No large cameras at Mendon Ponds Park?

[Will]

I went to Mendon Ponds a few weeks ago and while I was at the nature center there was a girl outside showing some kind of Owl to people walking in.  I brought my "big camera" with me because we were going to walk down the trail to see the chickadee's eating out of peoples hands, but after taking two photos of her and the owl she yelled over to me to ask if I was with the media, I said no, and she said that there are no large lenses allowed in or near the nature center. 

Because it's a "non-profit" park, do they think I'm going to sell photos or something which will violate the "non-profit" title???  That kind of ticked me off and put a bad taste in my mouth about going back there, even if I'm not going to the "holy" nature center.

[loheron]

I had a similar experience but no one yelled at me. The staff explained that they have had trouble with people violating the zones of separation from the birds in attempts to get the "great" picture.
Sorry you had a negative experience. I'm not with Wild Wings but I do enjoy going out there.
Larry O'Heron

[Will]

Yea I had my 300 with me which looks like this - but did she honestly think I was going to walk into that little nature center with that lens and try to get some shots?  I think the minimal focus distance is 10'!