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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What’s that bird? Maybe it’s a Yellow Warbler

Roger Simmons, August 20, 2023August 20, 2023

I’ve been birding since January, and just when I feel like I am getting the hang of identifying birds in the wild, one will throw me a curveball. Meet the latest to do that.

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Belted Kingfishers on a Freaky Friday

Roger Simmons, August 18, 2023August 19, 2023

While I think my photographs of Belted Kingfishers at Orlando Wetlands have improved, I still wasn’t satisfied and wanted another chance with these colorful but shy little birds.

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It’s not spring, but it’s still time for baby mockingbirds

Roger Simmons, August 14, 2023August 14, 2023

It’s the middle of August and not when you would expect to see some baby birds. But I spotted one poking its head out from a large cedar shrub.

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Prairie Warbler: ‘Little House on the Prairie’ for this bird is in Florida

Roger Simmons, August 12, 2023August 12, 2023

Whenever I hear “Prairie Warbler,” I think of Little House on the Prairie and the Midwest. But this little yellow and black bird is a year-round Florida resident.

Backyard

Backyard birds: Nine who are fine all the time

Roger Simmons, August 9, 2023August 9, 2023

While I will travel across Central Florida to seek out new birds to photograph, I often overlook some pretty interesting ones hanging out in my backyard.

Birds

Baby ducks and Belted Kingfisher make my day

Roger Simmons, August 7, 2023August 7, 2023

My most recent trip to the Orlando Wetlands on Sunday, August 6, started by spotting a group of 16 (!) baby Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and ended with photographs of an elusive Belted Kingfisher.

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