The Southwest Florida Water Management District (“District”) is responsible for managing and protecting water resources in west-central Florida. …
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Dec 3, 2024
Wow! I would suggest to anyone that short 5 km trail that included Heron Hideout, Eagle RoostWading Bird Way and Windmill Whisper. We could observe several bird species and almost tripped on 3 alliga… Full review by Michel G
Jun 14, 2024
A fun and free experience. We walked the Heron Hideout, Marsh Rabbit Ron, and Eagle Roost trails Lots of wildlife including Snail Kite, Alligator Snapping Turtle, many herons and ibises, and 50-60 a… Full review by runner19492002
Apr 25, 2024
Our tram tour of the Circle B Bar Reserve was very peaceful and informative. Eric, our guide was a former educator and made the hour plus ride go by quickly. He told us how the area was a cattle ra… Full review by Kitch1957
I have been to this reserve twice - once in March 2018 and once in March 2020. During the first trip, between the lake and Heron Way, I saw an overabundance of wading and other birds from Osprey to various Herons to Roseate Spoonbills to Ibis and more. On Heron way a pair of Sandhill Cranes walked down the path with their little chick in tow. It was amazing. During my most recent trip however, there were very few birds in comparison but the number of Alligators was far greater. I saw two or three on my first visit but on the last trip they were everywhere. The lake looked like an armada of alligators and they were in the marshes on Heron Way as well. Has the Alligator population there increased that dramatically and has it discouraged the birds from using the reserve to feed? The Alligators have their appeal but in limited numbers. I would hate to see those wonderful birds abandon such a beautiful place because there were too many predators. Any knowledgeable responses are appreciated.
A:
As a snow bird, we have visited for about 10 years. I also agree that the wildlife changes daily, but as we talk with locals from the area, they are also concerned about the lack of large …
As a snow bird, we have visited for about 10 years. I also agree that the wildlife changes daily, but as we talk with locals from the area, they are also concerned about the lack of large flocks of birds. But, that seems to be happening all over Florida. We visit 4 reserves constantly when we are in Florida and they all have had a shift for fewer birds. Having said that, it seems to be the luck of the draw if you are looking for a particular bird. So frustrating when you know the bird was seen one day, , and the next it does not appear. . Oh, to be able to fly and land where you want to. As amateur photographers we often are up at 4:00 am to get to locations for the first light, , but many times we have been amazed that a particular bird flys in at 1:00 pm. . . So if you are not a morning person, , you may still see that special bird you are looking for, , but you will have to fight the heat. . remember at Circle b Bar there was a lot of damage from the Hurricane several years ago, , we forget that the a Hurricane upsets a lot of habitats including, , HOW do all these little birds survive, or do they, including the larger birds??? It took Circle B Bar years to clean up from that Hurricane. We really enjoy Circle B Bar. I also want to add a comment that the Alligators are really just part of Florida and they too have behaviors that are interesting to us viewers. . Have you ever watched an Alligator eat another Alligator?? we have at Circle B Bar. . I won't ever forget it. . Enjoy all you see and keep the memories forever.
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Frequently asked questions
Q:
What is reclaimed water?
A:
Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater, which can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies. Reclaimed water is delivered through purple pipes, which...