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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Five new birds added to my catalog this week

Roger Simmons, October 24, 2023October 24, 2023

The new birds are a Harrier, Hermit Thrush, Crested Caracara, House Wren and Red-tailed Hawk.

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One day, two trips and lots of birds at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, October 22, 2023October 22, 2023

I woke up fairly early and decided to head to the Orlando Wetlands. It was a cool, cloudy morning – but apparently I was in a fog. I was so disappointed in my photos I had to go back again later and try again.

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It’s definitely warbler season in Central Florida

Roger Simmons, October 17, 2023October 17, 2023

It’s that time of year when little warblers seems to be almost everywhere in Central Florida.

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Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak round out day at Orlando Wetlands

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

With the temperature in the 70s, I was able to hike five miles across the Wetlands and photograph lots and lots of birds, including familiar ones and some new faces too.

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Wood Ducks add some local color to Orlando lake

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

The Wood Ducks included the very beautiful male drakes as well as interesting looking female hens – who I photographed for the first time.

Birds

Merritt Island trip brings 3 new-to-me birds, other favorites

Roger Simmons, October 15, 2023October 15, 2023

On a trip to the wildlife preserve, I came across some old favorites as well as three new-to-me birds: A female American Redstart, an Eastern Phoebe and a Least Flycatcher.

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Surprise visit from Black-and-White Warbler

Roger Simmons, October 4, 2023October 5, 2023

On several birding Facebook groups I’ve been seeing photos of a cute little bird called a Black-and-White Warbler. Then, Tuesday morning, I looked out in my backyard and saw one hopping around on the truck of our Sweet Gum Tree.