Roger Simmons - Birds, Words, Pics + TV

Running into a family of otters at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, March 8, 2026March 6, 2026

They were swimming together along near the bank of one of the ponds in the back of the wetlands, then decided to come ashore.

Roger Simmons, March 7, 2026March 7, 2026

There’s been a colony of Black Skimmers hanging around the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge for a while.

Roger Simmons, March 7, 2026March 6, 2026

Brown Pelicans are here all the time, so I rarely bother to photograph them unless I see something special.

Roger Simmons, March 6, 2026March 6, 2026

As these photos from a couple of trips in February illustrate, the number and diversity of birds at the facility is impressive.

Roger Simmons, February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

While these colorful and chatty birds are found in many parts of the state, they’re not native to Florida.

Roger Simmons, February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

I just happened to be in our backyard around lunchtime when this Bunting came by — and fortunately I also had my camera in hand. I

Roger Simmons, January 31, 2026January 31, 2026

On our recent visit, I went birding at Eddie Vickers Park and Robert B. Hayling Freedom Park for the first time.

Roger Simmons, January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

On our long weekend in St. Augustine earlier this month, I spent one morning at the Alligator Farm’s rookery area.

Roger Simmons, January 26, 2026January 26, 2026

The range of these ground-dwelling, 9-inch tall owls includes Central Florida. It’s just that they are more rare here.

Roger Simmons, January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

A group of American White Pelicans visited Black Point Wildlife Drive as part of their Florida winter vacation.