July 3, 2026

I am known as a Killdeer

I like to hangout ion sandbars or mudflats

But you'll also see me in lawns or driveways

- Pretty much anywhere there's water or grass.

Location: Location: Curtice, OH

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

July 2, 2026

I am known as an Eastern Parson Spider,

Because the mark on my abdomen looks like

A cravat worn by 19th century parsons

But unlike them, I don't give spiritual advice.

Location: Private residence, Warne, NC

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/2041

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.

July 1, 2026

I am a Black-collared Click Beetle

I like to live under bark

My body is copper colored and tapered

And my head is more reounded and dark.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/17644

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 30, 2026

I am a female Horned Lark

I have a light brown mustache

There is a pale yellow tint to my throat

And I eat small seeds and insects for snacks.

Location: Tom Kennedy Memorial Park, Curtice, OH

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

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.

June 22, 2026

I am a duck known as a Mallard

All domestic ducks are descended from me

With one exception, the Muscovy duck
Who is on a different branch of the family tree. 

Location: Ottawa County, OH, USA

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

https://www.onezoom.org/life/@Aix=765192?otthome=%40Anas_platyrhynchos%3D765167#x899,y254,w1.3741

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 21, 2026

I am a female Red-winged Blackbird

I helped prove that location's more important than genes

My nestlings were swapped with a nest in a different locale

But still the babies grew up to look just like me.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, Ohio

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird

I do not have a subscription to Science magazine, but here is a link to a synopsis on JSTOR:  https://www.jstor.org/stable/1691590

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 20, 2026

I 'm a type of rail known as a Sora

I like to eat seeds from wetland plants
I use my long toes to get bullrush and grass

I also eat aquatic insects when I get the chance.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, Ohio

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

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.

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.

June 9, 2026

I am known as an Eastern Fox Squirrel

I have many ways to communicate and keep me from harm

Including vibrissae that I use as sensors

Near my eyes, nose, chin and forearms.

Location: Pearson Metro Park, Oregon, OH

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

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 8, 2026

I am in the family of Wolf spiders

Possibly a Shiny Wolf

I hide on the ground

While skulking around

Looking for insects to eat till I'm full.

(This was kind of a tough one for ID as I was far from home and not familiar with the spiders. Would have been nice if a scientist wandered by with a microscope so I could get a better ID!)

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/153809-Pardosa-moesta#articles-tab

Common Spiders of North America by Richard A. Bradley

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 7, 2026

I am an Eastern Warbling Vireo

Cowbirds sometimes lay their eggs in my nest

But I am no fool

I use my beak as a tool

To get rid of the eggs when I notice the jest.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Warbling_Vireo/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 6, 2026

I am a female Rose-breasted Grosbeak

But sometimes I pretend to be a nuthatch

I usually eat berries or glean insects

Upside down when I'm feeling brash.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rose-breasted_Grosbeak/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.

June 5, 2026

I am an breeding male American Goldfinch

I molt my feathers twice a year

Once in the cold late winter

And again when autumn is near.

Location: Pearson Metropark Johlin Cabin Wildlife Viewing Area, Oregon, OH

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

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 4, 2026

I am known as a Song Sparrow

My song is how I impress girls

They judge me not just by my voice

But how well my singing lessons were learned.

Location: Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Oak Harbor, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Song_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 3, 2026

I am a male Red-winged Blackbird

I get territorial when I am breeding

I'll even fight horses and humans

Despite my low chance of succeeding.

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, OH

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/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 2, 2026

We are American Robins

If you love hearing our song

You can put structures in your yard for us to nest

But never put pesticides on your lawn.

(Because Robins dig in the dirt for worms, they are very susceptible to pesticides!)

Location: Maumee Bay State Park, Oregon, OH

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