Circle Bar B Reserve, a 1,267-acre refuge with diverse terrain, is located in Lakeland in Polk County. Venice Area Birding Association plans a yearly birding trip to this exciting site. Recently four vehicles left the Venice area packed with VABA members who live in Rotonda, Venice and up to Osprey. Rhea Guertin was the leader of this trip, which is a favorite of many in the group.

The drive is long, but it’s worth the trip. We entered the refuge and right away spotted several flocks of wild turkeys. We all got out of the car to get a better look at them and also see the red-bellied woodpeckers high in the trees. After some good views, we jumped back in the car to meet the rest of the group in the parking area. We all were laden down with all the gear a birder needs — water, binoculars, birding field guides, snacks and of course several birding scopes.