Hemingway Cat
Year: 2024
Red-Shouldered Hawk
I saw this Red-Shouldered Hawk chilling out on a fence as I was leaving Black Bear Wilderness Area. It was a real treat!
Wekiva River
Nothing beats the view of the Wekiva River from Wilson’s Landing Park in Sanford. Nothing.
Tavares Ecological Preserve
Looking to get outside and effortlessly see some wildlife in Tavares? Check out Tavares Ecological Preserve, which is located just down the street from the courthouse (and adjacent to the county jail!). During my first visit, I saw an alligator, turtle, ospreys, moorhen, white ibis and great blue heron. Don’t miss it!
Forest Preserve
Nestled behind the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mount Dora, the new Forest Preserve is a beautiful 14-acre tract of long leaf pine forest in the heart of a residential area. It features a 400-foot boardwalk and 1-mile hiking trail (with actual elevation changes!). We saw a barred owl and marsh rabbit during our first hike. Well done, City of Mount Dora! Highly recommended!
Ponce Preserve
Take a short stroll through scenic Ponce Preserve in Ponce Inlet to view this majestic 350-year-old live oak tree, which sits at the foot of the Green Mound State Archaeological Site, an ancient Native American midden. Don’t miss it!
Tavares Nature Park
If you ever make it out to Tavares Nature Park, take a left just past the entrance and follow the trail to a rather rickety boardwalk that will lead to a scenic view of Lake Dora. Very cool!
Gopher Tortoise
One of the best places to see gopher tortoises in their natural habitat is Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis.
Red-Shouldered Hawk
We spotted this beautiful Red-Shouldered Hawk at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas. Orlando Wetlands is also one of the best places to view Florida Alligators. Highly recommended!
Barred Owl
We were strolling along the Palm Island Park in Mount Dora when we spotted this majestic barred owl. It was the first owl we had ever seen out here. An amazing experience!
Wandering Florida 