April 30, 2021

I am known as a Short-tailed Hawk

I am fairly small, about the size of a crow

My Florida population is now at risk

Due to isolation and loss of mangroves.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 29, 2021

I am a Northern Parula

I hide my nest in Spanish moss in the south

In the north, I hide my nest in Usnea lichens

So predators don't know my kids are around.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

Sources: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/northern-parula

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 28, 2021

I am a baby Brown Thrasher

Right now, I've got short, stubby tail feathers

When I grow up I'll have a long beautiful tail

For now I'll just hang with my new best friend, Heather.

Location: Vero Beach, private residence

Special thanks to today's guest photographer, Heather Stapleton.

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Brown_Thrasher/overview

Photo © 2021 Heather Stapleton, text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 27, 2021

I am a Phaon Crescent,

As an adult I like Sheppard's Needle nectar

I've been seen from Guatemala to Wyoming

But I spend more time in the warmer sectors.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Phyciodes-phaon

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 26, 2021

I am an immature White Ibis

My beauty has inspired songs by many composers

With my long lithe legs, and bright orange beak

I can make the boy birds loose their composure. 

(Ok, that's a terrible rhyme, but in my defense, when I saw how this bird was posed, I thought it looked like one of those scenes from the old movies where the woman hitchhiker shows some leg to get a ride!)

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

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

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

Dee at 8 a.m. Presents: Ask David Simpson a Birding Question: Episode 3: Where can I go to see Roseate Spoonbills?

In our third episode of Ask David a Birding Question, we bring you Heather S's question: Where can I see Roseate Spoonbills?

Enjoy! And, if you would like to ask a question either post a comment here or send mail to Dee directly. We look forward to your questions.

Location: Fellsmere Grade Recreation Area, Fellsmere

April 25, 2021

I am an Atlantic Mud Fiddler Crab

I have a strong influence on how salt marshes function

I can now be found as far north as the Gulf of Maine

I'm a climate migrant* due to human dysfunction.

* Read the article linked below. I remember swimming in Maine as a kid. Well, that's a lie. I remember dipping my big toe in the water and screaming cause it was far too cold to swim there. It's scary that the water there is this warm now. 

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

Sources: https://academic.oup.com/jcb/article/40/5/544/5874904

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson