to choose!

Sources: UF | IFAS Featured Creatures - Lovebug 

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 29, 2018

Location: Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am a Schistocerca rubiginosa,
But Rusty Bird Grasshopper is easier to say.
I am spotted on my forewings,
And my color varies from reddish-brown to grey.

Sources: BugGuide - Species Schistocerca rubiginosa - Rusty Bird Grasshopper

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 28, 2018

Location: Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am known as a White-tailed Deer.
In the north I breed in the fall, and in the spring I fawn.
In Florida, my breeding season's more varied -
May is the only month that I don't spawn.

Sources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - White-tailed Deer Management Program

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2018

Location: Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am a Cattle Egret
I feed in fields and follow plows.
I feast heartily on insects that are disturbed
By machinery, fires or cows.

Sources: Cornell Lab - Cattle Egret Life History

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 26, 2018

Location: Okeechobee, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

I am a Pearl Crescent butterfly,
Phyciodes tharos is my scientific name.
You can find me on many different flowers
Including Swamp Milkweed, Asters and Dogbane.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Pearl Crescent

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 25, 2018

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I'm known as a Southern Black Racer,
In Florida, I'm one of three Racer subspecies.
You can differentiate us by our scales and eye color.
Or if you don't want to get that close, by geography.

Sources: Florida Museum Snake Identification, Eastern Racer

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 24, 2018

Location: Tavares, Lake Idamere County Park

We are a pair of Gulf fritillaries
We like nectar from Cordias and Lantana.
We also like pastures and open fields.
But have no opinion on Hannah Montana.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Gulf Fritillary

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Blatant plug reminder: David and I are excited to announce that we will be participating in the Shop Small event at the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, TODAY, November 24th, from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. In addition to tours, we will be selling calendars, magnets, and our brand new field guide* (all of which feature my photography), as well as gift packages that include all of the above in a handmade reusable tote bag. We hope you will come out and see us, and support us, as well as the many other local businesses who will be there. Visit the Heritage Center facebook page for details.

* The guide is in print as we speak. If it is not available by Saturday, you can pre-order and we will deliver as soon as it's available.