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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Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak round out day at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

With the temperature in the 70s, I was able to hike five miles across the Wetlands and photograph lots and lots of birds, including familiar ones and some new faces too.

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Wood Ducks add some local color to Orlando lake

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

The Wood Ducks included the very beautiful male drakes as well as interesting looking female hens – who I photographed for the first time.

Birds

Merritt Island trip brings 3 new-to-me birds, other favorites

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

On a trip to the wildlife preserve, I came across some old favorites as well as three new-to-me birds: A female American Redstart, an Eastern Phoebe and a Least Flycatcher.

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Surprise visit from Black-and-White Warbler

Roger Simmons, October 4, 2023October 5, 2023

On several birding Facebook groups I’ve been seeing photos of a cute little bird called a Black-and-White Warbler. Then, Tuesday morning, I looked out in my backyard and saw one hopping around on the truck of our Sweet Gum Tree.

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Cloudy Saturday at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, October 1, 2023October 17, 2023

It was a cloudy, overcast morning at the Orlando Wetlands when I visited it on Saturday. But, from a birding perspective, it was a good day.

Backyard

Backyard birds revisited: New look at familiar friends

Roger Simmons, September 27, 2023September 27, 2023

I have been using the birds in my backyard as subjects as I practice with the new camera. Despite some errors in figuring out how to master the new mirrorless camera, I have been pleased with the results so far.

Birds

Pictures: Belted Kingfishers

Roger Simmons, September 25, 2023October 2, 2023

A gallery of pictures of Belted Kingfishers from across Central Florida.

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Scrub-Jays are highlight of the day for Merritt Island visit

Roger Simmons, September 24, 2023October 2, 2023

I visited the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge hoping to see some Florida Scrub-Jays and some Bald Eagles. I was fortunate enough to see both, as well as some other birds

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First day of fall at Orlando Wetlands: Pretty cool day

Roger Simmons, September 24, 2023September 24, 2023

It was a very refreshing 66 degrees on Saturday morning when I arrived at Orlando Wetlands, hoping the cooler weather was attracting some returning birds.

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Discovering Prairie Warblers, other birds at Hal Scott Preserve

Roger Simmons, September 17, 2023September 17, 2023

I decided to visit the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park to look for endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers. I didn’t find any, but did come across some other cool birds.