Heading to Merritt Island this Saturday

Before our cruise to the Caribbean on Sunday I have a day (Saturday) to visit Black point wildlife drive (thank you Ed) then continue on to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. Which lens should I bring the 500mm or the Tamron 150-600mm? and we are flying from Seattle. Both lens have own bag.

Thank you.

Peter,
I was there for a couple hours last weekend. I was mainly interested in raptor activities but did not see any while I was there. However, I did see a fair number of egrets, coots, and other wading birds, including *one* roseade spoonbill and *one* white pelican.

In terms of the two lenses you mentioned, I think the 150-600mm would be more suitable. I am sure the 500mm would give you better IQ; however, several of the wading birds I saw were pretty much right next to the drive which may give you some issues with a fixed 500mm. And then some other birds were definitely far enough that the more reach would be better. I did not see any fast BIF actions that would give a fixed prime some advantages.

It was *very* cloudy when I was there so sun direction was not an issue (in fact, we were rained on, too). Consequently, I forgot to check if morning or afternoon would be a better time of the day to visit. Having said that, the drive was curvy and changed directions enough that morning/afternoon would give you "equal opportunity".

Good luck, and have fun.

Linh

Peter2516 wrote in post #17962810
... visit Black point wildlife drive (thank you Ed) then continue on to Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge.

I maybe wrong, but I thought Black Point Wildlife Drive is inside/part of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge? Just in case I was wrong, what I said earlier was about the Black Point Wildlife Drive.

Black Point was a disappointment when I was there about a week ago. The Orlando Wetlands (10 mi or so west) was a lot better then. If you have the time, I would much recommend the rookery at Gatorland, which is a bit south of Orlando and about 50 min west of Titusville. There is a special photographers entry between 7:30 and 8 am (but not after 8am) on some mornings of the week. Bring the zoom.

Thank you Linh and Archibald I will just bring the zoom then. I might try the Gatorland in th morning then Black point drive early afternoon and thsnk you both for the suggestion I appreciate it. The zoom it is then.

ldn323 wrote in post #17962847
I maybe wrong, but I thought Black Point Wildlife Drive is inside/part of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge? Just in case I was wrong, what I said earlier was about the Black Point Wildlife Drive.

Yes, Black Point Drive is within the Merritt Island refuge.

ETS wrote in post #17965299
Yes, Black Point Drive is within the Merritt Island refuge.

Thanks. I went there today and noticed that Black point drive leads to Merritt Island what a place I love it. I even saw a Cardinal which is been a long time wish me for me to photograph. I have to all is a lifer to me the except for the sandpipers, great yellow legs, I had so much fun.