Help with location and gear selection for upcoming Florida Trip

[Sachin Saraf]

Hi Friends,

I am planning a week long trip from 18-Nov to 26-Nov to Florida and looking to get some help from all of you with location and gear selection for upcoming Trip.

Me and My wife will be traveling together and we both have 7D.

we have have to pick one lens each for the trip:

100-400mm
500mm
400 f/5.6


I will be traveling by domestic flight within US for the first time and not aware of domestic flight restrictions which I will have to take in to consideration if I have to travel with 500 mm because then I will have to carry Gitzo+WH-200 to support it.

Please let me know what all places will be productive during this period and what is suggested to carry.

Thanks a lot in advance as I am pretty sure I will get invaluable inputs from you all.

- Sachin

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Sachin:

If those were my only 3 lenses, I would definitely have to go with the 500 and the 100-400. The 400 5.6, although a great lens for birds in flight, is redundant if you have the 100-400 which is far more versatile for your trip. On the other hand, if you wish to travel light, you can leave the 500 behind but understand that there will be opportunities missed. However, as opps go, you would probably have more birding photo opps in Florida with a 400 than any other state. Many photographers believe that it is best to always bring your longest lens b/c you'll probably regret it if you don't, and I find this to be true with bird photography.

Please give me an idea on where you will be flying into or on which coast you wish to photograph?

[Sachin Saraf]

Thanks Marina!

My only concern is if I will be able to carry the 500mm on Airtran/Jetblue flights to/from Whiteplains NY/Orlando(MCO).

Not sure if I will be able to carry my tripod in plane.

I am planning to visit Merritt Island NWR and at Everglades as those are the only places I know in the area.

I will be staying around Orlando for 5 nights starting 18th and will stay near Everglades for the rest of the trip.

Please let me know what else are the good birding photo hot spots in the area.

Thanks
Sachin

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Sachin:

While in Orlando, I think you would really enjoy visiting Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. It's good in the mornings or evenings and will offer you many different species. There are gorgeous sunrises there. You may also check out Gatorland on day which isn't full of sun. Although the birds won't be nesting at this time of year, you should have a lot of opportunities photograph them as well as alligators which are in nice light in the afternoons. You may also try Mead Gardens for songbirds, the Joe Overstreet area and/or considering hiring a guide to take you out on Lake Toho for Snail Kites.

When you go over to Merritt Island, I would suggest you also hit Vierra Wetlands for at least one day which you can drive around and rarely disappoints.

If I were in your shoes, I would not be going to the Everglades at this time of year but maybe you have information which I don't. I would probably be more likely to go to Ft DeSoto Park and/or Estero Lagoon.

Hope you have many photographic opps while you are visiting Florida.

[Sachin Saraf]

Thanks a ton Marina...this was really helpful. I will re-think about the Everglades visit.

[Don Lacy]

HI Sachin, Bring the 500 call the airline before hand if you are worried about carrying it you will miss it if you do not bring it. While in Orlando area I would make the trip to Ft Desoto try to hit low tide in the morning or evening it is one of the best spots in the country for bird photography would go with Viera wetlands go during the week at first light and you will a good chance for Bald Eagles I was there on the 11th and had one there all to myself. The Everglades will be slow this time of the year but if you have never been there definitely go for one day I would also recommend Wakodahatche for a day for nesting Blue Herons while in South Florida or you could go to Brian Piccolo Park for Burrowing Owls.

[Sachin Saraf]

Thanks Don. This was really helpful...Marina almost defined the itinerary for me and your suggestions are add on to it...I will be going to Fort De Soto and will try and see if I can manage visit to Wakodahatche and Brian Piccolo Park.

[Don Lacy]

Thanks Don. This was really helpful...Marina almost defined the itinerary for me and your suggestions are add on to it...I will be going to Fort De Soto and will try and see if I can manage visit to Wakodahatche and Brian Piccolo Park.

Glad I could help let me know how your trip went never know I might see you out in the field while your down here.

[Sachin Saraf]

It would be pleasure if we could meet you....Lookout for Indian couple...you will easily recognize me (french beard)

[Sachin Saraf]

The trip was very successful and all thanks to Marina and Don for invaluable advice.

I saw and photographed around 15-18 species including Snail Kites...Looking forward to re visit the Florida in early Spring.

Once again Thank you Marina!