Author: Roger Simmons

Roger Simmons is a longtime Florida journalist and Sunshine State native. He started RogerSimmons.com in 2001 as an outlet for his personal interests including the history of Orlando TV news and Central Florida sports. Now his focus is on learning more about Florida birds and photography. His Orlando TV content can be found at OrlandoTVNews.RogerSimmons.com .

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Glitziest bird in Vegas? Meet Anna’s Hummingbird

Roger Simmons, February 9, 2024February 9, 2024

While visiting Las Vegas, I shouldn’t have been surprised to see one of the most colorful, glitziest birds around: Anna’s Hummingbird.

Backyard

Time for January edition of Backyard Birds

Roger Simmons, February 8, 2024February 8, 2024

Some are returning birds, like the Palm Warbler and the Yellow-throated Warbler. Some are new, like the female Painted Bunting. And some are regulars, like the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay.

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Bald Eagle flyby at sunset – great way to end a day

Roger Simmons, February 8, 2024February 8, 2024

Near sunset, as the winds died down and I was leaving the park, a Bald Eagle flew over my head, then circled back and flew directly over me.

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A wet, splish-splashy day at Merritt Island

Roger Simmons, February 8, 2024February 8, 2024

It was typical 2024 Florida winter weather when I visited Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Jan. 27. It was sunny, then cloudy, then rainy, then cloudy, then sunny, etc. Rinse and repeat, as they say.

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Birding doubleheader: OW, MINWR trips prove winners

Roger Simmons, January 21, 2024February 25, 2024

I decided to make the most of what has been rare January sunshine and hit up both Orlando Wetlands and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Sort of a birding doubleheader. But I hit the Daily Double for these trips.

Birds

Revisiting Joe Overstreet Road in Osceola County

Roger Simmons, January 21, 2024January 21, 2024

Having a rare Monday off from work, and wanting to go birding at someplace other than my usual spots, I headed down to Osceola County to return to Joe Overstreet Road.

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Trying to do some birding in the new year

Roger Simmons, January 21, 2024January 21, 2024

Between clouds and rain showers, I was able to visit my three go-to spots for birding – Orlando Wetlands, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive – in the first two weeks of January.

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My big year of birding: 160 species photographed in 2023

Roger Simmons, January 18, 2024January 19, 2024

When I visited the Orlando Wetlands on the first day of 2023, I didn’t know that spur-of-the-moment trip would launch me into a new hobby. But seeing all the different birds at the Wetlands that sunny and gorgeous New Year’s Day got me to start paying closer attention the the…

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