May 31, 2023

I am known as a Merlin

North America is where I breed

I usually lay eggs in other birds old nests

In tall pines or deciduous trees.

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Indiana Dunes National Park, Gary Indiana.

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

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 30, 2023

We are non-venomous Northern Watersnakes

Having a bit of fun in the sun

The result of this tryst will not be eggs - 

Unlike some snakes, we give birth to live young. 

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Sheldon Marsh Preserve in Huron, OH.

Sources: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/animals/reptiles-amphibians/common-watersnake

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/7-snakes-that-give-live-birth-as-opposed-to-eggs/

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 29, 2023

I'm a male Chestnut-sided Warbler

I wear a yellow cap and have yellow and black wings

I have a chestnut stripe on each of my sides

I'm breeding, otherwise you'd see my eye rings.

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson

Location: Magee Marsh, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Chestnut-sided_Warbler/id

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 28, 2023

I am a Black-throated Green Warbler

I'm usually easier to hear than to see

I sing non-stop, high in the canopy

About how very much I love trees.

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Magee Marsh, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler/overview

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 27, 2023

I am a bird known as a Veery

Similar to a Robin, I'm a medium thrush

You can find me around, foraging on the ground

Singing my song at dawn and at dusk. 

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Magee Marsh, OH

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

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 26, 2023

I am a Painted Turtle

I can be found from Mexico to Canada

Some of us live 35 to 40 years

But not all of us have that kind of stamina.

Special thanks to guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Magee Marsh, OH

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

Photo © 2023 David Simpson and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 25, 2023

I am an Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly

I'm green, so you know I'm young or female

Unlike adult males, who are mostly blue

And I have square black spots down my tail*

* Technically, that is my abdomen, not my tail, but abdomen doesn't really rhyme with much. 

Location: Goodwin WMA

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

https://animalcorner.org/dragonfly-anatomy/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson