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

Flamingos in Indian River?! Yes, but pretty far off

Roger Simmons, December 10, 2023June 29, 2025

There have been flamingos in the Indian River before, but it is pretty rare. I got up very early on a Saturday morning to try to get some pictures of them.

All

Hooded Mergansers return for the winter

Roger Simmons, November 28, 2023January 18, 2024

Hooded Mergansers, very colorful members of the duck family, have joined the flock of “snowbirds” coming back to Florida for the winter.

All

Black and White Warbler is an unexpected Thanksgiving guest

Roger Simmons, November 24, 2023March 7, 2024

While out in the backyard deep-frying our Thanksgiving turkey (which was incredible, by the way), I looked up and saw a Black and White Warbler.

All

Winter has sprung? Robins return to Central Florida

Roger Simmons, November 22, 2023November 22, 2023

Robins are not normally found in Central Florida except in the winter, when they arrive here from their northern homes. While visiting the UCF Arboretum at sunset, a flock of several dozen Robins arrived.

All

Second visit with an American Kestrel

Roger Simmons, November 22, 2023November 22, 2023

Last weekend I had another opportunity to get pictures of an American Kestrel, which this time was a little closer to a trail at the Orlando Wetlands.

All

Kingfishers and Phoebes and Terns, oh my!

Roger Simmons, November 22, 2023November 22, 2023

A recent trip to Orlando Wetlands showed the variety of birds who are back in the area for the winter.

All

Cooler weather brings back some cool birds

Roger Simmons, November 12, 2023January 18, 2024

Included in this group are Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Common Yellowthroats, House Wrens and Swamp Sparrows. Also, I came across another new-to-me bird, a Swamp Wren.

All

Sunrise surprises at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, November 7, 2023November 8, 2023

I took advantage of the time change to visit Orlando Wetlands before work on Monday, enjoying a spectacular cool morning and coming across two new-to-me birds there.

All

Finally, a picture-perfect Bald Eagle at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, October 28, 2023October 28, 2023

Since I started going to the Orlando Wetlands on Jan. 1, 2023, I’ve been trying – and ultimately failing – to get some decent pictures of the Bald Eagle couple who rule the roost at the park. Until now.

All

Wilson’s Warbler? What the heck is it doing here?

Roger Simmons, October 25, 2023October 25, 2023

This is a Wilson’s Warbler, a colorful little bird that isn’t supposed to be in Florida. In fact, it regularly visits just about everywhere in the U.S., Canada and Central America but not Florida.