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.

Backyard

Northern Parulas seem to be everywhere I go

Roger Simmons, August 1, 2023August 5, 2023

I was so excited back in May when I was able to take my first pictures of a Northern Parula at the Orlando Wetlands. Fast-forward to July, and it seems these birds are, dare I say, stalking me?

Birds

These birds beat the heat at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, July 31, 2023August 5, 2023

I spent a hot, humid morning at the Orlando Wetlands on Saturday, July 29, and I was surprised by the number of birds that I saw.

Birds

Eastern Towhee: Don’t look up for this bird

Roger Simmons, July 30, 2023August 5, 2023

I saw my first Eastern Towhee at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge back in March, but I’ve seen many more send then at the UCF Arboretum. The scrub bush landscape there is perfect for these colorful orange and black birds.

Birds

UCF’s Arboretum is their neighborhood

Roger Simmons, July 30, 2023August 5, 2023

At a time when many birds have left the area for summer, it’s good to visit the year-round residents at the UCF Arboretum.

Birds

Expected and unexpected birds at Merritt Island

Roger Simmons, July 30, 2023August 5, 2023

One of the things I love about visiting the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is you never know what you might see. On Sunday, July 16, I saw some birds I expected and one that was unexpected.

Birds

Better view of Barn Swallows, others at Lake Apopka

Roger Simmons, July 26, 2023August 5, 2023

Even though it’s the slow summer season for birding, I know that a visit to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive will usually supply something memorable. And that was the case when I visited on Saturday, July 22.

Birds

Dancing Reddish Egret, its imitator and an Osprey splashdown

Roger Simmons, July 26, 2023August 5, 2023

A quick Sunday morning trip to Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island was worth it with a Reddish Egret, Little Blue Heron and one very wet Osprey.

Birds

Merritt Island trip nets two new birds and some familiar ones

Roger Simmons, July 3, 2023August 5, 2023

With the addition of two new birds that I spotted on Sunday at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, my Birds Catalog total now is 120. The two newcomers came from high and low.

All

Barn Swallows at Lake Apopka: Challenging task for me

Roger Simmons, June 28, 2023August 5, 2023

I visited Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive this past Sunday knowing I would see a lot of different birds there but hoping to see one kind in particular: Barn Swallows.

All

More to see at UCF than just the Knights? How about these birds

Roger Simmons, June 22, 2023August 5, 2023

UCF is one of my favorite places to spend time in the fall, cheering on the Knights football team with my family and friends. But it’s also become a place I like to go to in the spring and early summer, thanks to the variety of birds that call the UCF Arboretum home.