A former cattle ranch from which it takes its name, Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Polk County, today boasts a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Trails allow visitors to safely explore its 1,267 acres.
A former cattle ranch from which it takes its name, Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Polk County, today boasts a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Trails allow visitors to safely explore its 1,267 acres. Photos by Carole Devillers
In the early morning, an alligator silently crosses Heron Hideout trail to reach the Banana Creek Canal.
In the early morning, an alligator silently crosses Heron Hideout trail to reach the Banana Creek Canal. Photos by Carole Devillers
Circle B Bar Reserve borders the northwest shore of Lake Hancock with impressive cypress trees that attract many species of avian wildlife (egrets, cormorants, bald eagles, ospreys, owls and others).
Circle B Bar Reserve borders the northwest shore of Lake Hancock with impressive cypress trees that attract many species of avian wildlife (egrets, cormorants, bald eagles, ospreys, owls and others). Photos by Carole Devillers
A nice breakfast catch by a female anhinga, also called snake bird due to its long curvy neck.
A nice breakfast catch by a female anhinga, also called snake bird due to its long curvy neck. Photos by Carole Devillers
A resident bobcat on the hunt passes furtively on the side of Alligator Alley in the early morning hours.
A resident bobcat on the hunt passes furtively on the side of Alligator Alley in the early morning hours. Photos by Carole Devillers
Great blue herons are ubiquitous, breeding and nesting in Circle B Bar Reserve.
Great blue herons are ubiquitous, breeding and nesting in Circle B Bar Reserve. Photos by Carole Devillers
Circle B Bar Reserve is widely enjoyed by photographers and birders for its variety of migrant and resident birds. In 2008, the reserve was added to the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Circle B Bar Reserve is widely enjoyed by photographers and birders for its variety of migrant and resident birds. In 2008, the reserve was added to the Great Florida Birding Trail. Photos by Carole Devillers
One migratory bird that favors Circle B in winter is the colorful painted bunting, a highly sought-after prize for photographers. This one is a male, as females are just of one color, yellowish-green.
One migratory bird that favors Circle B in winter is the colorful painted bunting, a highly sought-after prize for photographers. This one is a male, as females are just of one color, yellowish-green. Photos by Carole Devillers
A pair of red-shouldered hawks rests on a snag on Marsh Rabbit Run Trail. Some nest in the nature reserve as the restoration in the Banana Creek Marsh has provided foraging and breeding areas.
A pair of red-shouldered hawks rests on a snag on Marsh Rabbit Run Trail. Some nest in the nature reserve as the restoration in the Banana Creek Marsh has provided foraging and breeding areas. Photos by Carole Devillers
Accustomed to visitors and perfectly at ease, the resident sandhill cranes casually stroll and forage along Alligator Alley.
Accustomed to visitors and perfectly at ease, the resident sandhill cranes casually stroll and forage along Alligator Alley. Photos by Carole Devillers
A family of raccoons resides at Circle B and it’s important not to feed them so that they keep foraging and don’t become beggars.
A family of raccoons resides at Circle B and it’s important not to feed them so that they keep foraging and don’t become beggars. Photos by Carole Devillers
Seasonal shallow wetlands harbor insects and reptiles that attract wading birds and alligators, and also make for picture-perfect scenery.
Seasonal shallow wetlands harbor insects and reptiles that attract wading birds and alligators, and also make for picture-perfect scenery. Photos by Carole Devillers
A snowy egret plunges its bill through the green vegetation covering the marsh in an attempt to catch a fish.
A snowy egret plunges its bill through the green vegetation covering the marsh in an attempt to catch a fish. Photos by Carole Devillers
During the breeding season, the loud bellowing of alligators in heat resonates through Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Run, giving the reserve a spooky atmosphere.
During the breeding season, the loud bellowing of alligators in heat resonates through Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Run, giving the reserve a spooky atmosphere. Photos by Carole Devillers
The tremendous bird population of the nature reserve includes flocks of black-bellied whistling ducks, fun to watch and listen to.
The tremendous bird population of the nature reserve includes flocks of black-bellied whistling ducks, fun to watch and listen to. Photos by Carole Devillers
A male anhinga in breeding plumage walks with determination on a branch over the Banana Creek Canal.
A male anhinga in breeding plumage walks with determination on a branch over the Banana Creek Canal. Photos by Carole Devillers
An armadillo forages in the garden area of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve.
An armadillo forages in the garden area of Polk’s Nature Discovery Center at Circle B Bar Reserve. Photos by Carole Devillers
A variety of wading birds, such as spoonbills, egrets and white ibis forage in the shallow marsh of Banana Creek along the Marsh Rabbit Run trail.
A variety of wading birds, such as spoonbills, egrets and white ibis forage in the shallow marsh of Banana Creek along the Marsh Rabbit Run trail. Photos by Carole Devillers
The sun sets gloriously on the Banana Creek marsh system, restored after Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District acquired Circle B Bar Reserve in 2000.
The sun sets gloriously on the Banana Creek marsh system, restored after Polk County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District acquired Circle B Bar Reserve in 2000. Photos by Carole Devillers

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