June 30, 2022

I am known as a Green Heron

I need wetlands to live in

I blend in quite well with my surroundings

But if you don't see me, just stop and listen.

Location: Riverside Park, Vero

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green_Heron/sounds

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 29, 2022

I am an Orange-Winged Grasshopper

I like to hang out in areas that are sandy

I can both crepitate and stridulate*

But in general my noisemaking is somewhat scanty.

* To quote the article linked below, "Sound production may occur on the ground (stridulation) or in flight (crepitation), but this is not a particularly noisy species."

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/ghopper/band.pdf

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 28, 2022

I am a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

I eat crustaceans and can be found on the coast

I have a small white patch on the side of my face

And a harsh squawk's my idea of a witty riposte.

Thanks to today's special guest  photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Lantana Nature Preserve, Birds,

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Yellow-crowned_Night-Heron/sounds

Photo © 2022 David Simpson and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 27, 2022

This phenomenon known as a rainbow is caused by

Sun, rain, dispersion, refraction and reflection

The sun must be lower in the sky than 42 degrees

For you to make a rainbow connection.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://www.phenomena.org/weather/rainbow/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS5fTzMP_mg

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 26, 2022

These pictures show the development

Of the Coneflower Moonlight Cactus

It blooms at night only once every year

To get a great shot, there's not much time to practice.

But today's awesome guest photographer, Heather Stapleton didn't need practice to get these great shots of the flower!

Location: private residence, Vero Beach

Sources: https://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=selenicereus

Photo © 2022 Heather Stapleton and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 25, 2022

I am a male Regal Jumping Spider

My chelicerae are enlarged and iridescent green

I'm smaller than my female counterpart

I average 12mm, she averages 15.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/regal_jumping_spider.htm

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

June 24, 2022

We are Northern Mockingbirds

A baby (L) and its mom (R)

We are the state bird of Florida

Like the state tree is the Sabal Palm.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-bird/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson