A beautifully cool day was the perfect setting for our return trip to Circle B Bar Reserve to walk a different path to a wetlands where we observed more water birds and alligators. This is an outstanding reserve in Polk County with preened walkways that enable sightings that are awesome. Today we estimated that we saw at least 500 white pelicans (some pictured above). In addition, we observed 10 roseate spoonbills that reminded Dick and me of seeing the flamingo(s) in Africa. The roseate spoonbill is a pinkish bird with a bill (wide shaped) for feeding on the bottom of shallow wetlands. It was difficult to get a picture of a spoonbill with its bill above the water. Nonetheless a beautiful sighting. All other waterbirds were in abundance: herons, ibis, coots, moorhens, glossy ibis, northern shoveler, blue winged teal, woodstorks, variety of gulls, eagles, ospreys and a Wilson's snipe (lifer)! There were just enough palm warblers and yellow rumps flitting around to instill in us an eagerness for P0int Pelee in May.
Later we visited another walkabout in a Cypress Forest and heard the Barred Owl calling at 3:00 in the afternoon (quite unusual), but couldn't find it. While strolling on a newly constructed walk on the Peace River we observed a kingfisher, warblers, red bellied woodpecker, catbird, blue gray gnatcatcher, and enjoyed the quiet of the woodlands. Once again, thanks to Bill Sweetman for his expertise and patience.
oh . . . and one large alligator! (pic above, Maria!!)
