June 19, 2026

I am known as a Painted Turtle
My front claws let you know I 'm a guy

They are long and unruly

But don't me judge unduly

In the swamp, there's no manicure supplies.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, Ohio

Sources: https://a-z-animals.com/blog/male-vs-female-painted-turtle-what-are-the-differences/

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 18, 2026

I am a male House Finch

My color comes from the berries I eat

You might see a more yellow or orange House Finch

If that bird ate different berries than me.

Location: Town Suites, Oregon, Ohio

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/House_Finch/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 17, 2026

We are adult Canada Geese

We have beautiful goslings, we aint lyin'
It's a very little known nature fact

All our babies answer to the name "Ryan."

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH, Ottawa County, OH, USA

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