Little Birds Galore at Circle B Bar Reserve

Posted

The trees at the Circle B Bar Reserve were full of little birds today.

The warblers are so cute.  This yellow rumped warbler wasn’t sure about the crazy photographer underneath him.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

There were tons of warblers today (palm, pine, yellow-rumped, and common yellowthroats), but we didn’t see or hear a single blue-gray gnatcatcher.  That was a big change.  The gnatcatchers have been very numerous in the preserve this winter.

We laughed when we watched this common moorhen walking across the path on Marsh Rabbit Run.  Look at his green feet!

Common Moorhen - look at those green feet!

Common Moorhen - look at those green feet!

There are usually least sandpipers on the waterfront on Wading Bird Way.  Finally one posed for me in nice light with a contrasting background.

Least Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

We saw several soras today.  They migrate through Polk County, so you only see them for a couple of weeks each year.

Sora

Sora

This little blue heron was stalking fish in the marshy dollarweed.  When I first saw him, I thought he would better be named a gray heron, but when the light him him, his blue beak was apparent.  Too bad the dollarweed background reminds me too much of the weeds in our front yard!

Little Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron

We saw several juvenile white ibises this morning.  I don’t think I’ve photographed a juvenile before.

Juvenile White Ibis

Juvenile White Ibis

There were several double crested cormorants out on Wading Bird Way.  It’s such fun to watch them fishing.  They go underwater in one place and then come up far away.  I took several shots as this one took off:

Double-Crested Cormorant Takeoff

Double-Crested Cormorant Takeoff

This green heron was perched on an old dead tree on Marsh Rabbit Run.  He’s so well lit, and the background bokeh is great.  I love the colors on this bird’s wing.

Green Heron

Green Heron

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!