Third Annual Frank Planes Memorial PhotoWalk to Circle B Bar Reserve


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Annual Frank Planes Memorial PhotoWalk to Circle B Bar Reserve
Frank Planes was one of FCCP's first members and a Lifetime Member as well. He was a strong supporter and believed deeply in FCCP's core values of enriching people's live through photography. Following the PhotoWalk there will be a celebration of Frank's life at Gator's Dockside near Lakeland. If you can't join us for the PhotoWalk, please consider joining us for lunch as we share our remembrances of Frank.
Circle B. Bar Reserve is named after a cattle ranch that once existed on this property. Circle B. Bar Reserve was jointly acquired by the Polk County Environmental Lands Program and the District to protect the floodplain of the lake and to restore the Banana Creek marsh system. The property is maintained by Polk County.
Much of the property had previously been converted to pasture, but in 2005 and 2006, restoration projects were completed to restore much of the original hydrologic function of the lands. As a result of the marsh system restoration project, Circle B is now home to some of the most impressive bird activity on District property.
The tremendous bird population includes a variety of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and bald eagles. Alligators inhabit Lake Hancock and may be observed at a distance from shore or from a pier. Oak hammock, freshwater marsh, hardwood swamp and the lakeshore are among the unique characteristics of this property.
Birds
We can expect to see include Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills, Wood Storks and many different lake ducks. Plan on arriving by 8 AM.
Long lenses (300mm or longer) will be needed for some species, but great shots can be obtained with lenses of 200mm or shorter. Tripods and monopods are encouraged and wear comfortable walking shoes. You will not need to walk long distances, however some members may choose to do so. Walking just a 100 yards from the parking lot will allow photographers access to some great viewing areas.
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Upcoming FCCP PhotoTours for 2023:
FCCP offers some of the most affordable instructional PhotoTours you can find anywhere. Our PhotoTours combined expert photography instruction (certified instructors), bucket list locations (Yosemite, Fall Color Tours; Yellowstone - Fall, Spring, Winter; Glacier National Park) and safety (retired medical professionals travel on all tours). Please watch the calendar for 2023 schedule.
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My Recommended Retailers
Where you buy your gear matters. You expect to get what you ordered and you want to pay a low price for it. The retailers I recommend below are the ones I trust for my own purchases.
B & H Photo and Video — (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Great-Deals/ci/16478/N/4280521071?BI=4308&KW=&KBID=4736)
Adorama — The Photography People — (http://www.adorama.com/?kbid=64386)
**Lensrentals.com** — Rent the Best Cameras & Lenses Available (http://www.pjatr.com/t/TUJGRktHSkJGS0dJS0xCRkpOSkVN)
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FCCP Membership Options:
Basic Membership — $50
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Supporter Plus Membership — $100
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We accept all major credit cards. We also accept Cash App, Venmo and Apple Cash/Pay. Contact us via email for additional options or to pay via phone, FCCP_Director@me.com

Third Annual Frank Planes Memorial PhotoWalk to Circle B Bar Reserve