June 16, 2026

I am a White-breasted Nuthatch

In winter I forage with Titmice

They know where food's found

And when predators abound

There's safety in numbers, how nice!

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/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 15, 2026

I am an Eastern Chipmunk

We make our homes in Beech - Maple forests.
We'll also live in coniferous forests

But Swamps? No, they aren't really for us.

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tamias_striatus/

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 14, 2026

I am a White-throated Sparrow

Some of us have white head stripes, others have tan

Somewhere out in the world

There's a tan-stripe headed girl

Looking for a white-stripe headed man.

(According to the linked article, these birds usually mate with a bird of the opposite morph.)

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-throated_Sparrow/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 13, 2026

This plant is a Wild Geranium

A different species grows in the south

It seeds attract Mourning Doves and Bobwhite Quail

And tea made from it's roots was used to help sores in the mouth.

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

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

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 12, 2026

I am a Downy Woodpecker

I've been known to nest inside building walls

I don't go round singing like other birds -

I use my drumming instead as a call.

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/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 11, 2026

This plant is Amur Honeysuckle

It is an invasive non-native plant

It shades out other natives and can grow 15 feet tall

Despite looking pretty at first glance.

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/lonicera-maackii/

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 10, 2026

I am a Baltimore Oriole

Ripe, dark colored fruit is what I demand

Deep purple is my favorite color of grapes

And is also my favorite rock band.

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

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

https://youtu.be/UAKCR7kQMTQ?si=ka3AfqVVFiXuEAYQ

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.