January 02, 2006
Today I visited Circle B Bar. I arrived about 9 am and drove in via the west gate. When I drove over the Banana Creek bridge, saw a Moorhen in the creek. Took several photos. I continued driving and saw a Krestel in a tree. Got out of the car and took several photos. It flew to a new tree and I walked through the high grass and got several more photos. Then walked to what used to be a pond. It was dry. Saw several hogs rooting in the grass. Went back to the car. Before getting in the car, saw a Grackle in a tree top and took several photos of it. I took the westmost road through the wiregrass and did not see any activity on the Eagle Nest. Arrived at the road across the marsh and saw several Killdeer on the road. Got several photos of them. Drove across the marsh to where the bridge had been. Parked and walked the west side of the creek. Took some photos of Ibis and Egret in the trees and a Great Blue Heron, flying. Photo'ed a Great Blue Heron in a pond and then I saw two Otters playing on the other side of the creek. Could not see them well as they were in high grass, but definite that they were Otters. Walked on down to where I was across from the Eagle Nest and could see an Eagle in the nest. Saw about six hogs out in the marsh. The marsh is very dry due to pumping and the hogs can get anywhere. Saw a young Eagle perched in a tree way out in the marsh. Photo'ed a Little Blue Heron on top of a tree stump. Then photo'ed a Palm Warbler. Walking back to the car, saw an Otter on my side of the creek. It played a bit then slid into the creek. Photo'ed another Great Blue Heron and then a small Gator. Saw a flock of eighty to a hundred White Pelican flying around. They circled and then landed somewhere out in the marsh. Driving back on the road near the marsh, photo'ed some Ducks in a pond and a young Eagle on top of a dead tree. Also photo'ed some more Grackles. Walked out on the new road in the marsh. There were about twenty Lesser Yellowlegs standing in a pond. Also got some ducks and four Sandhill Crane that were on the road. Also saw a Northern Shoveler that was by itself. Got some photos of the Sandhills flying. Near the bridge over the creek, photo'ed a Little Blue Heron. Drove around to the pond that is being enlarged and saw two Pied-billed Grebes. Also saw a Lesser Yellowlegs and a Snowy Egret. Ten Anhinga and four Wood Stork were also in the pond. Photo'ed a Greater and a Lesser Yellowlegs. I left Circle B about noon. Had a great time and being able to drive saved my knees which are not doing well. ........... Herman

January 06, 2006
Arrived at Circle B Bar about 9 am and parked at the east gate. Walked the trail through the woods. It was cold. Had to wear gloves, ear muffs and a jacket. Photo'ed a Turkey Oak leaf, I like red. Then photo'ed a blue flower on a vine. Have not been able to ID it. Also photo'ed a small yellow flower. Someone had told me of a new nest on the east edge of the marsh and I had seen it back in December, but thought that it was an Osprey nest. When I saw it today an Eagle was perched above it. I watched awhile and saw another Eagle in the nest. Both Eagles were in the nest at one time. Walked a little futher and heard a deep drumming and saw a Pileated Woodpecker. Got some photos of it. Walked out into the dry marsh and heard some Red-shouldered Hawks. Several hawks were flying about. I photo'ed one and I think that it is a Red-tailed Hawk. Then saw two Sandhill Cranes near the lake. Watched them a while. On the lake was a large group of seagulls with a few White Pelican, They were sitting on the water, occassionaly flying. Photo'ed a Great Blue Heron and a Red-bellied Woodpecker that had flown in and landed on a limb nearby. Watched some Ibis, a Great Blue Heron, a Great Egret and Little Blue Heron on a pond. Took some more photos of the Pelicans and another Great Blue Heron, also the Little Blue Heron. Also got a photo of a Palm Warbler. On the way out I checked the nest again and saw an Eagle head sticking up. Although this looks like an Osprey Nest, it must be an Eagle nest. It had warmed up and I had shed the jacket, gloves and ear muffs. Still had a great day and took some good photos. Finished about 12:45. .............................. Herman

January 07, 2006
Today I did a field trip with a Pro and three other fledging nature photo'ers. We met at 8am on Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland. Just as I arrived we saw an eagle land in a tree on the lakeside. We watched as the eagle make a kill on a duck across the lake. It landed and tried to pull the duck on shore, but could not get it up the bank. It flew off, but came back a little later. Got a few photos of it. Photo'ed Ring-neck Ducks, Swans, Coot, Pelicans and Geese. We then went to the west side of Lake Parker of find a Roseate Spoonbill. Stopped at Garden St and photo'ed a Great Egret, Moorhen, Anhinga, and many Purple Gallinule. We proceeded north and located the Spoonbill. Observed it a while and it flew north. We followed it and located a Limpkin feeding on snail. Got some photos of the Limpkin. Found the Spoonbill again and got some more photos.We went on up to Lake Parker Park and found many Purple Gallinule and Ring-billed Gulls. Got photos of them and a Grackle. We walked through the park and photo'ed Palm Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Phoebe, and Pine Warbler. We left the park and had lunch at a Pizza Hut. Then went to Circle B Bar and I showed them one of the Eagle nests. There was an Eagle in the nest and another flying about. Also photo'ed a Loggerhead Shrike and a Tricolored Heron. The continued on to Lake Kissimmee State Park, but I had to stop for the day. A very good outing today. ..................... Herman

Saturday, January 14, 2006 Phosphate Mines Field Trip
Very cold and windy today, Did a field trip with a large group to the phosphate mines. We first stopped at a park at Homeland. I photo'ed a Sapsucker there. Then we stopped at an Eagle nest just west of US 17. An Eagle was sitting in the nest. We then drove through several mines, viewing the birds in the ponds. Photo'ed a Great Horned Owl in a nest. Had lunch at Fort Green mine and continued the trip. Photo'ed a Black-crowned Night Heron at a stop on SR37. On the way home stopped at another Eagle nest on SSR 37 south of Bradley Junction. Got several photos of two eagles at the nest. Most of the day I just observed as the wind and blowing sand made photography difficult. One highpoint was a flyby of a Roseate Spoonbill. It was flying into the wing and making slow progress. It was only about fifty feet away. A good day, but difficult due to the high wind and blowing sand. ............................. Herman

Monday, January 16, 2006, Circle B Bar
Started out this morn on the west trail, drove in and photo'ed an Anhinga at Banana Creek. Continued around to the Eagle nest and got some photos of an Eagle on the nest. Also photo'ed some White Pelicans flying over. Drove down to the trail across the marsh and photo'ed a Red-shouldered Hawk in a tree. Watched an adult Eagle chasing a juvenile Eagle. Drove across the marsh trail and saw a Kestrel sitting on top of a bush alongside the trail. Got some photos of it. The creek where the bridge had been had been partially filled in. Walked across it and toward the lake. Photo'ed a Mockingbird and about a dozen White Pelicans in the pond out in the marsh. Also Photo'ed a Snowy Egret and a Phoebe. Saw an Eagle chasing a Juvenile Eagel. Located the second Eagle nest across the marsh and could see two Eagles sitting nearby. Got back to the car and drove back toward the Eagle nest. Saw an Eagle sitting in a tree and got some photos. Continued on and after crossing the creek, saw some Turkey Vultures on the ground. Got some photos of them. A good quick outing this morn. .......................... Herman

Friday, January 20, 2006, Circle B Bar
Today I wanted to just sit and watch the second Eagle nest. I walked in from the east gate and walked out into the marsh that is now dry. I placed my stool in the shade and set the camera on the nest. A eagle was sitting on the side of the nest and I could see one eaglet's head sticking up. I sat there about an hour and got some photos. While I was watching the second adult flew in and then both flew off. One later returned and sat above the nest. While walking back to the car, photo'ed a Cardinal and a Skipper. Another very quick outing. It was a bit warm and overcast today. ............................ Herman

Sunday, January 22, 2006, Bridgewater
Had a chance to get into Bridgewater with a couple of others today. Had been here for the Christmas Bird Count in December and it was great, but raining. Today was a bit overcast and warm. Also not as many birds today, but it was interesting. At the entry saw a Meadowlark in the top of a pine tree. Got photos of a couple of them. We first rode through the area with a rep from Tenneroc of which Bridgewater is a part. We then went through the area without him. The big event was a Great Horned Owl on top of a utility pole. We saw it on the first tour and I took several photos in the poor lighting. We later revisited the area and the owl was still there. In the better light it was apparent that it was a fake. Unknown why it was out in the middle of nowhere. I was able to photo some Savannah Sparrows, Osprey, Kingfisher, Yellowlegs, Sandpiper and some good scenery. On one pond we saw three Osprey standing out in the water. We also saw several Kestrel, Sandhill Crane and Caspian Tern. Also many Tree Swallows. A very good outing in a very interesting area. ........................ Herman

Wednesday, January 25, 2006, Lake Parker Park
I am in a bird ID class and today we had an outing at Lake Parker Park. I arrived an hour early and walked around before the rest of the class arrived at 9. I photo'ed some Blue-wing Teal on the pond and then tried the Screech Owl in the nest box. It was not visible. Also got some Palm Warbler's and Mallard's. Got to the lakeside and photo'ed Moorhen, Coot and Purple Galinule. Also Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Great Blue Heron. There were many Osprey flying overhead. After the class arrived did some Ring-gilled Gull and more Galinule. We walked through the park and got Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Got a Limpkin on the canal. The Screech Owl was sticking its head out of the nest box and the class got a good look at it. Other birds included Pine Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Red-winged Blackbird, Tricolored Heron, Green Heron, Pied-billed Gerbe, Cardinal, Mockingbird, Robin, Anhinga, Cormorant, Crow, Common and Boat-tailed Grackle and some others. A very nice day to spend outside with friends. ...... Herman

Friday, January 27, 2006, Circle B Bar
Got started about 0830 today. It was cool and had to wear a jacket. Walked in through the woods as trucks were on the road. It was a bit quite. Saw some Blue-gray Gnatcatchers and Palm Warblers. Also some Cardinals. Photo'ed a squirrel on a tree. Walked out to the Eagle nest and into the marsh to get close. An Eagle was sitting on the edge of the nest. I sat and watched it a while. The Eagle flew to a perch above the nest and the Eaglet then stuck it's head up. Took a few photos. Walked back to the marsh and photo'ed a Pileated Woodpecker. Crossed the marsh and photo'ed a Red-shouldered Hawk, a Great Egret and a couple of Grackles. Photo'ed another Red-shouldered Hawk in its normal perch tree. Then walked to the other Eagle nest. An Eagle was sitting inside the nest. Watched it for a while and it moved around a little, but stayed in the nest. Walked back across the marsh and photo'ed some Turkey Vulture and a Great Egret at Banana Creek Canal. Also took a photo of the canal. Walked back to the car. It had warmed up a bit but was still cool. .................... Herman

Sunday, January 29, 2006, Circle B Bar
Got a late start today, arrived about 1030. Had planned just a quick visit. Drove out the west trail and it was very quite. The second bridge had been removed and filled in with rock. Had to drive around it. Be glad when the construction is finished. Saw a JV Eagle sitting in a pine tree. drove on to the nest and saw an adult Eagle sitting in the top of a tree. Got some photos of it. Drove down to the trail across the marsh and parked. Walked across and to the second nest. An adult Eagle was sitting on the edge of the nest. Did not see the young one in the nest. Walked back to the woods trail and walked about half way through. Photo'ed a Skipper, a yellow flower and a Queen Butterfly. Continued walking and found a pair of gloves that I had lost on Friday. They were in good condition after two nights. Walked back toward the car and photo'ed a Great Egret near the canal. At the first Eagle nest, could see an Eagle sitting in the nest. Drove down the new road across the marsh and photo'ed some Lesser Yellowlegs. Also present were White Ibis and Greater Yellowlegs. There were many Turkey Vultures around. A large white bird that appeared to be a Great Egret was laying dead out in the marsh. Short, but good trip ................ Herman

Thursday, February 02, 2006, Circle B Bar
I took a quick ride out to the Eagle nest on the sandhill this afternoon. Got a good look at an Eagle in the nest. This bird is an Eaglet. The bird I had been seeing had a brown body. This ones body was a dingy white. Also photo'ed some Sandhill Cranes that walked up to me near the buildings at the entrance. .............................. Herman

Sunday, February 05, 2006, Circle B Bar
Got started a little after 9 this morn. It was cold and windy. Just after getting on the trail, got into a flock of mixed small birds. Had Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Phoebe, Palm Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Cardinal, BlueJay and probably some others. I was hearing some calls that I have not been hearing. A BlueJay was making an excellent Red-shouldered Hawk call. It shut up when two Red -shouldered Hawks fled over. Also had what I am sure was a Hairy Woodpecker. This would be my second Hairy at Circle B. Walked on down the trail a bit and saw two Gray Catbirds. Was able to get several photos. Got to the marsh and on the trail across photo'ed some Killdeer and American Pipits. The Pipits were running along the dirt piled up on the edge of the trail. Then got some Greater Yellowlegs in the marsh. A friend caught up to me and we walked together. We crossed the marsh to the sandhill and saw two Red-shouldered Hawks in a tree. Got some photos. Walked to the Eagle nest and observed the Eagle sitting in the nest. It called and the mate flew over. Got photos of it flying. Walked on and saw a Kestrel sitting on top of a dead tree. Crossed the marsh on the new road and photo'ed some duck and a Snowy Egret. Also saw several Turkey Vulture. Walked back toward the lake on the Banana Creek Canal and back to the main trail and the other Eagle nest. We walked out into the marsh which is now dry, but was a bit wetter due to rains last week. Got several photos of the eagles. Could not continue out to the lake as it was getting late and had other things to do. Walked back to the car about 1. Started out cold, but warmed up nicely. ............................. Herman

Monday, February 06, 2006, Circle B Bar
Today was a group walk with my Audubon bird ID class. Along with about 12 fellow students and a very experienced instructor we got started about 0830. At about the same spot that I got into the flock of small birds, we encounterd it again. This time the instructor identified two Indigo Buntings and some Pine Warblers in the flock of Blue-gray Gnatchers, Palm Warblers, Phoebes and Jays. We also saw the Gray Catbirds. Crossing the marsh we saw a Red-tailed Hawk in a tree top. It flew across the marsh and landed closer in another tree. We continued along the canal trail and saw Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Great Egret, Palm Warbler, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Osprey, Eagle, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk and a large marsh rabbit. Nearing the lake we saw a Roseate Spoonbill in a group of Ibis. I was in the rear of the group with a couple of others when we saw an Otter in the marsh near the lake. It was on a log and it slid into the water and watched us for a few minutes. We continued around the lake and saw Cormorant, Anhinga and other birds preveiously mentioned. We stopped at the marsh eagle nest and could see two eaglets on the nest with one adult. We started out cool, but nearly all had shed their jackets about half way through. ........... Herman

Sunday, February 12, 2006, Lake Morton
This morning a friend phoned about a whiteheaded Ring-necked Duck on Lake Morton. I had not planned an outing today, but got the camera pack and headed to the lake. The number of Ring-necks on the lake is low now, but I could not find the white head. I was able to photo many other birds. Included were Ring-necked Duck, Mallards, Wood Stork, Great Egret, Ruddy Duck, Great Blue Heron, Coot, and Snowy Egret. My friend stopped by and pointed out the whitehead. It was a female on the east side of the lake. I took several photos. Lake Morton is a fine place for close photos as the birds are used to people. The Great Egret had a fine green color around the eyes. ......................... Herman

Saturday, February 18, 2006, Circle B Bar Workday
Today was a workday for Polk Environmental Lands. After the workday I took a short walk on the lakeside. Got some photos of Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, and a large gator. Took a quick look at the eagle nest and could see the two eaglets. An Adult was sitting on a tree above them. Had to leave as had other things scheduled today. ........ Herman

Saturday, February 18, 2006, Lake Howard
After a Camera Club outing in northeast Winter Haven, a group visited the lakeside boardwalk at Lake Howard Park in Winter Haven. My first photo was a Monk Parrakeet in a tree near the boardwalk. Also got a nice Red-winged Blackbird and an Anhinga. A friend let me use his 400mm F2.8 lens and I really enjoyed it. Got some photos of Great Egret in breeding plumage and many photos of Ibis and Egret flying over into the roost. Also got some Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, a Purple Gallinule, Ring-billed Gull, Little Egret, and a couple of airplanes. Also got a flying Muscovy Duck. Had a good time to wrap up a busy day. Now I want a 400/F2.8. .......................... Herman

Monday, February 20, 2006, Circle B Bar - morning
A friend had told me about some Barred Owls in the oaks. He had called them with a recording. I took my little digital recorder out with a Barred Owl call on it. After just a few calls a Barred Owl flew in. I was able to take several photos of it. I also photoed some scenes in the fog and some orchids on the oaks. Walking to the eagle nest I saw two Sandhill Crane and took several photos of them. Also got a nice spider web and another orchid. Walked out into the marsh near the eagle nest and watched the young Eagles. They are getting large and getting there dark color. Took several photos. An adult flew in and got some photos of it. In another tree I saw a Fox Squirrel, two Gray Squirrel, a Downy Woodpecker, a Red-bellied Woodpecker and a Palm Warbler. Had a Pileated Woodpecker fly through also. Walked on over to the nest on the sandhill and watched an adult Eagle fly into the nest and feed. Got some photos of it. Dodged the earthmoving equipment while walking out. ................................. Herman

Monday, February 20, 2006, Circle B Bar - afternoon
Meet some friends at 3 to view the Barred Owls. At the entry we saw a Fox Squirrel and it posed for us a while. Got some good photos of it in the oak tree. Drove ot to near the lake in the oaks and set the recorder up. Very shortly a Barred Owl flew in and a short time later a second one flew in. We were able to get close views of one of the owls. Took many photos, a few might be good. ................................ Herman

Friday, February 24, 2006, Circle B Bar
Met two friends at 0800 and we walked the woods trail. It was cool and animal activity was very low. We could hear and see small birds in the trees, mostly Palm Warblers and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Also saw two Gray Catbirds and a couple of Cardinals. Neared the eagle nest and walked out into the marsh. An adult Eagle was sitting above the nest, but left. One of the Eaglets was sitting up in the nest. Did not see the other one. Saw some more Palm Warblers and a couple of Pileated Woodpeckers as well as two Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Tried to locate the Barred Owls in the oak trees, saw one from a distance. Walked out to the lake and along the lake trail. Saw many Palm Warblers and some Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Also had Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, Little Egret, Ibis and Osprey. Saw several Red-shouldered Hawks. Osprey were sitting on two of the nests in the marsh. Saw several small gators in the marsh and a few larger ones in the lake. Saw Anhinga and Comorant along the lake shore. Had two Black-bellied Ducks fly over and saw several dozen Blue-winged Teal. Also had a single Sandhill Crane in the marsh. Continued on the Banana Creek trail and saw a few birds, but as we neared the old bridge site, we saw two Otters in the marsh side. The Otters entertained us for about 15 minutes. They were swimming and got on the far bank. We took a lot of photos. Walked out across the marsh and to the parking area. There was no construction activity so I drove across the new marsh road and viewed a Sandhill Crane nest. We then saw an Eagle perched atop a tree. While driving to the sandhill eagle nest, we saw a Kestrel. At the eagle nest we saw an adult Eagle in the nest. It appeared to be feeding. We then drove out to the parking area. It had started to get cold and a light drizzle had started. ................... Herman

Sunday, February 26, 2006, Fort DeSoto Park
A couple of friends accompanied me on a rainey drive to Fort DeSoto. When we arrived at the ponds before the toll bridge to the park it was still drizzleing a bit. We got a look at a lot of Red-headed Ducks, Ring-necked Ducks, Ring-billed Gulls, Coots, Pied-billed Grebe, American Wigeon, a Green Heron and a Black-crowned Night Heron. After crossing the bridge we stopped at the boat ramp and saw Laughing Gulls and Herring Gull. After leaving the ramp we saw Black-hooded Parakeet on the wires. We saw them all over the park. The weather was clearing, but the wind was still strong. Very few birds about. A few Pelican on the beachs Some Killdeer also near the beach. Near North Beach we saw a group of Black Skimmers on a sandbar. Took a walk on some of the trails and saw some Palm Warblers. Saw what we think was a Loon off one of the beaches, but it was a way off. Also saw a Kestrel perched in top of a tree. Several Willets were in the edge of the surf on the center beach. Before leaving we stopped at the duck ponds again and photo'ed the Red-heads in better sunlight. A low activity day, but not bad for the weather. We enjoyed it. .......................... Herman

Wednesday, March 01, 2006, Lake Parker Park
Had an early morning meeting today and afterward I visited Lake Parker Park. got there just before 10:30 and started near the boat ramp. Photo' a Cormorant sitting on a tree in the lake. Then got a Great Blue Heron and some Ibis. Crossed through the center of the park and photo'ed a Palm Warbler amd some Blue-winged Teal. Tried for the Screech Owl at the nest box, but it would not show. At the canal photo'ed a Limpkin. After getting back to the lake photo'ed a couple of Coromorant sitting in the water together. Then I got into a patch of Purple Gallinule and got several photos. Ended up about 11:30 after a quick walk, but got some good photos. ........................ Herman

Friday, March 03, 2006, Circle Bar B
Got in about 0830 and drove to the oaks near the lake. Tried for the Barred Owl, but could just get a Red-shouldered Hawk. Then walked a ways down the lakeside, but tractors were working. Did get some photos of Anhinga on the lakeside, Vultures circleing over the landfill and big gators in the lake. Got a Crow getting a fish in the lake. Shot a panorama from the marker near the foot bridge. Then visited the marsh Eagle nest. I was able to walk a circle around the nest and got photos from different positions. Saw both adults and both Eaglets. One adult was sitting above the nest and the other flew in and left with something in its talons. The smaller Eaglet did not show until just before I left. Took another panorama from the marker near the future Nature Center, then got into trouble. tripped on a vine and fell on my camera. Busted the lens mount on the camera body. No more photos today. Visited the sandhill Eagle nest and saw no activity other than one adult sitting in a tree nearby. Crossed the marsh on the new road and saw the Sandhill Crane nest with a Crane sitting on it. The other normal birds were about. Took the camera directly to a repair shop. .................................. Herman

Friday, March 10, 2006, Circle B Bar
Today I was testing a new camera. The day before I received a Panasonic FZ30 which is an upgrade to my first camera a Panasonic FZ20. Walked the woods trail and took some photos of an airplant, a large bird that was to far off and in the sun to identify, an orchid a Carolina Satyr, a yellow flower and a Northern Cardinal. Saw a Black-bellied Whistling Duck in a tree. It flew before I got a photo. Walked across the marsh and photo'ed a Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron and Tricolored Heron. Photoed a Yellow-rump Warbler near the old bridge site. While crossing the second part of the marsh photo'ed a Kestrel from several positions. Got to the sandhill Eagle nest and saw an adult on the nest. As I got closer, the adult had flown, but had a clear view of a young eaglet. It was brown with some white showing. Both adults stayed close with one always flying over and calling. Crossed the new road across the marsh and watched a Northern Harrier hunting over the marsh. Tried to get a photo but all were fuzzy. Photo'ed the Sandhill Crane nest with a Crane sitting and another nearby. Also photo'ed an Anhinga and two Mottled Ducks. Got some more views of the Harrier. When I reached Bannana Creek Canal took the berm on the west side toward the lake. Photo'ed a Savannah Sparrow and some Turkey Vultures. There were about six large gators on the marsh side of the berm, got several photos. Also photo'ed a Green Heron. Walking from the old bridge site to the lake, photo'ed Ibis, Cardinal and Purple Gallinule. Also got a Queen Butterfly and a Little Blue Heron. Photo'ed some small gators, pond turtles and a soft-shelled turtle. Also got another Cardinal and Great Blue Heron. After reaching the lake saw a small turtle on the trail. Continued along photo'ing mostly gators. Nearing the dock I saw a Purple Flag Iris and got some photos of it. There was no Osprey activity in the marsh nests. Got to the marsh Eagle nest and saw the largest eaglet sitting on the edge. Did not see the other eaglet nor the adults. Walking back to the entry photo'ed some flowers. Took some GPS readings on the orchids along the trail. Will have to identify them. Another quite day at Circle B, but some encourgeing observation in that the marsh is filling with water from the lake side. ...... Herman

Monday, March 13, 2006, Circle B Bar and Peterson Park
Got started about 0840 and walked from the east gate toward the west gate. Saw a Red-shouldered Hawk in the marsh and an Eagle flew over. Another Eagle flew and got a pic from a distance. Cut across the super highway across the marsh and saw a Meadowlark in a tree just before the marsh, also had a Kestrel flying around. Got a view of it in a hover. A Mockingbird was harrassing it. A couple of Quail few out of the grass. Photo'ed a Great Blue Heron in the top of a tree. Photo'ed some Mottled Ducks. Photo'ed some Lesser Yellowlegs. Photo'ed some Savannah Sparrows and White Ibis. Also photo'ed the visible Sandhill Crane nest and could see two little brown chicks in the nest. Also could see another nest futher out in the grass. Saw an American Bittern fly into the grass and got a quick look in the binocs before it disappeared. Saw a Northern Harrier hunting the marsh. Watched it a while. As I approached the sandhill Eagle nest, I saw an adult Eagle flying about. An adult Eagle was visible in the nest. I could also see the dark colored small Eagle. Crossed the marsh toward the old bridge and saw Yellow-rumped Warblers. At the old bridge took the canal trail toward the lake. Photo'ed Glossy Ibis, turtle, gator, flying Egret. Ibis, Great Blue Heron and Palm Warbler. As I arrived near the marsh Eagle nest, saw a hawk snatch a bird out of a tree, very quick and quite. Both Eaglets were in the nest. An adult Eagle landed in a tree directly above me and I got photos looking straight up. Photo'ed a little white flower and a little blue flower as well as a dead tree that looked neat. A very good day for a hike and photos. ........................... Herman

Thursday, March 16, 2006, Circle B Bar
Did not have much time today and did not get to Circle B until after 6PM. Drove in the west gate and out the west road. Saw two Turkeys in the area of the old Banana Creek. Saw the eaglet on the sandhill nest and both eaglets on the marsh nest. Just the head of the sandhill eaglet was visible. The marsh eaglets were standing on the sides of the nest. An adult was perched near each nest. Drove out to the dock to prepare for a night hike tomorrow. After sunset a large flock of Whistling Ducks flew over several times.

Friday, March 17, 2006, Circle B Bar and Audubon Center
Did an Audubon night walk

Saturday, March 18, 2006 Home
Saw a Baltimore Oriole taking a bath in a water puddle on the road in front of the house. Got several photos from a distance...... Herman

Monday, March 20, 2006, Circle B Bar
Today got started a little after 8. drove in the east gate and over the super highway. At the west end saw an adult Eagle in the top of a perch tree and got several photos. Went to the Eagle nest on the sandhill and photo'ed a Meadowlark from a distance. Then got photos of the nest. One adult flew into the nest with food and the Eaglet was fed. Photo'ed an adult Eagle in a tree and while crossing the marsh photo'ed a Red-winged Blackbird. Also photo'ed some Savannah Sparrows, Glossy Ibis, and Great Egret. Got to the marsh Eagle nest and sawan adult sitting above the nest and both Eaglets on a limb beside the nest. One Eaglet flew. The other Eaglet was testing it's wings in the wind, but did not fly. The Eaglet from the nest was encountered by another JV Eagle and they talked a bit and flew off toward the landfill. Saw close to 30 Wood Duck on a pond north of the nest. Photo'ed a Red-bellied Woodpecker and some Blue-flag Iris. Also photo'ed a Yellowlegs and some of the Wood Duck flying. I then went into the area east of the main trail toward the entry. Saw a couple of mating Monarch Butterflys. Saw some Palm Warblers and a Cardinal. Went back across to the sandhill Eagle nest and saw an adult fly into the nest and immediately fly out. Saw an adult Eagle sitting on the fencepost at the end of the super highway. It flew to quick for a photo. Crossed the superhighway and photo'ed two Blue-wing Teal. A fairly quick trip today and looked at some areas that I had not been into for a while. .............................. Herman

Wednesday, March 22, 2006, Circle B Bar
Got started about 8:30 this morn and walked from the east gate and across the super highway. Saw 4 adult Sandhill Cranes and two Sandhill chicks. Got some photo's of the Sandhill's and chicks. Also photo'ed a Little Blue Heron, Great Egret and a duck. Photo'ed some Savannah Sparrows on the side of the road. Crossing the super highway saw Sandhill Crane with chicks, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mottled Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Anhinga, Northern Harrier. At the sandhill Eagle nest both adults were present and the chick was visible. Photo'ed a yellow winged dragonfly and a fuzzy black caterpiller. Crossed the marsh and saw 6 Blue-winged Teal fly. A couple of Yellowlegs and Little Blue Heron. Also photo'ed Great Blue Heron and Great Egret. As I was turning off the marsh trail into the woods toward the other Eagle nest, saw a brown and black bird sitting on the ground. I was able to get close before it saw me. Either a crow or blackbird or Grackle. Saw an Osprey flying over the marsh. Saw a Pileated Woodpecker and a Cardinal. Saw the Wood Duck in the same pond as last trip. Still around 30 of them. Had one Eaglet on the nest and an Adult sitting next to the nest. The adult flew and I saw both Eaglets sitting on the limb and edge of the nest. Got some photos of the Eaglets. Also got flower photos and a Monarch Butterfly. Heard some loud buzzing and saw a swarm of bees around the knothole in an oak tree limb. This was near the footbridge. Stopped at the dock and had a snack. Photo'ed a Caroline Wrenn. Also photo'ed Great Blue Heron. Saw a female Wood Duck with 7 little ones swimming in the canal. Got some large gators in the lake. At Lake Hancock beach saw about 10 gators all over 8 feet. They made the water churn. Photo'ed a Queen butterfly and saw 2 Otters on the marsh side. Got some photos of them. Photo'ed some Little Blue Heron and an Anhinga. Saw 2 rabbits toussleing on the trail. Saw an Osprey sitting in the nest. Photo'ed some Mottled Duck and some turtles. Also a Vulture and some gators. Saw a Kingfisher flying on the lakeside. In the marsh saw many wadding birds. They have returned with the water. Also got a photo of a Green Heron.
Walked on down the Banana Creek Canal toward the super highway. Saw a Black-crowned Night Heron flying along the canal. Saw what I think was a Sapsucker, but not sure. Photo'ed a White Ibis with bright orange coloration. And also photo'ed a Turkey Vulture and an Anhinga. A very long walk today, but a good one. ........................ Herman

Friday, March 24, 2006, Circle B Bar
Met a friend and we drove out to the dock, parked and walked the lake and canal berms. On the lakeside saw Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Little Blue Heron. We also located a new Sandhill Crane nest located in the marsh near the old spillway. It had one egg in it and two Sandhill Cranes were with it. We continued on around the canal and saw gators, a black water snake, Osprey on a nest, Turtles, and some more excellent views of Great Blue Herons. We also had some Snowy Egret. Saw a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting in the nest that was used last year. It was near the old bridge. Crossing the marsh, we saw a good mixture of wadding birds - Egrets and Herons. We met another friend driving and rode with him back to the Sandhill nest. Got more photos as well as photos of more Turtles and gators. I left them and went to the marsh Eagle nest. Both Eaglets were on the nest and neither appeared to be ready to fly. Crossing the marsh again, I photoed a Glossy Ibis. The sandhill Eagle nest had no activity on it. Did not see the Eaglet. I had to leave at that time. ...................... Herman

Saturday, March 25, 2006, Green Swamp
Did a Wild Flower Hike with Lake Region Audubon today. We met at the Polk City Trailhead for the VanFleet Trail and drove up SR 33. Made one stop on SR33 and saw several flowers alongside the road. One was a Greeneye. Continued on to Green Pond Rd and to the entrance to the Green Swamp Trail. We drove to many stops in the swamp and made several short hikes. Saw many flowers, but few animals. One animal we saw was a nice Garter Snake that was crossing the road. I'm not very good with flowers so I'll stop with, we saw a lot of them. ..................... Herman

Monday, March 27, 2006, Circle B Bar
Arrived about 8:00 and met a friend at the entry. He offered a canoe ride to the rookery area. I had been wanting to check it out for Spoonbill nesting and accepted the offer. I took a long route to the boat launch. Drove across the super highway and across the sandhill. Found the Sandhill Cranes with the chicks on the sandhill. Saw only one chick and the adults hid it in the grass. The construction workers must be bothering them. No adult Eagles on the nest, but saw the wing of the Eaglet rise above the nest rim several times. Crossed the marsh and photo'ed a Great Blue Heron and a Red-shouldered Hawk. Arrived at the lakeside and saw an adult Eagle in a Cypress Tree. Got a couple of photos.
Launched the canoe and quickly saw some Roseate Spoonbills in the nesting area. Also had Anhinga, Comorants, Cattle Egret, Tricolored Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird and others in this area. We saw and photo'ed a Spoonbill sitting on a nest. Also got some photos of three Spoonbills in the tops of trees. We continued toward Saddle Creek. We saw Cattle Egret nests and some Anhinga chicks. Saw a couple of Great Egret building a nest. There is a lot of nesting activity in this area, mostly Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron and Anhinga. We also saw a lot of Black-crowned Night Herons. Photo'ed a Purple Galinule. Continued on to the creek and beyond the creek. Saw Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Anhinga, Comorant, Moorhens, Osprey, and a Kingfisher. Also saw a few gators. We returned to the launch area. I walked the lakeside to the Sandhill nest. Photo'ed an Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, gators and the Sandhill nest. I then went to the marsh Eagle nest. Both Eaglets were on the nest. One flew just after I arrived. The other posed for me for several minutes. I then went to the sandhill Eagle nest and observed the Eaglet in the nest. It was sitting on the back edge. Got several photos. Once again ran out of time and had to leave. ............................ Herman

Friday, March 31, 2006, Circle B Bar
Today had a couple of out-of-town friends and a local friend along for the ride. We started about 0830 and entered the east gate. Drove the super highway and noted that it was very quite. Much of the marsh had been bulldozed. No sign of the Sandhill Cranes. Saw some typical wadding birds. Got out to the Eagle nest on the sandhill. The Eaglet was visible sitting in the nest. One adult was sitting above the nest and another was in a tree nearby. Crossed over the marsh and down the canal trail. Met another friend walking and he advised of a Barred Owl near the lake. We located it and got some photos. Also saw two Osprey in the Osprey nest. Moved around to the Sandhill Crane nest and saw one sitting on the nest. Around the lakeside photo'ed some gators and a Snowy Egret. Got to the marsh Eagle nest and saw one Eaglet sitting in the nest. We then drove on out. . ................................... Herman

Friday, March31, 2006, Lake Hatchineha
I was asked to attempt to catch a Red-tailed Hawk with an injured wing on Lake Hatchineha. That is in east Polk County about 40 miles from my home in west Polk. Arrived and talked to the reportee. He directed me to a place on the lake shore. The bird was a Caracara. It had an injured wing, but it was very mobile. It flew into a tree. After watching it a while, decided that I could not catch it. .................................. Herman

Monday, April 03, 2006, Circle B Bar, Canoe trip
Met a friend for a canoe trip to check out the rookery and lake shore. Got in the water about 0830 and went straight to the rookery at the east side of Circle B toward the mouth of Saddle Creek. Along the way saw Great Egret, Cattle Egret, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Anhinga, Coromorant and probably others. At the rookery saw many Cattle Egret, Anhinga, Coromorant, Little Blue Heron, Grackle, Red-winged Blackbird and Roseate Spoonbill. Many were nesting. We saw one Spoonbill on the nest that we had seen last Monday. We saw about 7 Spoonbill in this area. We were able to photo nesting Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, Anhinga and Coromorant. We saw the two Great Egret possibly nesting. There were several Great Blue Heron in the tree tops, but we saw no nests. Got some nice Spoonbill and Cattle Egret photos. Also photo'ed young Coromorant and Anhinga. Continued on to Saddle Creek while enjoying the birds. Photo'ed a Purple Galinule at the creek. Saw a young Anhinga nearly fall into the water, but it caught itself and pulled back onto the limb. Photo'ed four young Anhinga on the same nest. This was a terrific photo-day for Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Spoonbill and Coromorant. I forgot to mention that we had Tricolored Heron in this area also. We had been seeing many Black-crowned Night Herons, but did not get a photo until getting around the north side of the lake. We also saw two Belted Kingfishers. We also saw Great Blue Heron nests on the north side of the lake.