Saturday, February 14, 2015

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

Sperry Fountain

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

Double-crested Cormorant

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.

Mute Swan

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

White Ibis

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

Muse of Discovery

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!

Anhiga

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

Take Flight

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.

Fantasy Swan

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

Eola Fountain

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.

Union

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.

Black Swan

Trailing behind was one of the Black-necked Swans.

Black-necked Swan

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

Whooper Swan

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.

Family

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.

Monument in Right Feet Major

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

Cedar of Lebanon

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

Centered

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.

Eola Fountain

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.

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