November 30, 2019

 Location: Lake Okeechobee Park, Okeechobee

Pictured here on the top is Common Water Hyacinth,
Surrounded by Water Lettuce
They are both invasive exotic plants
That kill native aquatic plants, which upsets us.

Sources: Click the above links for more information on how these aquatic weeds are damaging to the ecosystem.

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 29, 2019

Location: Lake Okeechobee Park, Okeechobee

This is Carica papaya
A plant with antibacterial properties
It has many other uses medicinally
Because it contains vitamins A, B and C.

Sources: Science Direct - A review on medicinal properties of Carica papaya Linn.

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 28, 2019

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

We are a group of Wild Turkeys
You can find us near acorns, which we love to munch.
Please excuse us if we seem shy though,
And decline your invitation to lunch.

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Wild Turkey

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, my house

I am a young Southern Black Racer
I'm still not solid white on my chin
I am older than when you saw me in August
And more black, and longer and thin.

Sources: Florida Museum - Coluber constrictor priapus

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 26, 2019

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

I am a Barred Yellow butterfly
My color changes with the seasons
I can be found throughout most of Florida
And in Central and South American regions

Sources: Keysmoths.com - Eurema daira, Barred Yellow

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 25, 2019

Location: Goodwin W.MA., Fellsmere

This is known as Moonflower
It's flower can be 6 inches across
It blooms late in the day,
Through the night it stays.
And it it pollinated by moths.

Sources: Florida Native Plan Society - Ipomoea alba

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 24, 2019

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

This is a Common Buckeye
Beautiful enough to inspire this writer
Today's post is dedicated to my readers who
Prefer pictures of butterflies much more than spiders.

Sources: Butterflies and Moths of North America - Common Buckeye

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson