Early June Visit to Circle B Bar Reserve

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It’s been ages since my dad and I did a photography morning at the Circle B Bar Reserve. So in early June, we met at sunrise to walk the trails and re-visit our old favorite spots. We ended up walking almost the whole reserve – Heron Hideout, Marsh Rabbit Run, Wading Bird Way, Eagle Roost, and the open portion of Alligator Alley. It was cloudy and gray but we saw lots of good birds!

Our first bird was a Northern Parula who sang to us from a treetop. Eventually he hopped down to eye level, but he didn’t quite come out in the open…

Northern Parula
Northern Parula

As we headed down Marsh Rabbit Run we spotted a crow flying by. It had a small egg its mouth.

Crow with Egg
Crow with Egg

Purple Gallinules were everywhere that morning. We spotted a trio of small black babies being fed near the bird blind, then we spotted juveniles a little farther down the trail. As we hit Wading Bird Way, we found a clump of Alligator Flags with a Purple Gallinule gymnast. I love watching these pretty birds climb on the reeds.

Purple Gallinule on Alligator Flag
Purple Gallinule on Alligator Flag

A few minutes later, I spotted a Purple Gallinule pair standing very close. I recognized the signs of courtship and focused quickly. I think it’s safe to say that there will be more Purple Gallinules at Circle B this summer!

Purple Gallinules Mating
Purple Gallinules Mating

I looked down and spotted a small turtle in the trail. Of course I had to get a photo for Rich!

Turtle
Turtle

Tons of wading birds like the Limpkin below were hanging out in the shallow waters along Wading Bird Way. There were more birds, too – some very pretty birds who entertained my camera for a good while. But you’ll have to wait to my next post to find out who they were!

Limpkin
Limpkin

Back by the Nature Center, we found a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk in the treetops. He was munching on his breakfast. He made a very pretty picture nestled in the ferns and mosses.

Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk
Juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk

On our way down to Lake Hancock, we found a Pileated Woodpecker hanging out in the oak trees. It’s been a while since I’ve photographed a pileated. Look at that giant red crest!

Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker

As we left, we waved goodbye to the wild hogs that were feeding along the side of the trail. It wouldn’t be a visit to Circle B without the hogs!

Wild Hog
Wild Hog

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!