Walking Lake Eola

On this beautiful Valentine's Day we had a lot of the family all in one place and decided to take a walk around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. We had yet to see all of the art installations that now ring the lake and its famous fountain and swan-shaped paddle boats. We entered from the west side next to the little noticed Sperry Fountain



What most do notice is the little 'bird island' which is constantly decorated by Double-crested Cormorants.



In the past, the only swans at the lake were Mute Swans which the paddle boats are modeled after. A few are still around but so are many other species brought in a few years ago.



Hanging out in the tree branches over the water were a few White Ibis catching a few rays.



The first art installation we got to was the Muse of Discovery located next to the amphitheater.



I was surprised to find a very tolerant male Anhiga up on the wall next to the sidewalk. Out in the wild, Anhinga usually fly off on approach. This guy let me get within 5 feet!



Soon we were at the piece of art I was looking forward to: Take Flight. A flock of silvery birds soaring over the water.



Just before you reach the pagoda, another fountain sits in a small pond. It has been there as long as I remember and is called Fantasy Swan.



The Sun was setting so the main fountain, the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain was in high glare but still pretty.



On the northern edge of the lake property is another installation: Union. It is a kinetic piece that has curved blades that rotate in the wind.



Most of the other introduced swan species were down at this end of the lake. A Black Swan swam up to the wall looking for a hand-out. These birds have actually bred here in the past.



Trailing behind was one of the Black-necked Swans.



Speaking of breeding swans, the Whooper Swans were sitting on a nest right on the edge of the lake.



Ah, a common sight for me when out. I end up taking so many pictures and have to often catch up to the family. At least they tolerate my constant clicking.



The next installation is a really cool forced perspective piece called Monument in Right Feet Major. There is hardly an uninteresting angle to shoot this statue.



Just across the way in the roundabout is the towering Cedar of Lebanon made of metal and mirrors.



We passed the final installation: Centered and then decided to stop for some pizza.



Bellies full, it was time to make the final leg of our hike as twilight settled in and the Eola Fountain began its light show.



A great stroll around the lake. I will try to get back to find some new angles and there are two installations away from the lake that I will have to capture.