American White Pelicans Roosting at Circle B Bar Reserve

Posted

The air was full of American White Pelicans at the Circle B Bar Reserve this morning. A huge flock of the pelicans is roosting on the lake at Wading Bird Way.  I took the camera and pointed straight at the sky as they flew overhead:

American White Pelicans

American White Pelicans

It was cool to hear the “whoosh!” of all their wings as they flew right over our heads.

The sun was out today and the sky was clear and it was a wonderful morning for bird photography.  The marshes were full of common moorhens and American coots.

Common Moorhen

Common Moorhen

American Coot

American Coot

The coots were carrying on, jumping off their tree perches and sliding into the water to chase one another.  After a couple of tries, I caught one taking off.

American Coot take-off

American Coot take-off

On Marsh Rabbit Run, I saw this yellow bird, and at first assumed that it was a pine warbler.  The pine warblers are not as common as the palm warblers, but I have seen a couple at Circle B before.  Then I got the picture home, examined it more closely, and realized that I’d seen my first-ever Prairie Warbler. :)

Prairie Warbler

Prairie Warbler

As usual, the marshes were full of anhingas.  They are such pretty birds when the light catches the detail on their wings.

Anhinga

Anhinga

The birds at the Circle B Bar Reserve are so accustomed to people that they don’t mind people walking right up to them.  So this anhinga let me get a nice close-up of his face.

Anhinga head close-up

Anhinga head close-up

As we walked on Marsh Rabbit Run, we kept seeing the pelicans flying overhead.  So Dyeyo and I got to practice our in-flight photography. :)

American White Pelicans

American White Pelicans

One of the Bald Eagles made an appearance at the top of one of the trees at the far end of Heron Hideout.  He was pretty far away, so my focus wasn’t perfect, but I think this may be the best shot I’ve gotten of a wild eagle.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

Want to learn more about nature photography at Circle B Bar Reserve?

Check out my Circle B Bar Reserve page with more information about the location, map, website, photography tips, etc. It is archived by date so you can see my images from previous visits. Maybe you'll be inspired for your own trip!

Planning a trip to Florida? Don't miss my Central Florida Bird Photography Locations reference guide!