Downy Woodpecker Archives

Busy birding during slow summer season

Roger Simmons, July 11, 2026July 10, 2026

Among the locations I visited in June for these photos were Osceola County, Merritt Island, Lake Apopka, UCF and the Orlando Wetlands.

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Merritt Island abounds with Northern Flickers

Roger Simmons, November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

I came across more of these colorful little woodpeckers than ever before, spotting them along the Black Point Wildlife Drive and the Scrub Ridge Trail at MINWR.

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Sleepy owl decides it’s time to wake up

Roger Simmons, October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

I didn’t have seeing this owl on my list of expectations, but that’s part of the wonderful surprises you can get at this urban oasis.

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Black-and-white Warbler tops the yard bird update

Roger Simmons, April 25, 2024April 23, 2024

The Black-and-white Warbler wasn’t the only bird who decided to drop by my yard for a visit. Here are some of my recent guests.

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

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.