Florida's best birding spots — Amy Roberts Photography

As we headed west from St. Augustine toward Sarasota, I recalled a birding location mentioned in Mark Smith’s, Florida Birding book: Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida.

We were at the beginning of our three-month journey through Florida - determined to see if it was the right state for the next chapter. It did not take us long to conclude that Florida is a place of extremes. At one extreme there is profound beauty with abundant migratory birds on the beaches, intriguing marshes and swamps populated with wading birds, awe-inspiring live oak hammocks with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs, and expansive upland environments with birds of prey and circling vultures. On the other extreme, there is the over-built and the sub-divided and the crowds seeking everything that Florida has to offer. But with all that said we are here, like the birds, for warm weather, plentiful sunshine, and to enjoy the rare diversity of habitats that record 546 bird species (according to eBird) each year -either permanent or migratory… and places like Circle B Bar Reserve.

So, in the middle of our four-hour journey from St. Augustine to Sarasota, we exited the interstate, and it only took the drive up to the Polk Nature Discovery Center to realize that we were somewhere special in the middle of central Florida. From the moment we turned into the reserve, we drove through a stunning live oak hammock, and entered a quiet, peaceful, expanded oasis with birds chattering and an armadillo crossing the road. We stopped at the beautiful nature center, spoke with a volunteer, picked up a map (a necessity) of the 1200+ acre preserve, and we headed out to discover Circle B’s intriguing mix of live oak hammocks, freshwater marsh, hardwood swamp, lakeshore, and open pasture. (By the way, Circle B is completely free of charge).

Because Circle B was a former cattle ranch, trails from the old ranch cut across the property and follow along waterways filled with wading birds, ducks, gallinules, and alligators. On our visits to Circle B we have seen an abundance of Herons, Egrets, Sandhill Cranes, Anhinga, Wood Storks, and Glossy and White Ibis’ at very close range. We have also seen the allusive Purple Gallinule, Pied-billed Grebe, Limpkin, Loggerhead Strike, a baby Bald Eagle in a nest with the mother perched above, abundant songbirds, terns, and huge alligators - and even one with babies lying on her back.

The access to birds provides for endless photo opportunities in various ecosystems with the beautiful scenery ideal for lovely compositions. There are so many great photography moments, that we recommend a minimum of three hours for your visit because not only will you be walking a few miles (or more depending on your ambition), you will also be stopping very often. For the best chances of taking outstanding photos, follow the trails along the water, such as Wading Bird Way. Bring your telephoto lens and a lightweight tripod. The birds and wildlife at Circle B are very tolerant of humans and I would like to assume that is because the majority who visit this incredible preserve are deeply respectful to the wildlife and observe and photograph in non-obtrusive ways.