With my last full day coming round far too quickly, it was a case of selecting a site which could offer the most potential of adding a new species or two, and Mead Gardens was chosen as that likely location. Situated in northeast Orlando, on the north side of Lake Sue, similar to Leu Gardens, the site provides an excellent bit of habitat in the middle of surburbia for both resident species and birds passing through on migration.
The main reason for the visit was the reports of Barred Owls being seen regularly there, and shortly after arrival I had the fortune to bump into the park ranger who kindly led me to the area of trees where they had been seen, and to my obvious delight the two Barred Owls were still there roosting out in the open.
Checking out the rest of the gardens, a Coopers Hawk flew through, briefly alighting in a tree before flying off again, and then a Red-shouldered Hawk flew down to the nearby stream to have a bathe before flying up onto a bench to dry out.
Palm Warbler, Northern Cardinals and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers were all noted as we walked along the edge of the stream, in which a Great Blue Heron was fishing.
Further along the stream 3 drake Wood Ducks were also encountered and a number of Turtles were present too.
Carrying on further we then, to our complete amazement, stumbled upon an Eastern Screech Owl roosting out in the open, and far from being spooked by our presence, it just sat there looking at us completely unconcerned!
So a really unexpected bonus, and the third Owl in two days to complete the set of four for the trip. We carried on round and came upon a large damp area covered in willows through which a boardwalk went, and which looked like it would be really good in migration times. Both Hermit Thrush and Northern Flicker were seen here, along with a Downy Woodpecker and Carolina Wren, and then heading back to the car we came across a small flock of Cedar Waxwings feeding up in the trees.
We then headed over to the nw corner of Lake Toho to the area by Kissimmee Power station which in previous years had hosted some Monk Parakeets, and although I hadn't heard of any recent reports from there, it was worth a look. Sadly none were found but it certainly wasn't a wasted journey as whilst checking out an unfamiliar call which sounded vaguely parakeet like, I discovered that the bird making the call was infact a Great Crested Flycatcher which showed well but briefly.
Also seen here whilst searching were Muscovy Ducks, a White-winged Dove and a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
