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.

Birds

Bald Eagle joins me for rocket launch

Roger Simmons, September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

Could there be a more patriotic morning than watching a rocket launch with a Bald Eagle? I did that Sunday at the Orlando Wetlands.

Birds

Are Belted Kingfishers stalking me? I’m OK with that

Roger Simmons, September 10, 2023September 10, 2023

I have been seeing Belted Kingfishers a lot recently at the Orlando Wetlands, Merritt Island and Lake Apopka. It’s almost like they stalking me.

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Colorful trip to UCF: Bluebirds and red-headed Pileated Woodpeckers

Roger Simmons, September 4, 2023September 4, 2023

On a recent visit to UCF’s Arboretum just before sunset. I was rewarded with sightings of daddy and baby Eastern Bluebirds, and red-headed male and female Pileated Woodpeckers.

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Vacation photos: Birds, fish in Bahamas

Roger Simmons, September 4, 2023September 4, 2023

Like many folks who go on vacation, I take photos. It’s just my photos are usually of birds and fish. That was the case when my wife and I went on a cruise that stopped at Coco Cay in the Bahamas.

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Before I forget: Photos from weekend birding trips

Roger Simmons, August 20, 2023August 25, 2023

Over the course of the past three days, I visited three of my favorite birding spots: Orlando Wetlands (twice), Black Point Wildlife Drive on Merritt Island and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. The Belted Kingfishers I photographed on Friday sort of stole all my attention, but I did get to take…

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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.