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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American Oystercatchers: Meeting a special family

Roger Simmons, May 30, 2023August 11, 2023

I photographed a family of American Oystercatchers at Fort DeSoto Park, and I ended up learning a lot about these colorful birds and their interesting backstory.

Across Florida

My red, white and blue birds on Memorial Day

Roger Simmons, May 29, 2023June 13, 2023

I spent Memorial Day morning at Fish Hawk Creek Preserve South in Hillsborough County, and I was able to photograph a very patriotic trio of new-to-me birds.

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Pictures: Northern Parula

Roger Simmons, May 25, 2023August 11, 2023

Photos I took of some Northern Parulas, who were at Orlando Wetlands Park in May 2023.

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Take 2: Another chance at Northern Parula

Roger Simmons, May 23, 2023June 13, 2023

It took an emergency plane landing (really!), but I got another chance to photograph a Northern Parula — the nemesis bird I posted about recently.

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Second chance: Shots that didn’t make it before

Roger Simmons, May 23, 2023June 13, 2023

Fortunately for my Facebook friends, I usually only post a few photos there or here. But there are a lot of photos I still liked that just didn’t make the initial cut for one reason or another.

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One of my favorites: Red-winged Blackbird

Roger Simmons, May 23, 2023June 13, 2023

When I see a male Red-winged Blackbird, with his colorful red, yellow and black wings, it’s hard not to stop and take a few pictures. The females are equally intriguing.

Not Birds

Beyond the birds: Some other photos

Roger Simmons, May 21, 2023June 13, 2023

Birds aren’t the subjects of my photos — just the vast majority of them. So, I thought I would share some of my non-bird photos from this year so far.

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Remembering Roseate Spoonbills this season

Roger Simmons, May 21, 2023June 13, 2023

Back in January, the park was teaming with Roseate Spoonbills who were settling in for the winter. Now it’s May, and only a few Roseate youngsters are hanging around the park.

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Photographing my 100th bird – who would it be?

Roger Simmons, May 20, 2023June 13, 2023

The other day I realized I was approaching 100 different birds photographed. After a recount, it turned out I was very, very close – just one bird away from the century mark.

Birds

Victory vs. little nemesis: Northern Parula

Roger Simmons, May 16, 2023June 13, 2023

I have found there are just some birds that are harder to photograph than others. I call them my nemesis birds, and the Northern Parula was one of them.