Photographers often visit and revisit certain locations. One of my favorite places to photograph again and again is Circle B Bar Reserve. After hiking countless miles over many years photographing the landscape and wildlife I took to the sky for a birds view.

 

The Discovery Nature Center complex is where visitors begin their experience at the reserve. The lake looks close by the center and it is as the crow flies but when walking the  trails you discover it is quite a trek.

 

Above the treeline where Alligator Alley and Shady Oak trails meet was disorienting because at ground level the tree canopy is so dense not much light gets through. It took a couple passes overhead before I was orientated to where we were on the property.

 

Soaring over Lake Hancock the observation platform is below, it was at this very moment I felt I was seeing the view as a bird does.

 

Heading into the Banana River marsh area is the intersection of Heron Hideout, Alligator Alley and Marsh Rabbit Run trails one of the easiest locations to recognize and most traveled on if you are a regular visitor to the reserve.  

 

This is one of my favorite views on that day even with the hazy sky because it shows the expansiveness of the marsh area and this is only a partial view of it.

 

Eagle Roost trail reveals a landscape of upland habitat that is so different from the lake and marsh areas with its long leaf pines, sand and grasses it’s a no wonder why National Geographic wrote about Circle B’s diversity.

 

In a flash it was time to head back to the base so I took one final look back at the fabulous vista from an unseen vantage point unless you are in the air. 

 

Back at the base landing on water is much softer than tarmac landings in a 2 seater plane. Many thanks to my pilot Luke who without his skill I would not have viewed this wilderness area from the sky.

This wraps up a glimpse from my adventure into a birds eye view at my happy place. If you are a regular visitor to Circle B you will recognize familiar sights and if you have not been this is an overview of the lay of the land that is teaming with wildlife.

Now a little well deserved free advertising, if you ever considered a sightseeing flight in central Florida I highly recommend Brown’s Seaplane in Auburndale, their staff is friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating.

Special thanks to my husband for his thoughtfulness to arrange this outing for me on our anniversary.

Do You See What I See…  © PC PHOTO 2016 All rights reserved