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 still be found on this site under the Orlando TV category.

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Pint-sized surprise: Seeing a Burrowing Owl

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.

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White Pelicans are our true snow birds

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.

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St. Augustine shore birds in the morning light

Roger Simmons, January 21, 2026January 20, 2026

I came across a large group of terns, Royal and Forester’s, mixing in with a group of adult and juvenile Ring-billed Gulls.

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Roseate Spoonbills make it a happy new year

Roger Simmons, January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Since they’re looking for mates, the birds have transitioned into their breeding plumage. Their brilliant colors are attracting a lot of attention.

Across Florida

Picking out my favorite photos of 2025

Roger Simmons, January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Here are my favorite photographs that I took in 2025, based on the subjects or the lighting or the location.

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Spending sunrise with Black Skimmers

Roger Simmons, January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

A sunrise trip to St. Augustine Beach included a group of Black Skimmers helping greet the weekend morning.

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Roseates have returned to Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, January 5, 2026January 4, 2026

These pink prehistoric-looking birds appear so elegant when resting or perching but are downright ungainly when taking off, flying or landing.

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Hooded Mergansers still hanging around

Roger Simmons, January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

I was happy to see that the Hooded Merganser ducks that have been visiting a pond in Oviedo are continuing their stay, This “raft” (what a group of these ducks are called) includes the dapper males with their white crests, the brown-colored females with often spiky crests and at least…

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