September 23, 2026

This plant is Tropical Milkweed

It looks a bit like a ballerina

Unfortunately, it harms Monarch Butterflies

Too bad there's no Monarch Chow made by Purina.

(Please review the linked graphic below, it gives an excellent concise explanation of how Tropical [versus Native] Milkweed harms Monarch butterflies.)

Location: McKee Gardens, Vero Beach

Sources: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/files/2025/11/Monarch-Milkweed-graphic.jpg

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsboroughco/2025/11/05/plant-status-change-tropical-milkweed-is-now-listed-as-a-category-ii-invasive/

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.

September 22, 2026

This is a Yellow Shrimp plant

Also called "Lollipop'

It's easy to propagate from cuttings

But not in a copy shop.

Location: McKee Gardens, Vero Beach

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP452/pdf

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.

September 21, 2026

I am known as a Brown Basilisk

In Florida, I was introduced by pet owners

You might see me walking on water sometimes

I don't need a canoe, unlike rowers.

Location: McKee Gardens, Vero Beach

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW497

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.

September 20, 2026

I am a type of Wall Spider

At the moment I'm on a toilet seat

But I was saved from a fate much worse than death - 

Being sat on by a big-butted Dee.

Location: Orlando Wetlands, Christmas

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/190874

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.

September 19, 2026

I am a species of Wolf Spider

I'm female and a mom, that much is certain

I carry my babies on my back

A mom's love is never a burden. 

(I found this spider on the floor of Dollar General. The clerk thought I was nuts for picking it up and taking it outside and was totally freaked out by it. I didn't even realize till I was photographing her that she had babies. I felt bad that we probably lost some during the move but it was clear that someone else was going to stomp on her if didn't  take her outside.)

Location: (One of the many) Dollar General, Sebastian

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/animal/wolf-spider

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.

September 18, 2026

I am a Red-headed Woodpecker 

Looking all artsy and dramatic

When you don't have the talent

To shoot color-balanced

You edit the photo, it's not art, it's pragmatic.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.iphotography.com/blog/mastering-white-balance-your-key-to-vibrant-photo-colours/

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.

September 17, 2026

We are known as Barn Swallows

Shown  here posing for our class pictures

Unfortunately there is always someone

Who forgets to dress up, it figures!

Location: Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

September 16, 2026

We are two adult female Wild Turkeys

Shown here with a few of our kids

After breading season

We group up for a reason:

As soon as our eggs hatch, our marriages hit the skids.*

*Adult males take off as soon as the eggs hatch. The females and babies form flocks as there is safety in numbers.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

September 15, 2026

I am a breeding female Peter's Rock Agama

In the process of shedding my skin

I'm shown here with 2 good lookin' adult males

My kids will probably look like one of them!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/lizards/peters-rock-agama/

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.

September 14, 2026

This flower is called Pitted Stripeseed

Also known as Morning Buttercup

It's the only plant in the Turneraceae family that's native to Florida

And butterflies and bees love it when it pops up.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-piriqueta-cistoides/

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.

September 13, 2026

This is a tiny plant called Pineweed

It's a very small St. John's Wort

Its flowers only open in the sun

And it'd be hard to find enough to knit a shirt.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2011/06/pineweed-hypericum-gentianoides.html

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.

September 12, 2026

I am a Scabrous Tiger Beetle

I look like an armor-plated ant

I am predaceous and eat other insects

You can find me in scrub near wet lowlands.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.bugguide.net/node/view/33715

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.

September 11, 2026

This plant is known as Giant Orchid

You can find it in south-eastern US and Cuba

In prairies, flatwoods and oak scrub

But definatly not in Tsukuba. 

 

Thanks to today's very special guest photographer, Jill Cozza!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://georgiabiodiversity.org/portal/profile?group=all&es_id=18632

Photo  © 2026 Jill Cozza 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.

September 10, 2026

I am a type of a Crab Spider

I have a short, wide, flat body

My front legs are longer than my back legs

Which helps me catch prey, but doesn't help with Karate.

Thanks to today's very special guest photographer, Jill Cozza!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Thomisidae/

Photo © 2026 Jill Cozza 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.

September 9, 2026

Thanks to today's very special guest photographer, Jill Cozza!

I am known as a Green Lynx spider

I am harmless to humans but eat lots of insects

In fact I have potential to be used in pest management

Where could be paid in the bugs I ingest!

(However, as noted in the linked article, Green Lynx also eat beneficial pollinators such as bees, as well as some wasps that also eat crop pests. But, to quote the article, "The use of lynx spiders in the control of crop pests will depend in a large part on when, where, on what crops, and for the control of what pests they are to be used. Their use in Florida for the control of pests of soybeans and peanuts may be feasible.")

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN521

Photo  © 2026 Jill Cozza 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.

September 8, 2026

I am known as a Pseudoscorpion

You might think I'm a Scorpion, but you'd be wrong

I'm more like a spider, you can see my pedipalps

And there's no stinging tail, I could wear a thong.

Thanks to today's very special guest photographer, Jill Cozza!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1944&context=extension_curall

Photo  © 2026 Jill Cozza 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.

September 7, 2026

This plan is Tall Hydrolea

Also known as Skyflower

It grows quite well in a marsh or a ditch

And looking pretty is it's superpower!

Thanks to today's very special guest photographer, Jill Cozza!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AG397

Photo © 2026 Jill Cozza 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.

September 6, 2026

This is a plant called Pine Lily

It is from a large and complex plant family

The family includes Asparagus and Sarsaparilla
And Aloe, which can be used medicinally. 

Thanks to today's very special guest photographer, Jill Cozza!

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources:  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=lica4

Photo © 2026 Jill Cozza 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.

September 5, 2026

I am a Great Southern White Butterfly

When I was young I ate cabbage and kale

Technically they are cultivars of the same species

But cabbage is tasty and kale's a big FAIL. 

(Ok, this might be an opinion here. The caterpillars of the Great Southern White eat both cabbage and kale, but I assume Great Southern White caterpillars do not have taste buds as kale is super gross, and cabbage adds a nice crunch to burritos and casseroles.)

Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Blackpoint Drive

Sources: https://a-z-animals.com/blog/kale-vs-cabbage-comparing-two-great-brassicas/

https://plowingthroughlife.com/hamburger-cabbage-casserole/

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.

September 4, 2026

I am an adult male Florida Scrub Jay

You know I'm male because I have a wife

You know she's my wife cause she makes a hiccup call,

And stays with me, and gave our offspring life.

(This is one of my favorite Florida Scrub Jays. He was one of the first ones that I helped to train for banding back in 2020.)

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.verobeachmagazine.com/features/one-jay-at-a-time/

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.

September 3, 2026

This plant is known as Torpedo Grass

It was introduced to the US prior to 1876

It seeds were brought here to plant forage crops

And might also have been used as ballast on ships.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/graminoid/panrep/all.html

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.

September 2, 2026

This plant is Chapman's Blazing Start

It blooms in summer and fall 

It's at its peak September through October

And has no tolerance for salt at all. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.fnps.org/plant/liatris-chapmanii#gsc.tab=0

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.

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.

August 25, 2026

I am a Glistening-green Tanager

I can be found in Columbia and Ecuador

My plumage is shiny, glittering green

Appropriately enough, it's what I'm named for.

Location: Reserva Amagusa, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/glgtan1/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 24, 2026

I am a Moss-backed Tanager

My head is big with a thick, stubby bill

My face is blue and my back is moss-green

And my song's described as "...a rattling trill.

Location: Reserva Amagusa, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/.../mobtan1/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 23, 2026

I am known as a Rusty-Margined Flycatcher

Named for the rusty patch on my wing

I've a yellow belly and white eyebrow and chin

And a tiny yellow patch on my head, just for bling.

Location: Sachatamia Lodge, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/.../rumfly1/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 22, 2026

I am a Pale-edged Flycatcher

My outer rectrices are edged in pale yellow

Rectices are my tail feathers

Which help me fly in the direction I want to go. 

Location: Cabañas San Isidro, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/.../paefly1/cur/introduction

https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/.../anatomy-retrices/

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 21, 2026

I am a female Yellow Garden Spider

Males don't get anywhere close to this big

I'm large and bulky like a might old oak

My mate's just a skinny little twig.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

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

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 20, 2026

I am a female Clark's Spiny Lizard

If I was male, I'd have blue on my belly and chin

I live in elevations from 3000-6000 feet

And I lay up to 20 eggs in the spring.

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Arivaca Cienega Nature Trail, Arivaca, AZ

Sources: https://reptilesofaz.org/lizards-subpages/h-s-clarkii/

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 19, 2026

I am a Desert Blonde Tarantula

My mating process is a little strange. 

The male weaves and then fills a purse with sperm

Then the female carries it till she's ready to lay eggs

She then fertilizes the eggs herself

Using the sperm purse in which the eggs bathe.

(I guess that's cheaper than buying her a Louis Vuitton bag, but considering that she will lay up to 1000 eggs, spiderling support must be outrageously expensive!)

Thanks to special guest photographer and my sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Arivaca Cienega Nature Trail, Arivaca, AZ

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

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 18, 2026

I am an Arizona Mountain Kingsnake

David took this photo, but I'm not on his arm

My stinky musk is the worse thing about me, but

Some people mistake me for a Coral snake and do me harm.

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Chiricahua Mountains, AZ

Sources: https://www.zooamerica.com/animals/arizona-mountain-kingsnake/

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 17, 2026

I am known as a Red Crossbill 

So named for my misaligned beak

I use it to gather seeds from

Cones of conifer trees.

As described in the article, sometimes they also gather grit from the ground. If you click on David's video below, they appear to be gathering grit from the side of a stone building. 

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Check out this super cool video, also taken by David. https://youtu.be/in0VW_Dsp20

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Restroom wall, Rustler Park in Chiricahua Mountains, AZ

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red_Crossbill/id
Check out this super cool video, also taken by David. https://youtu.be/in0VW_Dsp20

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 16, 2026

I am a Pygmy Nuthatch

Climbing pine trees is something I enjoy

I'm highly social

And when I get vocal

I make a squeaky-toy noise.

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Barfoot Park in Chiricahua Mountains

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pygmy_Nuthatch/id

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 15, 2026

I am a Western Bluebird

I'm mostly an insectivore but I'll also eat mealworms

My songs tend to have a few "kew' notes

But are not known to have meaningful words.

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Rustler Park in Chiricahua Mountains, AZ

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

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 14, 2026

I am a Hooded Oriole

I sew my hanging nest to palm fronds

My voice is scratchy and variable

Unlike other, sweeter Oriole songs. 

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Portal, AZ

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hooded_Oriole/sounds

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 13, 2026

I am a Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

I'm large with lemon-yellow underparts

I hunt for insects during breeding season

Which gives me buggy smelling farts. 

Thanks to special guest photographer and sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: South Fork, Cave Creek Chiricahaua Mountains. AZ

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sulphur-bellied_Flycatcher/lifehistory

Photo © 2026 David Simpson 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 12, 2026

I am a Beyer’s Jewel Scarab

I'm pale green and my legs are lavender-blue

I have the smallest range of Arizona Jewel Beetles

But I can be found in New Mexico and Mexico too.

Thanks to today's special guest photographer and my sweetheart, David Simpson.

Location: Miller Canyon Hereford, AZ

Sources: https://arthurevans.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/reflections-on-arizonas-jewel-scarabs-part-1/

Photo © 2026  David Simpson, 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 11, 2026

I am known as a Harris's Hawk

I live in a social unit of up to 7 birds

We have sophisticated hunting strategies

To catch bunnies, other birds, and ground squirrels.

Location: Pedro Vicente Maldonado, Ecuador

Sources: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/hrshaw/cur/foodhabits

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.