November 30, 2022

I am a non-breeding Red-winged Blackbird

You can tell I'm non-breeding cause my shoulder's not red

Although at the moment I'm hanging out at the water treatment park,

When I'm not breeding, I usually prefer places that are not wet.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/lifehistory

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 29, 2022

I am a Black-crowned Night-Heron

I like swamps, streams, and lakes overgrown with rushes

You might hear a harsh squawk or a rattling bill

That's just my mate and I having a discussion.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 28, 2022

I am an immature White-crowned Sparrow

You can ID me by the bold stripes on my head

I've got a yellow bill,

And eat my fill

Of seeds, fruits and insects - I am very well fed.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-crowned_Sparrow/photo-gallery/297929211

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 27, 2022

I am known as a Pig Frog

A Snowy Egret promised me a ride

But he knows that I'm afraid of heights, 

So he told me that he'd let me ride inside!

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/pigfrog.shtml

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 26, 2022

I am known as a Snowy Egret

I'm having a Pig Frog for a light dinner

He doesn't taste like ham, but I know what I am:

An aquatic animal-eating practitioner

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 25, 2022

I am known as an Eastern Phoebe

I'm known to share nests with Barn Swallows

I migrate and come back, and reuse the same nest

And the Swallows use my nest for the season that follows.

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

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

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 24, 2022

I am known as a Common Gallinule

To see my best feature you have to look close

It's not my beak, my shield, my plumage or legs

But look at my lobed, crazy-cool toes!

Location: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas, FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Gallinule/id

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson