Quick Mead Garden HIke

I had a few minutes to do a bit of birding so I drove over to Mead Garden in Winter Park to see if anything was stirring. Not much. It was way too quiet for my tastes. At least the rains have returned and the water flowing in from Lake Sue has brought back some life to the once dry creek.



Even the young Northern Cardinals were seldom seen or calling as they foraged in the shadows.



I wanted to see how much water was flowing a bit farther up the creek. As I peered over the side of the new retaining wall I found a nice surprise. A large Soft-shelled Turtle was apparently digging a nest on the creek bank.



These turtles do not come out of the water too often so it was fun to get a real close look. I always love those eyes and snout.



Farther down the creek where I found the immature Lubber Grasshoppers the last time I was here revealed that most have gone through their final molt into adulthood.



Not even the batch of Mockingbirds I enjoyed watching on my last visit were out. Instead, I had to try for a dragonfly shot. This nervous Golden-winged Skimmer would never give me a head-on view but it is pretty just the same.



Up in the butterfly garden more insects buzzed along but I was more drawn to the Gallardia blooms, some already going to seed.



No real birds to take photos of but there is always something to discover out in the wilds of Winter Park. Just have to take a little stroll.