August 12, 2026

I am a Beyer’s Jewel Scarab

I'm pale green and my legs are lavender-blue

I have the smallest range of Arizona Jewel Beetles

But I can be found in New Mexico and Mexico too.

Thanks to today's special guest photographer and my sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Miller Canyon Hereford, AZ

Sources: https://arthurevans.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/reflections-on-arizonas-jewel-scarabs-part-1/

Photo © 2026  David Simpson, text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 11, 2026

I am known as a Harris's Hawk

I live in a social unit of up to 7 birds

We have sophisticated hunting strategies

To catch bunnies, other birds, and ground squirrels.

Location: Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/hrshaw/cur/foodhabits

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 10, 2026

I am light morph Broad-winged Hawk

In Ecuador, I'm probably not breeding

I breed further north, mostly in the US

In spring I join a hawk flock, you might see us leaving.

(As described in the referenced article, the Broad-winged Hawk is one of the few North American raptors that migrates in flocks.)

Location: Refugio Paz de las Aves (Angel Paz), Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/brwhaw/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 9, 2026

I am a Purple-bibbed Whitetip

But I'm female, so I a lack a purple bib

I've a white tip on my tail, where my mate has a spot

But he still likes the cut of my jib.

Location: Sachatamia Lodge, Mindo, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/pubwhi1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 8, 2026

I am a Green-backed Hillstar

My tummy is grey, and my tail’s white and bronze

I have blue neck and my back is green

And “tseee, tsing” are the notes of my song.

Location: La Brisa hummingbird feeders, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/whthil3/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 7, 2026

I am a male (Green) Crowned Woodnymph

You know I'm male cause I have a forked tail

My crown and belly color vary

Based on my location and if I'm male or female.

(This bird has many plumage variations and subspecies.) 

Location: Sendero Frutti Tour & Birdwatching, Nanegalito, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/crowoo1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

August 6, 2026

I am a female Great Sapphirewing Hummingbird

If I were male, my chest would be greenish-blue

You can find me in the slopes of the Andes

From Venezuela to southern Peru.

Location: Reserva Yanacocha, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/gresap1/cur/introduction

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.