Magnificent giant bird sculptures flock to at Pinecrest Gardens, South Florida’s historic botanical gem, in its first-ever “Avian Oasis” exhibit.
From Nov. 18 to May 18, 2024, visitors can experience six captivating bamboo-crafted bird sculptures, each standing up to 30 feet tall, set within the lush landscapes of Pinecrest Gardens. “‘Avian Oasis’ is a transformative blend of art, history, and nature. This exhibition marks a monumental moment in Pinecrest Gardens’ 20-year history as we invite guests to connect deeply with each avian story,” said Cristina Blanco, executive director of Pinecrest Gardens. Crafted by the world-renowned Myth Makers, every piece in the “Avian Oasis” tells a story “‘Avian Oasis’ represents the heartbeats of Miami’s storied past, each bird singing tales of legends and heroes,” said Dodson and Moerlein.
The attention to detail is impeccable. Sculptures are primarily made from bamboo, which is sourced from members of the American Bamboo Society. The Myth Makers enhance each sculpture with whimsical elements and splashes of color using repurposed and recycled materials. Beyond mere observation, the “Avian Oasis” is an interactive experience. Children can wander through the Peacock’s tail maze or participate in a scavenger hunt, while adults find solace under the sculptures, creating lasting memories.
Watch a video preview of Avian Oasis online or enjoy a brief video teaser “Bamboo As An Engineering Material: The Myth Makers' Avian Sculptures” that was shot at Gardenship, in Kearny NJ, an artist-run fabrication and residency studio where we pre-build our monumental sculptures.
THE GREETER Welcoming visitors to the garden and celebrating the history of the Parrot Jungle is the unique Tricolored Macaw. Brightly colored and long-tailed, Macaws are some of the most spectacular parrots in the world. Though not native, nor invasive to Florida, a flock of around 20 Blue and Yellow Macaws have taken up residence in east Miami-Dade County since the 1980s. The unproven rumor states that these are descendants to the Parrot Jungle birds. Today, the birds are still seen flying throughout Coral Gables, South Miami and Pinecrest, and often roost in the crowns of decaying palms.
This unique macaw sculpture celebrates the hard work of Austrian born founders, Franz and Louise Scherr. As the country was pulling out of the Great Depression, the dream of a Parrot Jungle captivated Franz. With support of his family, he brought his vision to life by renting 20 acres of dense hardwood hammock land. Working tirelessly alongside his family, they carved out a winding nature trail, laying the footprint of today’s Pinecrest Gardens. Opening in 1936, Parrot Jungle remained a famed attraction for 66 years in this location. The land was purchased by the Village of Pinecrest in 2002. The Greeter represents the history and significance of the Parrot Jungle era, and gives homage to the founders of this unique and valued attraction.
TOWERING Drawing visitors to the entrance like a beacon, and towering over the trees in the parking lot, is a mighty Sandhill Crane. Despite diminishing habitat, the Florida Sandhill Crane population seems to be growing after years of plummeting numbers. Sandhill Cranes are heron-like birds with a wingspan reaching over 6 feet. They live longer than most wild birds, some reaching 20 years of age. The earliest known fossils of this bird date back 2.5 million years, and were found in Florida. Ebenezer Woodbury Franklin Stirrup (E.W.F. Stirrup) was a Bahamian born settler of Miami, immigrating to south Florida at the age of 15. After a number of years in the FL Keys, Stirrup made the trip home to the Bahamas, marrying his sweetheart, and promptly returned to Miami. Settling in the Coconut Grove area, he landed a job as James Deering’s Villa Vizcaya chauffeur and farmer. He was one of many Bahamians who settled in the area that played a huge role in developing early Miami. Bahamians understood the sub-tropical climate and how to work with coral rock and limestone. This knowledge helped them to make limestone mortar for construction as well as plant tropical trees, vegetables and fruits. Stirrup often traded his work and skills for land, eventually becoming one of the largest landowners in the area. Over time, Stirrup came to own several businesses such as a grocery store, bicycle repair shop, tailor shop, meat market, horse and buggy business, and even a joint venture dry goods store with William Burdine. Stirrup constructed more than 100 homes of which he sold or rented to Bahamian immigrants new to the area, some of which still stand today in west Coconut Grove.
Pinky, the bicycle-riding cockatoo was an adored symbol for the original Parrot Jungle Gardens. Not a famous flamingo, nor the unique roseate spoonbill, Pinky was a salmon crested cockatoo. Pinky energetically pedaled across the Parrot Jungle high wire from the early 1960s in the original Banyan Bowl amphitheater. As you walk into Pinecrest Gardens, before you reach the ticket booth, glance down at the terrazzo inlay on the floor to see an image of a cockatoo from the former Parrot Jungle days. Famous for their personality, cockatoos are lively, affectionate, and sensitive birds.
Celebrating notable historical writer, preservationist, and Miami native, the sculpture of Pinky represents Arva Moore Parks. Arva’s love for the city of Miami is exemplified in the numerous books, films and documents she produced. Her life was dedicated to sharing the wonder and history of Miami. Pinky, a legend in the history of Pinecrest and former Parrot Jungle, connects the significance of Arva’s work, dedication and love of Miami to place.
THE FOUNDING PEAHEN Peafowl have grace and flourish that inspires awe in all ages. Native to South Asia, Peafowl have adapted to the urban and rural environments of South Florida and the greater United States. Though they are not native, and have no natural predators in South Florida, the beautiful colors and iconic look of these birds have captivated the love of many. The Peacock’s tail feathers are enormously elongated and tipped with an iridescent eyespot, ringed with blue and bronze. In their native habitat, peacocks live in open lowland forests in flocks by day, and roost high in trees at night. This sculpture celebrates an outstanding woman who dared to be different. Julia DeForest Tuttle, born in 1849, was an American businesswoman. Using her skills as an entrepreneur, she purchased deeds to properties throughout the Tri County area. She eventually owned property upon which Miami, Florida, was built, and for this reason, she is often referred to as the "Mother of Miami." She is the only woman in the U.S. who is recognized as the founder of a major American city.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT Though somewhat elusive, Eastern Screech Owls are native to South Florida. Their nocturnal habit and camouflage make them difficult to spot when they are roosting in trees, not to mention, they are Florida’s smallest owl. Screech Owls are known to roost in a variety of habitats, including swamps, pine forests, hammocks, and even suburban areas. Their unique brown-grey feather pattern makes them very adept at blending into their surroundings. At Pinecrest Gardens, we welcome Eastern Screech owls to our specially designed screech owl boxes. Look for owl boxes in the Upper Gardens Southern Live Oak trees, which are a favorite roosting site for these birds This sculpture acknowledges that it is located on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Tequesta, and later Seminole and Miccosukee peoples. Hidden in Plain Sight stands as witness to the long history of racism and colonial oppression in the United States and strives to honor the contemporary lives of Indigenous peoples. As you sit and contemplate how we can be caretakers of the earth, let us all appreciate the significance of the banyan tree that now stands majestically on the former site of a unique ecosystem.
SIETECOLORES (SEVEN COLORS) Painted Buntings are one of the most rapidly declining songbirds in the eastern United States. One of the most brightly colored and beautiful songbirds in North America, the birds have distinctive purple, blue, red, yellow and green plumage. Painted buntings seek bushy vegetation in open areas, such as roadside thickets or backyard gardens. In South Florida, Painted Buntings are only seen ‘overwintering’, typically in the coolest months of November to February. Outside of those months, the birds are found in coastal scrub habitats of the Southeastern United States. This painted bunting celebrates Maurice A. Ferré. Ferré was the first Hispanic Mayor of Miami, elected on November 8, 1973. His leadership and vision transformed Miami into the global city that it is today. Ferré was the first Puerto Rican to lead a major city on the mainland USA, and he is often referred to as the “the father of modern-day Miami.”