July 19, 2026

Today's post is in memory of long time friend Mary, who loved Capybaras and will be missed. 

We are known as Capybara

We are the largest rodents in the world

We have webbed feet

And eat grasses and leaves

And are so adorable, it's just absurd!

Location: Brevard Zoo, captive

Sources: https://www.ran.org/wildlife-factsheet/wildlife-fact-sheet-capybara/

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 8, 2026

I am a Hispid Cotton Rat,

My range is wide and expanding

I am mostly found in grassy areas

Where I can produce many offspring.

Location: Brevard Zoo, (NOT a captive animal, just a visitor)

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

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.

May 27, 2026

I am an Eastern Cottontail

Take look at my fluffy white butt

You must be relieved

To get a reprieve

From Dee's nearly month-long bug rut.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: http://fs.usda.gov/database/feis/animals/mammal/syfl/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.

March 11, 2026

I am a Domestic Cattle

Specifically, I'm composite known as A-Beef

I'm specifically bred to deal with Florida weather,

And, unfortunately, to be good to eat.

Location: Adams Ranch, Fort Pierce

Sources: https://www.adamsranch.com/cattle-breeds/composite-cattle/

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.

February 21, 2026

We are Florida Manatees

Either a mom and dad or baby and marm

We posed nice for pictures because it was cold

But the water near the dam was warm.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/mammals/aquatic/florida-manatee/

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.

February 10, 2026

I am known as a Common Raccoon

I'm seen throughout the American continent

I was introduced in Asia and Europe

Where I am widely distributed and predominant.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

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

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.

January 12, 2026

I am a Carolina Burying Beetle

Giving this Least Shrew last rites

I dig underneath him to make him a grave

You'll only see disturbed dirt here by night.

Bonus: Check out this short video I made of the Burying Beetles in action. 

Location: St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve State Park

Sources: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/carrion-beetles-burying-beetles

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.

January 11, 2026

This was once a North American Least Shrew

You can tell by it's short, hairless tail

It was most likely predated by an owl or hawk

Come back tomorrow for an interesting detail...

Location: St. Sebastian River Buffer Preserve State Park

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

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.

November 25, 2025

I am known as a Japanese Serow

I am a goat-like antelope

I live in deciduous mountain forests

Where I generally prefer to stand alone.

本日の特別ゲスト写真家、ジョイに心より感謝いたします!

Location: Lake Okutama, Japan

Sources: https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-japanese-serow/

Photo © 2025 Joy Handley and text © 2025 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, 2025

I am known as a Northern Racoon

Having breakfast with my Black Vulture friend

I am omnivorous, and so is he

Fresh or aged, we will carrion till the end.

Location: Cocoa, Leroy Wright Recreation Area

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

Photo and text © 2025 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, 2025

I am know as a Coues's White-tailed Deer

I'm small and have disproportionately large ears

I'm sometimes known as "grey ghost" because

In winter I turn grey, blend in, and disappear. 

Location: Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, AZ

Sources: https://azstateparks.com/coues-deer

https://magazine.wildlife.state.nm.us/the-grey-ghost/

Photo and text © 2025 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 7, 2025

We are a group of adult Proboscis Bats

We like to hang in a line above water

We have a white hourglass shape on our back

And are lighter colored than our sons and daughters.

Location: Sarapiqui River, Heredia Province, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

April 4, 2025

I am a Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth

Though it's easy to confuse me with Dee -

But she has 5 digits on each hand and foot,

I have 2 on my hand, but on my feet I've got 3.

Location: La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica

Sources: https://www.podvolunteer.org/blog/the-difference-between-two-and-three-toed-sloth

Photo and text © 2025 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.

March 17, 2025

I am known as Red-tailed Squirrel

My color can vary from yellow to orange or black

Capuchin monkeys,  boa constrictors, and humans 

All like to eat me for snacks!

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

February 27, 2025

I am a White-nosed Coati,

Like humans and bears, I walk plantigrade

I'm a carnivore

But I also support

Fruit growers and the banana trade.

Location: Soda Cinchona, Alajuela Province, Alajuela, Costa Rica

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

Photo and text © 2025 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.

December 21, 2024

I am a Collared Peccary

I like Scrub Oaks and Prickly Pears

I have a musk-emitting gland on my butt

That I use to remind my herd that I'm here.

(Note from Dee: Happy Solstice. Remember that no matter what else happens, there will be a little more sunshine in your life every day for the next 6 months. Make the most of it.)

Location: Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen, TX

Sources: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nsrl/mammals-of-texas-online-edition/Accounts_Artiodactyla/Pecari_tajacu.php

Photo and text © 2024 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, 2024

I am a baby Eastern Cottontail

I'm about the size of a tennis ball

I am the most widespread of all bunnies but, 

When this young you might miss me, I'm so small.

Location: Pearson Park Dr, Oregon, O

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

Photo and text © 2024 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 6, 2024

I am an Eastern Chipmunk

I am small but can be quite vocal

I can trill, chuck and chip for a half hour

These are warning calls - I'm not being social.

Location: Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Swanton, OH

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

Photo and text © 2024 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 3, 2024

I am known as a Fox Squirrel

I'm grey, but some of my relatives are black

I have sharp, recurved claws for climbing

"Recurved" just means they point back.

Location: Howard Marsh Metropark, Curtice, OH

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

Photo and text © 2024 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.