June 29, 2026

This plant is Mountain Laurel

It's in the blueberry family

It has touch-sensitive anthers in it's corolla

That spring out to leave pollen-covered bees.

Location: Warne, NC

Sources: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/kalmia-latifolia/

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.

June 28, 2026

I am an Eastern Black Carpenter Ant

I was the first ant in the US given a name

In 1773

A scientist found me

In sawdust, "a carpenter ant!" he proclaimed!

(I'm dramatizing the situation here - but I assume that is how it happened:-)

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, Ohio

Sources: https://www.si.edu/spotlight/buginfo/carpenter-ants

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.

June 27, 2026

We are a pair of American Bald Eagles

Sometimes we've been seen playing with toys

We get our kicks

Using plastic bottles or sticks

To pass the time it's something we enjoy.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, Ohio

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bald_Eagle/

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.

June 26, 2026

I am known as a Trumpeter Swan

My feathers were used for hats and writing quills

My skin was used for women's powder puffs
Aggressive conservation is why I'm here still. 

Location: Ottawa County, OH, USA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Trumpeter_Swan/

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.

June 25, 2026

We are male and female Northern Yellow Warblers
Our species was split in 2025

Mangrove Yellow Warblers do not migrate

But we fly north in search of a groom or a bride.

Location: Ottawa County, OH, USA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Yellow_Warbler/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.

June 24, 2026

I am an Eastern Kingbird

I'm a type of passerine

I'm different from true songbirds, 

I perform my songs innately, no one teaches me.

Location: Ottawa County, OH, USA

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Kingbird/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.

June 23, 2026

We are European Starlings

We have a very astute sense of taste

When we taste sucrose

We say, "ewww, gross!"

We can't digest it and stop eating posthaste.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park Lodge, Oregon, Ohio

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/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.