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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On a quest to see a Painted Bunting

Roger Simmons, March 19, 2023June 13, 2023

It was a windy, cloudy Saturday when my wife Lisa and I decided to visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, but we had a goal in mind: Try to see a Painted Bunting.

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Shy guy likes to blend in: American Bittern

Roger Simmons, March 18, 2023June 20, 2023

They’re really shy birds – not sure if it’s because they have a really interesting call. To me it sounds like an amplified version of water dripping.

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Little Green Heron grabs a little lunch

Roger Simmons, March 17, 2023June 13, 2023

The Green Heron is one of the smallest of the different herons we see in Central Florida, but that small size just makes them more stealthy.

Photo Galleries

Pictures: Roger’s favorite photos

Roger Simmons, March 16, 2023September 17, 2024

This is an ever-changing gallery of my favorite photographs taken in Central Florida and elsewhere.

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Cedar Waxwings: When 50-plus birds drop by

Roger Simmons, March 16, 2023August 11, 2023

I had quite a surprise this evening when looked up in our still-bare Winged Elm tree and noticed a flock of Cedar Waxwings was visiting.

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A Great Egret looks harried as she attends to the babies in her nest at Orlando Wetlands Park.

Checking in on the babies at wetlands park

Roger Simmons, March 15, 2023June 13, 2023

I visited near sunset on Tuesday and ended up seeing three sets of youngsters – baby Roseate Spoonbills, baby Great Egrets and, of course, Sandhill Crane colts.

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Northern Shoveler shows his true colors

Roger Simmons, March 7, 2023June 13, 2023

The Northern Shoveler isn’t just your average duck. He’s a bit two-faced.

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Northern Flicker: Not your average woodpecker

Roger Simmons, March 7, 2023June 13, 2023

He looks a little different from his woodpecker cousins. And he acts a little different than other woodpeckers, too.

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These herons are creatures of the night

Roger Simmons, March 6, 2023June 13, 2023

There are several different types of herons, but a couple are harder to find than others.

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Baby Sandhill Crane colts make debut

Roger Simmons, March 6, 2023June 13, 2023

Some baby Sandhill Cranes hatched late last week at Orlando Wetlands Park. The two-day-old birds were the focus of lots of attention – not just from their parents.