Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park is a great little oasis amid Orlando’s urban jungle, and it’s pretty amazing at sunset.
The garden grounds are beautiful, but for me it has always been hit or miss when it comes to birding. On a recent trip, it was more of a hit.
I spotted a Pileated Woodpecker working on a tree just a few feet from me, a Barred Owl waiting for sundown and a group of American Robins looking for berries on sidewalks and in the stunning azalea beds.
I don’t get this lucky often when visiting Mead Garden, but I’m glad I was on this trip
Pileated Woodpecker, Mead Garden in Winter Park, February 2025.Pileated Woodpecker, Mead Garden in Winter Park, February 2025.Barred Owl, Mead Garden in Winter Park, February 2025.Barred Owl, Mead Garden in Winter Park, February 2025.Barred Owl, Mead Garden in Winter Park, February 2025.Barred Owl, Mead Garden in Winter Park, February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.American Robin, Mead Garden in Winter Park. February 2025.
Peafowl is the name for birds that I grew up calling peacocks – but only the male peafowl are called that. The females are called peahens, and their babies are called peachicks.
While driving down Joe Overstreet Road or exploring the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, I can’t remember a time I didn’t see a least one Eastern Meadowlark.
I have found there are just some birds that are harder to photograph than others. I call them my nemesis birds, and the Northern Parula was one of them.
