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

Meeting an Eastern Bluebird family at UCF Arboretum

Roger Simmons, June 22, 2023August 5, 2023

I drove almost 2 hours to a preserve in Hillsborough County to see my Eastern Bluebird. Little did I realize there was a family of Eastern Bluebirds about 15 minutes from my house at the UCF Arboretum.

All

Sometimes you look for birds but end up with deer, squirrel and rabbit

Roger Simmons, June 20, 2023August 5, 2023

While the birds seemed to be preparing for some upcoming stormy weather, I found out that others at the UCF Arboretum were going about their usual routines.

Birds

Carolina Wren welcomes the morning at UCF Arboretum

Roger Simmons, June 19, 2023August 11, 2023

Morning is the best time for birding, which isn’t easy for me since I am not a morning person. But on a sunrise trip to the UCF Arboretum on June 9, I heard a familiar wake-up call. It was a Carolina Wren.

Birds

Lake Eola’s swans: Unusual birds with an interesting history

Roger Simmons, June 11, 2023June 13, 2023

The Lake Eola swans have been iconic symbols of downtown Orlando’s central park for more than 100 years. Last weekend I went to the park to photograph the swans, which prompted me to learn more about them.

Lake Eola Park

Went to Lake Eola to see swans; I didn’t expect to see a bear, too

Roger Simmons, June 4, 2023August 11, 2023

Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando is famous for being home to five different types of swans. On Sunday morning, it was also home to a very lost, young black bear.

Birds

UCF Arboretum visit brings new birds, including Great Crested Flycatcher and House Finch

Roger Simmons, June 3, 2023May 4, 2025

With the temperatures in Central Florida starting to rise as the birding season cooling down, I decided to make a Saturday morning trek to the nearby UCF Arboretum to look for some little birds.

Photo Galleries

Pictures: Birds of Fish Hawk Creek Preserve South

Roger Simmons, June 2, 2023June 13, 2023

Over Memorial Day weekend, I visited the Fish Hawk Creek Preserve South in Hillsborough County, hoping to get some pictures of Eastern Bluebirds that had been seen there. Not only was I able to photograph them, but also several other different birds – include two that were new-to-me.

Fort DeSoto Park

Pictures: Fort DeSoto Park birds

Roger Simmons, June 1, 2023August 6, 2023

Some photos from my recent trips to Fort DeSoto Park, the county-run area near St. Pete Beach.

Birds

Pictures: Roseate Spoonbills at Orlando Wetlands Park

Roger Simmons, June 1, 2023August 11, 2023

Some photos of the Roseate Spoonbills at Orlando Wetlands Park, from January to May 2023.

All

American Oystercatchers: Meeting a special family

Roger Simmons, May 30, 2023August 11, 2023

I photographed a family of American Oystercatchers at Fort DeSoto Park, and I ended up learning a lot about these colorful birds and their interesting backstory.