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.

June 1, 2026

We are known as Tree Swallows

We eat insects and berries and fruit
We also scavenge compost for eggshells

When we need calcium to reproduce.

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

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