At this time of year, the Wood Storks and Double-Crested Cormorants tend to roost in the tall trees in the middle of the marsh at the Circle B Bar Reserve. I often think of these as the “Christmas Trees,” except they are decorated with birds instead of ornaments.

When you’re at CBBR on a sunny morning and you see decorated Christmas trees, it’s good news for you if you want to practice your flight shots. Stand on the southern end of the Heron Hideout trail just after sunrise, and wait. The birds almost always take off after sunrise and fly towards Lake Hancock, right towards the Heron Hideout trail. It’s perfect for flight shots.