We visited Circle B Bar Preserve near Lakeland a couple of weeks ago.
Many beautiful old moss-covered trees provided lovely shade on a warm Spring day.
We enjoyed the walk, just for the sake of walking ...
... but besides that, this park is wonderful for birding.
Above are a few of the ones we saw: Great Blue Heron, Great Egret (in beautiful green-face breeding colors); a glossy Ibis (or two); Wood Stork; and Tri-Colored Heron
Common Gallinules (and they really were common sights on this visit)
There was so much duckweed in places you couldn't even see the water, but the Gallinules just motored right through it -- they'd shake their legs delicately when they stepped out.
Sharing the road-trip birding with OUR WORLD (thank you to Lady Fi, Sylvia, Sandy, Gattina, Arija, and Jenn); NATURE NOTES (thanks Michelle); TREES AND BUSHES (thank you Monica); WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY (thank you Stewart); WEDNESDAY WATERS (thanks to Gemma) and SEASONS (thanks to Jesh)
this was the first time i had ever seen the green....and you taught me to look for it!! your close up of the face is great!!!
Posted by: Debbie | April 04, 2016 at 04:00 PM
If play the moss-covered trees in the dark, the scene must be eerie and full of mysteries.
While the ozwls are calling.
Posted by: rainfield | April 03, 2016 at 02:17 AM
What a wonderful place for nature! Your photos are great, as always.
Posted by: bettyl-NZ | April 02, 2016 at 03:56 PM
Hello Sally..... Soooo scenic and sunshine sooo nice too... Love the birds... Michelle
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | March 31, 2016 at 05:48 PM
Wow you did see a lot of wonderful birds there. The Gallinules fascinated me with that bright red beak.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | March 30, 2016 at 06:09 PM
I learn so much about birds and bird identification from you, Sallie. This is my first "sighting), via your post, of course, of the Common Gallinules. What an interesting and colorful bill. It is good to walk, just for the sake of walking. I've been trying to do more of that. :)
Posted by: Penny | March 30, 2016 at 07:09 AM
Absolutely gorgeous. From the spanish moss on the trees to the wonderful bird life!!
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | March 30, 2016 at 06:26 AM
I always see such a variety of colourful and spectacular egrets and herons on Florida blogs. I realise you have lots of waterways as well as the coast but I still get quite jealous. The only two common ones here are Grey Heron and Little Egret, neither of them especially colourful.
Posted by: Phil | March 30, 2016 at 04:12 AM
Wonderful variety of colourful birds. The egret's green face and the tri-coloured heron are really beautiful
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | March 30, 2016 at 12:47 AM
this is the reason why I envy you guys. We have no egrets what so ever. A very beautiful walk for you. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep | March 29, 2016 at 10:33 PM
That green spot on the egret is an amazing chartreuse! Lovely shot of the Moorehen, I been wanting to come back to FL just to go see those Smooth Billed Ani still hanging around...but its a bit too far of a drive...I am making some plans for a short trip.
Posted by: Sondra-SC | March 29, 2016 at 04:45 PM
It's so lovely there. Here we are still in the throws of late winter...although the moisture will help things green up!
Linda
Posted by: Linda | March 29, 2016 at 02:46 PM
Great series I have not seen a Glossy Ibis in a long time.
Posted by: Neil | March 29, 2016 at 02:31 PM
i don't think i have ever seen the egret in breeding colors, how beautiful and a special treat for me!! very pretty shading trees....
and for the purpose of birding, i think i should move to florida. you guys have much better "stuff"!!!
Posted by: Debbie | March 29, 2016 at 02:04 PM
Great shots. Those ducks may be common in FL but there are none around here I think.
Posted by: Dianne | March 29, 2016 at 12:54 PM
Pretty birds! The moss covered trees are amazing.
Posted by: Gunilla | March 29, 2016 at 11:07 AM
Beautiful park!!! The green on the Great Egret is always a treat but I especially love your shot of the Tricolored Heron. Cool stuff!
Posted by: Chris Rohrer | March 29, 2016 at 10:05 AM
Love the moss covered trees as well asall the birds you saw at Circle B.
Posted by: Margaret Birding For Pleasure | March 29, 2016 at 09:32 AM
Wonderful birdlife! Have a great week!
Posted by: jandi | March 29, 2016 at 08:33 AM
I know I am here to see the moss hung trees, but I love the birds as much. Such a selection you were able to photograph on one walk. I don't think I have ever been so lucky. Great post, Sallie ...
Andrea @ From The Sol
Posted by: Andrea @ From The Sol | March 29, 2016 at 07:20 AM
The long necked birds are so elegant. I just saw a video of a flock of flamingo just walking on the beach. I think I'd faint!
Posted by: Colleen@ LOOSELEAFNOTES | March 29, 2016 at 03:55 AM
How beautiful ! At least you c an go out and enjoy nature, I am locked in, now we had a storm ! It's time that I go to the South of France !
Posted by: Gattina | March 29, 2016 at 02:47 AM
Beautiful water birds, the Glossy Ibis is my favourite.
Posted by: Bob | March 29, 2016 at 01:14 AM
The birds are beautiful with their long snake like necks and the hens with their red masks
Posted by: diane | March 29, 2016 at 12:59 AM
Lovely moss covered trees. Great mosaics of beautiful birds. Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: nancy chan | March 29, 2016 at 12:57 AM
Nice post - I was thinking what a fine collection of neck there is in that first mosaic.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | March 28, 2016 at 11:24 PM
Lots and lots of interesting birds where you are!
Posted by: Yogi | March 28, 2016 at 07:42 PM
Beautiful herons and egrets, Sallie, but the Common Gallinules are really special to see! They are so colorful!
Posted by: Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti | March 28, 2016 at 06:06 PM
Lovely - the moss makes everything look so different from where I live.
Posted by: Al | March 28, 2016 at 04:19 PM
I love the moss covered trees; I make an annual pilgrimmage to the backroads of Napa Valley where the California oak trees are covered in moss. So beautiful and eerie on a misty foggy California winter's day.
Posted by: Photo Cache | March 28, 2016 at 04:16 PM
The first photo is like an Oil Painting - I love it!
Have a Happy Week, Sallie!!
Peace :)
Posted by: Chandra@GreenComotion | March 28, 2016 at 03:37 PM
Magnificent wildlife photography and creative presentation ~
Wishing you peace in each day ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | March 28, 2016 at 02:47 PM
Such a variety of wildlife, it's no wonder you enjoy walking there.
Posted by: fun60 | March 28, 2016 at 01:42 PM
My goodness, look at all those beautiful birds! Great place for such things and gorgeous scenery too. Have a great week Sallie :)
Posted by: DeniseinVA | March 28, 2016 at 01:03 PM
The Gallinules make me smile - it is like the Creator with a paintbrush in his hand, dropped some paint and forgot to wipe it off the bird's face:) These things just inspire my imagination:)
Many thanks for linking up your trip close to Lakeland to SEASONS (was there in 2008 for a conference, but no time to see nature). Have a joyful week, Sally!
Posted by: Jesh StG | March 28, 2016 at 12:29 PM
This looks like such a serene place for a walk. Lovely greens in contrast to my red rock country.
Posted by: Gaelyn | March 28, 2016 at 12:23 PM
How lovely-I read your Blog whilst it was trying to snow and a gale was blowing :).
Posted by: Hazel | March 28, 2016 at 11:03 AM
Good morning Sallie! Beautiful photos. I remember the first time I saw a spanish moss covered tree in South Carolina way back in 2010. So cool looking. Hope you have a wonderful week!
Posted by: ellen b | March 28, 2016 at 08:02 AM
Hello, Sallie! Wonderful variety of birds and photos from Circle B. It was one of our favorite parks to visit while in Florida. I love the moss covered tree too. Gorgeous photos. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!
Posted by: Eileen | March 28, 2016 at 07:29 AM