April 18, 2024

I'm an American Alligator

I'm common throughout the south east

I've been seen in New Jersey

Heaven have mercy!

I didn't stay long, I'm a warm weather beast.

Location: Orlando Wetlands

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

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 17, 2024

I am known as a White Ibis

My face is getting red, I'll be breeding soon

I'll rub my bill

On my mate's head at will

It's easy to make female Ibises swoon.

Location: Orlando Wetlands

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

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 16, 2024

I am an American Bittern

I blend in with reeds, you can barely see me at all

One of my colloquial names is "water belcher"

Due to my loud, gulp-like call. 

Location: Orlando Wetlands

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Bittern/overview#

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 15, 2024

I am a Firey-crested Osprey

I bet you've never seen one before! 

Ha ha, just a joke, 

The weird branch evoked

Silliness Dee just could not ignore.

Location: Orlando Wetlands

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

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 14, 2024

This plant is known as a Prairie Iris

It grows in soil that is acidic

It's dormant in winter, but I wish it bloomed all year

But that wouldn't be scientific.

Location: Orlando Wetlands

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/iris-savannarum

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 13, 2024

I am an Eastern Meadowlark

I have a yellow tummy and black V on my chest

I'm brown and black

On my wings and back

On the ground I blend in, who'd have guessed!

Location: WW Ranch Road, SSRPSP

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

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 12, 2024

I am known as Monk Skipper

In Florida I was introduced

I am native to Cuba

I'm not good at scuba

I lay eggs on Palm trees to reproduce.

Note: I have previously written about this butterfly on my blog, but as noted in the source, it has since undergone a taxonomic change from Asbolis capucinus.

Location: WW Ranch Road, SSRPSP

Sources: https://www.butterfliesofcuba.com/choranthus-capucinus---monk-skipper.html

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.