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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Amazing Swallow-tailed Kite trip to Volusia County

Roger Simmons, August 3, 2024August 3, 2024

There were more than 100 Swallow-tailed Kites roosting about. But after a rough night, skimming across the water wasn’t part of their plans.

Not Birds

Atlas V rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral

Roger Simmons, August 3, 2024August 3, 2024

The final launch of the Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral was worth waking up early to see.

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Enjoying Eastern Meadowlarks in Osceola County

Roger Simmons, August 3, 2024August 3, 2024

While driving down Joe Overstreet Road or exploring the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, I can’t remember a time I didn’t see a least one Eastern Meadowlark.

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Common Nighthawks make for an uncommon discovery

Roger Simmons, July 28, 2024July 28, 2024

I guess I got lucky with my daylight discovery of these Common Nighthawks during a morning visit to Osceola County.

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By the dawn’s early light: Morning at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, July 21, 2024July 21, 2024

There’s something special about the light in the morning when taking bird photos. The soft, golden hue makes the subjects look magical.

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Growing up quickly at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, July 20, 2024July 22, 2024

One of the cool benefits of visiting the Orlando Wetlands regularly is witnessing how the little baby birds grow into big birds. Here are two examples.

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Photographing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: Part 2

Roger Simmons, July 19, 2024July 21, 2024

I had such fun photographing a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Orlando Wetlands last weekend, that I wanted to do it again.

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Visiting Viera and the ‘other’ wetlands

Roger Simmons, July 18, 2024July 21, 2024

The small part that I did see was impressive – a great pond with lots of wading birds and a rookery for egrets and other birds. An adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron flew overhead, and a pair of Roseate Spoonbills were hanging around.

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