Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus

Black-necked Stilt at Circle B Bar Reserve

I can hardly wait for the Circle B Bar Reserve to let me in to go birdwatching. Seems like forever since it closed. They opened it for a half-day in May. I have observed over 50 species in the two times we visited there. See Circle B Bar Ranch Reserve. I am including an excerpt I received today from the Bird Listing Service, “BRDBRAIN”, that I receive reports from.

After being closed for 1 1/2 years for construction of a nature center and restoration of the marsh system Circle B Bar Reserve is re-opening.

On Nov. 1, come celebrate all things natural at Water, Wings & Wild Things, Polk NatureFest 2008, in conjunction with the opening of Polk County’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve. Polk NatureFest 2008, which will take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., is a free event featuring native Florida animals, nature-based art vendors, wildlife and plant workshops and hands-on activities — such as tree climbing, kite-making, butterflies and more! As you and your family celebrate nature, get the first glimpse of Polk County’s Nature Discovery Center which will offer a variety of nature-based activities, wildlife viewing platform, exhibits highlighting various habitats, nature workshops and guided tours of the reserve. Circle B Bar Reserve is located just off Hwy 540 between Winter Haven and Lakeland. For more information, contact Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing at (863) 534-2500 or visit www.visitcentralflorida.org.

Update Octorber 30th:
Was able to look around in the Reserve today for just a little while. I was able to observe the following birds in about 20 minutes. Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Osprey, Little Blue Heron, Tri-colored Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Snipes, Black and Turkey Vultues, Wood Stork, Common Gallinule, Whistling Duck, Catbird plus others I couldn’t ID. We really didn’t have any gear with us, as we were just passing by and saw the gate open.