Monday, April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

I am known as a Great Egret
As an adult or chick, I show elegance and grace
I swear I could be a fashion model
As long as you don't look me direct in the face.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Egret/id

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.


Sunday, April 5, 2026

April 5, 2026

I am known as a Glossy Ibis
I sometimes eat crops such as sorghum and rice
If the ground is wet, I'll stick my bill in it
And hope to find an earthworm, snail or snake that tastes nice!

(The linked article lists many more of the critters that the Glossy Ibis will consume. They sure aren't fussy!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Glossy_Ibis/lifehistory

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.

Saturday, April 4, 2026

April 4, 2026

I am known as a Sandhill Crane
Though at the moment I don't look my best
I'm having a personal issue right now
Most likely mites, or maybe I'm possessed!

(If you happen to run into my bestie Heather today, make sure you wish her the happiest of birthdays!)

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://acarina.utmn.ru/upload/iblock/ecc/2y6iyfhazgc04q53ttltolarfnx473u7/3_S.-V.-Mironov.pdf

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.

Friday, April 3, 2026

April 3, 2026

This plant is known as Spatterdock
It has a brilliant yellow display
It reminds me of the eye of Sauron
But in a bright and happy way.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=nulua

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauron#Eye_of_Sauron

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.

Thursday, April 2, 2026

April 2, 2026

I am a very small baby Alligator
That flower above my head is maybe 4 inches across
I'm vulnerable to predators like racoons and birds
My mom should be watching me, but she is not!

Location:  Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/facts/

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.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

April 1, 2026

I am an American Alligator
Birds are not always something I eat
My diet tends to consist
Of lots of fish,
But if a bird is slow and within my reach...

(After much discussion of color, size, etc, David and I determined that this was a Great Blue Heron in this Alligator's mouth. But not necessarily the mate from the previous post.) 

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/alligator/facts

https://myfwc.com/media/1743/alligator-rice-a.pdf

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.




Tuesday, March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

[part 1]
I am a mom Great Blue Heron
My husband's out "hunting for food"
He thinks he's Prince Charming
But my kids are starving
I hope he's not up to no good...

[part 2 tomorrow, but serious caution to parents of small kids, it might be too intense for little eyes. ]

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas FL

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/overview

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.