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.
The small part that I did see was impressive – a great pond with lots of wading birds and a rookery for egrets and other birds. An adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron flew overhead, and a pair of Roseate Spoonbills were hanging around.
