January 27, 2026

I am known as a Great Horned Owl

I can catch large prey when I'm feeling spunky

I can take mammals like porcupines and woodchucks
Or I'll catch mice or scorpions when I'm not very hungry.

Thanks to very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Merritt Island NWR, Pine Flatwoods Trail,

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

October 6, 2025

I am known as a Barred Owl

I'm a great hunter - I don't mean to boast to you

I eat many reptiles and rodents

Dee's glad, but wishes I'd eat a roach or two.

Location: Fellsmere, FL, my house

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

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 13, 2025

I am an immature Mexican Spotted Owl

My facial disks are light and make an X

If I was a Northern Spotted Owl my face would be  darker

But I'd still have many white specs.

Thanks to today's special guest photographer, David Simpson!

Location: Pinery Canyon, AZ

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

Photo © 2025 David Simpson 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.

June 7, 2025

I am a Spotted Owl

I like to hunt Woodrats and Flying Squirrels

Though I'm a federally protected species

Barred Owls are another of my survival hurdles.

Thanks to today's special guest photographer, David Simpson!

Location: Pinery Campground,Coronado National Forest, AZ

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

Photo © 2025 David Simpson 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.

May 14, 2025

We are a pair of baby Barred Owls

We can climb trees using our talons and bill

We flap our wings, and walk up tree trunks

Till we master our adult flying skills.

Location: Central Florida

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

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2085073078674754

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.

September 20, 2024

I am the Western subspecies of Burrowing Owl

The ones seen in Florida tend to be smaller

We both live under ground

In burrows we make or have found

Left by digger critters or human installers.

Thanks to my very special guest photographer, David Simpson.

Location: Arizona

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Burrowing_Owl/lifehistory

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.

May 1, 2024

I am known as a Barred Owl

Just sittin' in a tree with my sibling and mom

I can climb trees

By grabbing bark with my beak

While my mom just looks on with aplomb.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

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

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 16, 2023

I am a Burrowing Owl

Underground's where I usually stay

But today I'm hanging out on a sea turtle

He's sweet but doesn't have much to say.

Very special thanks to today's guest photographer, Eric Holland.

Location: Cape Coral, private residence

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

Photo © 2023 Eric Holland and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson