Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland, FL

Here are a few more pictures from our trip to Circle B two weeks ago.

The first is a Sora, a member of the Rail family.  They are found in wet marshes mainly along the shore line with tall grasses.  (remember to "click" on a picture to enlarge)

Next is a Turkey Vulture.  I would not normally stop to photograph a vulture, but found his open wing pose to be interesting.  Maybe he thought he was a Cormorant.

Last is a head shot of a Roseate Spoonbill.

Thanks for following my blog.  David

Circle Bar B Reserve, Lakeland, Florida

Visited the Circle B Reserve early Sunday morning to find that activity has picked up considerably.  On first arriving a group of eight Roseate Spoonbill flew overhead and landed in a small pond right by the trail.  In the same pond were cattle egrets, snowy egrets, glossy ibis and several sandpipers.  Below are a spoonbill and snowy egret from this pond.  (For best viewing please visit the blog site and "click" the image to enlarge.)

We stayed at this pond for about an hour before moving to an area known as Wading Bird Way.  Along the way we spotted several American Bitterns and a Sora.  I also stopped to photograph this Blue Heron perched high in a tree.  Early morning lighting was a real benefit to this shot.

Along Wading Bird Way we photographed several ducks but I liked this ring-necked duck the best.  The reflection in still water resulted in a mirror image.

It was a great outing producing some nice pictures.  Hope you enjoy.
Thanks for visiting.  David

Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland, Florida

It was a chilly 33 degrees at Circle B early this morning with a light frost on the ground.  A low fog hung over the marsh until the sun was well up.  Nothing really new this morning, many egrets, cranes and herons.  I would like to share the following pictures with you taken over the last two weeks at Circle B.
(remember to "click" on a picture to enlarge)

This group of wood storks seemed to be contemplating their next move.

Seems I can never pass up a limpkin wanting to pose for the camera.

This white ibis was in a tree right by the trail.  (did I say I love my 500mm lens)

This red shouldered hawk was looking for his next meal.

This northern shoveler came close enough for some nice photos.  Also have recently seen widgeons, blue wing teals and red head ducks.

And finally as we were leaving this morning this osprey was on the prowl for a meal.

As always, thanks for following my blog.   David

Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland, Florida

It has been about a month since posting a blog entry.  Over the holidays I got a new Apple computer and am going through the process of moving all pictures from the PC to the iMac.  I'm also going through a learning curve moving from Photoshop Elements to Apple's Aperture 3.  I have visited the Circle B Reserve a few times but still not seeing the bird numbers of the last few years.  I did hear this morning that white pelicans have returned this week so will check it out tomorrow.  Last week we found this Anhinga trying it's best to consume this fish but just couldn't get it down.  The last picture in the series of four shows what finally happened after about ten minutes.  (remember to click on picture to enlarge)

The Blue Heron swept in, grabbed the fish and immediately swallowed it.

I'm about half way through moving all pictures to the new iMac and maybe half way through the learning curve of this new system.   I did learn this week that I will be returning to Yellowstone for the summer season again working at the Lake Hotel.

Thanks for following my blog.    David