September 1, 2026

We are known as Cuban Treefrogs

Our big strong legs help us strut

And the suction cups on our toes

Keep us from falling on our butts.

Location: My bedroom window

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW259

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 31, 2026

We are Andean Ibises

We're in a different genus than the White

We're larger and arguably prettier

And are Near Threatened due to our population size.

Location: Antisana Ecological Reserve, Quijos EC-Napo, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bkfibi2/cur/introductionv

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 30, 2026

I am a Slate-Throated Redstart

I'm one of many subspecies, widespread

My tummy's yellow in Ecuador

I've no clue what for

But elsewhere it's orange or red.

Location: San Miguel de Los Bancos--Mirador Río Blanco, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/sltred/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 29, 2026

I am known as a Green Jay

Though only my back and wings are green

I'm otherwise yellow with a blue and black face

My crown color changes based on where I'm seen.

(There are many subspecies of the Green Jay, and the crown color changes based on locale.)

Location: Cosanga, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/grnjay/cur/systematics

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 28, 2026

I am an Orange-billed Sparrow

I live in humid tropical forests

My bright orange beak

Is somewhat unique

Among sparrows, I'm a non-conformist.

Location: Sendero Frutti Tour & Birdwatching, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/orbspa1/cur/identification

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 27, 2026

I am a Yellow-Throated Toucan

For Identification, my color's material - 

I am black and yellow, with a bi-colored beak

Unlike the rainbow-beaked bird on Froot Loops Cereal.

Location: Rio Silanche Bird Sanctuary, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/bkmtou1/cur/appearance

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 26, 2026

I am a Golden-olive Woodpecker

Probably subspecies rubripileus, based on where I was seen

My head is red, and my breast bars are black and

My back and wings are golden-olive green.

Location: Sendero Frutti Tour & Birdwatching, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/goowoo1/cur/systematics

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.