Sunset at Lake Thomas, Winter Haven 03-25-15

Summer Solstice Nature Viewings: Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland

As is our tradition, we try to view and film the first sunset of Summer Solstice. This year we did just that, at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, a short 7 miles from our home.

Also were thankful to see at least 1 alligator. In visiting the reserve for 5.5 years, it's been rare that we've not seen at least 1 gator on our visits. This time it was a medium sized one in a small marsh near Heron Hideout.

The panorama of the skies before sunset was just as wondrous as sunset itself, and was worth capturing.

Beautiful Sunset at Simmers-Young Park, Winter Haven 02-25-2015

Gorgeous colors at sunset this evening at Simmers-Young Park, Winter Haven.

Photos demonstrate the progression of the sunset.

Click this LINK to view location on map

Pelicans & Racoons at Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland 01-26-2014

We specifically went to Circle B this morning around sunrise time (but was overcast and cool and we didn't see the sun pop through the clouds until we were preparing to leave at around 9:10 AM) to view the gathering of White Pelicans which others have seen recently.

While we didn't see them fishing as a group, there were oodles of Pelicans all over the lake. We spent nearly an hour observing them in 2 separation spots.

Enjoy the videos

Hubby joked that we spent sooooooooo loooooooong observing the pelicans that moss started growing on my bike! :)

We saw 4 scampering raccoons on Alligator Alley but only got to quickly film these 2

I liked the water shimmering with the reflection of this tree

A tree of Turkey Vultures

 A Woodstock observes us cycling along the path way beneath it

Tree of Woodstorks

Anhinga enjoying morning breeze

Morning of Feb. 10, observed this Anhinga sitting on post in water at Grassy Lake.

Preening Eagle At Simmers Young Park, Winter Haven

During a morning walk/jog with my beagle on November 5 @ Simmers Young Park, I observed an eagle way up on the lights. It stayed there there entire hour we were there. While watchful, it was also preening.

Sunset at Marshall Hampton Reserve, 10/26/12

This sunset, the fast-blowing clouds and gorgeous colors of the evening sky compelled me to stop and capture it in its delightful display of beauty.