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Mead Botanical Gardens

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Mead Botanical Gardens is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Wood Duck, Rock Pigeon, and Mourning Dove among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/2/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

6/2/2026Florida 400, Orlando, Florida, US (28.555, -81.382)1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/1/2026I-4 E, Lake Mary US-FL 28.74786, -81.366101 observed

American Robin (migratorius Group)

Turdus migratorius

6/1/2026Wadeview Park1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

5/31/2026Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/31/2026Ward Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Chimney Swift

36/2/2026

Limpkin

16/2/2026

Anhinga

16/2/2026

White Ibis

26/2/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/2/2026

Barred Owl

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

66/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

46/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Fish Crow

46/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

66/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/2/2026

Carolina Wren

66/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

26/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mead Botanical Gardens for birding?
The best months to visit Mead Botanical Gardens for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Mead Botanical Gardens?
Notable species at Mead Botanical Gardens include Wood Duck, Rock Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Bald Eagle, Muscovy Duck, Anhinga, Brown Thrasher, White Ibis, Wood Stork, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mead Botanical Gardens?
Birding at Mead Botanical Gardens is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Mead Botanical Gardens?
There is no entrance fee at Mead Botanical Gardens. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Mead Botanical Gardens?
Mead Botanical Gardens offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.