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.

All

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.

All

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

All

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.

All

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.

Birds

Another new-to-me bird: Black Tern

Roger Simmons, September 11, 2023September 11, 2023

Some Black Terns recently showed up at Orlando Wetlands. It’s the first time I have seen or photographed these new-to-me birds, so I had to do some research to find out more about them.

Birds

Bald Eagle joins me for rocket launch

Roger Simmons, September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

Could there be a more patriotic morning than watching a rocket launch with a Bald Eagle? I did that Sunday at the Orlando Wetlands.

Birds

Are Belted Kingfishers stalking me? I’m OK with that

Roger Simmons, September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

I have been seeing Belted Kingfishers a lot recently at the Orlando Wetlands, Merritt Island and Lake Apopka. It’s almost like they stalking me.

All

Colorful trip to UCF: Bluebirds and red-headed Pileated Woodpeckers

Roger Simmons, September 4, 2023September 4, 2023

On a recent visit to UCF’s Arboretum just before sunset. I was rewarded with sightings of daddy and baby Eastern Bluebirds, and red-headed male and female Pileated Woodpeckers.