August 31, 2021

I am known as a Mexican Duck

I look a bit like a female Mallard

I can hybridize with ducks in the genus Anas

When you look as good as me, it's a hazard.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: Pena Blanca Lake, AZ

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/mexduc/cur/systematics

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 30, 2021

I am a male Eastern Pondhawk

I usually live near water, and on insects I chow.

But today I thought I would try something new

And take a nap in David's eyebrow.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: McCurtain County, OK

Sources: https://bugguide.net/node/view/577

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 29, 2021

I am a Spotted Towhee

I look a lot like my Eastern Towhee counterpart

I have prominent white wing spots

Other than that, we mostly share the same marks.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: Winter Haven, AZ

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Towhee/species-compare/64991941

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 28, 2021

I am known as a Widow Skimmer dragonfly

The name comes from how I mate

My girlfriend and I get down then I'm gone - 

Leaving her a "widow" to take care of the eggs. 

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: Pena Blanca Lake, AZ

Sources: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Widow-Skimmer

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 27, 2021

I am known as a Gray Hawk

You can find me in south Texas and Arizona

I sometimes eat vertebrates like bunnies and birds

But strongly prefer food with a reptilian aroma.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: Coronado National Forest, AZ

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Gray_Hawk/lifehistory

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 26, 2021

I am an Acorn Woodpecker,

Some people say that I look like a clown

I think that's harsh but accurate - 

Because of my white mask and red crown.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.)

Location: Fort Davis NHS, Texas

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

Photo © 2021 David Simpson and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

August 25, 2021

I am a juvenile Northern Cardinal

Pyrrhuloxia is a bird you might think I resemble

But I am just molting into my adult colors -

The resemblance is entirely coincidental.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/species-compare/67448261

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson