Kay Wells
Member since Sep 2006
United States, Florida, ST AUGUSTINE 
Kay has posted 738 photos and 1858 comments
Online 
Category: Macro
Date Shot: Tue, Aug 24, 2010
Date Shot: Tue, Aug 24, 2010
Camera: Canon G10
Lens: n/a
Filter: n/a
Lens: n/a
Filter: n/a
Submitted: Thu, Sep 2, 2010
Viewed: 22 times
Rating: 4 ×
Viewed: 22 times
Rating: 4 ×
Member Comments: 
These transparent shrimp usually bury themselves in the sand as divers approach, but I caught this one on a bit of coral and managed to fire off a shot or two.
These transparent shrimp usually bury themselves in the sand as divers approach, but I caught this one on a bit of coral and managed to fire off a shot or two.
No Biography found.
Bill Houghton wrote on Sat, Jul 24, 2010 14:48 [ Send Email ]
Kay, this is a great shot of the tiger heron. Nice job indeed. Thanks for your comment on my bridge. Have a great weekend, Bill
Kay, this is a great shot of the tiger heron. Nice job indeed. Thanks for your comment on my bridge. Have a great weekend, Bill
John Hawkins wrote on Sat, Jan 17, 2009 21:13 [ Send Email ]
Hello Kay,My name is John Hawkins and I just read about the Florida's Birding and Fotofest April 22-26th, 2009 in my Outdoor Photographer. It rerouted me to this site and I saw your photo's. Do you have any more information on the Festival:
Hello Kay,My name is John Hawkins and I just read about the Florida's Birding and Fotofest April 22-26th, 2009 in my Outdoor Photographer. It rerouted me to this site and I saw your photo's. Do you have any more information on the Festival:
Gerri Jones wrote on Sun, Sep 21, 2008 18:37 [ Send Email ]
Sorry Kay...I inadvertently listed Myrna's name on your pelican image in my comment! I knew it was wrong as soon as I hit the button, but it was too late...I don't see a link to edit the comments. A really wonderful capture with so many birds!
Sorry Kay...I inadvertently listed Myrna's name on your pelican image in my comment! I knew it was wrong as soon as I hit the button, but it was too late...I don't see a link to edit the comments. A really wonderful capture with so many birds!You need to login before post a message
United States, Florida, Bushnell Phil Foster Park // Aug 28, 2010
This Polka-dot Batfish definitely belongs in the "Odd-shaped Bottom Dwellers" section of the fish identification books. We found him on a night dive at Phil Foster Park.River to Sea Preserve // Aug 1, 2010
a bee lands on a flower and begins transferring it from the flower into its pollen sacs (the orange bag in the photo). These “sacs” are in fact a crevice in the knees of the back legs, and it’s here the pollen compacts into this crevice, forming a pellet. Pollen is the bee’s source of protein, where honey is their source of carbohydrate. The pollen is brought back to the hive and stored in the honeycomb cells for use later to feed the young.Bonaire Marine Park // Jul 29, 2010
On a night dive at the Salt Pier in Bonaire, we saw this Slipper Lobster -- looking like a giant bug -- clambering over the rocks on the ocean floor.Bonaire Marine Park // Jul 23, 2010
Shot on a night dive at the Salt Pier in Bonaire, an octopus blows itself up to frighten you and scoots away into the darkness.Bonaire Marine Park // Jul 19, 2010
During a night dive at the Salt Pier in the Bonaire Marine Park, this sole reef squid put on a display for us.Arenal Volcano National Park // Jun 25, 2010
Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica momentarily has a hat of clouds. The scene changes rapidly. In fifteen minutes the summit could be clear or enveloped in clouds.Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve // Jun 20, 2010
The glittering, jewel-like Green Violet-ear hummingbirds are common in the middle and higher elevation mountains of Costa Rica. They are also found in the mountains of central Mexico down to western Panama in Central America and in the Andes mountains of South America. These hummers are accidental visitors to the United States and Canada.Phil Foster Park // Jun 6, 2010
This octopus was sheltering in an old encrusted bottle on the ocean floor at Phil Foster Park, and hanging out the top to watch the world go by. Curious by nature, he reached out a tentacle to test my muck stick to see if it was edible.St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park // May 20, 2010
This Roseate Spoonbill is nesting at the Alligator Farm, which is a cacophony of sound these days. There are large chicks, middle-sized chicks and tiny chicks all begging to be fed. With the cold winter delaying nesting, many eggs remain to hatch, and birds are still building nests.Phil Foster Park // May 18, 2010
One of our dive acquaintances found this unknown worm at Phil Foster Park. After many inquiries into its identification -- including asking the Museum of Natural History in Los Angeles and other experts -- it was labeled a "spoon worm" (from the spoon-shaped 'mouth' or proboscis at the front) or an "innkeeper worm" (often lives in burrows with 'guests' such as gobies, crabs and other worms). The worm, which is in the phylum Echiura, is very rare in the Caribbean.Wakodahatchee Wetlands // May 16, 2010
A Black-necked Stilt works on its nest at Wakodahatchee Wetlands.Wakodahatchee Wetlands // May 12, 2010
It's chick season at Wakodahatchee, and one of the Green Heron couples has a trio of them, already showing some of the adult coloring.Wakodahatchee Wetlands // May 9, 2010
This very-new Least Bittern chick at Wakodahatchee Wetlands was tentatively getting around on the reeds where the nest was located. Even at this tender age, they leave the nest to defecate. The nest was well-hidden, and threading the photo focus through the reeds presented a challenge.St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park // May 1, 2010
A Roseate Spoonbill comes in for a landing at the St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.Washington Oaks Garden State Park // Apr 27, 2010
A Green Heron on post and on alert at Washington OaksWashington Oaks Garden State Park // Apr 17, 2010
A Great Horned Owl female flies to a limb near her chick, who is old enough to be walking about the oak tree. Like the Fort Matanzas Park owls, the two adults also nested in a tree just outside the visitor center.St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park // Apr 13, 2010
A Crested Crane at the St Augustine Farm Zoological Park sports some impressive headgear.Fort Matanzas National Monument // Apr 8, 2010
The Fort Matanzas Great Horned Owl chick continues to develop at amazing speed. Just after I shot this photo yesterday, he took off for a short flight of twenty feet or so. I was chatting with another photographer and missed the flight shot.St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park // Apr 1, 2010
A Great White Egret selects nest-building sticks at the St Augustine Alligator Farm.River to Sea Preserve // Mar 31, 2010
Surfers emerge from the ocean at River to Sea Preserve, probably to warm up a bit since the surf temperature is running quite a bit below normal for this time of year.Viera Wetlands // Mar 14, 2010
This Great Blue Heron, and another one nearby, were doing what we guessed were territorial displays, strutting with their wings extended and their beaks pointed toward the sky. It was definitely a busy day at Viera.Fort Matanzas National Monument // Mar 10, 2010
At Fort Matanzas, she female Great Horned Owl nesting near the ranger station gives her chick a loving nuzzle upon returning to the nest.Viera Wetlands // Mar 6, 2010
The Limpkins at Viera Wetlands are a little more used to people, so a close-up of this normally-elusive bird is possible.Viera Wetlands // Mar 3, 2010
A Glossy Ibis sucks down a bite at Viera Wetlands. This bird appears dark at a distance, but a closer view, especially in the sunlight, reveals an array of gorgeous colors.Viera Wetlands // Feb 26, 2010
This soft-shelled turtle was resting on the water's edge at Viera Wetlands, stretching his legs and trying to soak up some not-seen-lately sun. They are not one of nature's prettier creatures.Viera Wetlands // Feb 25, 2010
This Eastern Meadowlark was doing what its name implies, hunting around in the grasslands at Viera Wetlands. The vivid coloring really showed up against the brown grasses.Viera Wetlands // Feb 25, 2010
This Eastern Meadowlark was doing what its name implies, hunting around in the grasslands at Viera Wetlands. The vivid coloring really showed up against the brown grasses.Fort Matanzas National Monument // Feb 20, 2010
This is the male of the Great Horned Owl pair that are nesting -- and parenting with the hatching of a chick -- outside the ranger station at Fort Matanzas. On this day he was very accommodating and moved from his dappled-shade perch to a post in the sun to preen and stretch. The sun brings out his gorgeous coloring.Fort Matanzas National Monument // Feb 18, 2010
This is the same Great Horned Owl I posted earlier that was nesting outside the Fort Matanzas ranger station, but now she has one chick. Three eggs fell out of the tree during the nesting period, but she succeeded with this chick. It is brand-new, not-very-pretty and still covered with white down.Viera Wetlands // Feb 15, 2010
A limpkin searches for apple snails, its primary food, at Viera Wetlands.Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge // Feb 8, 2010
The remarkable red and black bill of the Black Skimmer sets it apart from all other American birds. It is knife-thin and the lower mandible is longer than the upper. The bird drags the lower bill through the water to catch small fish as it flies along at a rapid clip.Viera Wetlands // Feb 7, 2010
The Loggerhead Shrike impales its insect catches on thorns, both for convenient eating and storage for later. When no thorns are near, a barbed-wire fence bordering Viera Wetlands works perfectly.River to Sea Preserve // Jan 22, 2010
Red-eared Slider turtles warm up in the sun at the River to Sea Preserve near Marineland. These are non-native turtles but are firmly established in Florida, even interbreeding with the indigenous Yellow-bellied Slider.River to Sea Preserve // Jan 21, 2010
Black-hooded Conures (also known as the Nanday Conure or the Black-hooded Parakeet) established themselves in St Augustine years ago. Other Florida locales also have self-sustaining populations. Two of these lovely but raucous birds were building a nest in a dead palm tree just outside the River to Sea Preserve below Marineland. The birds are native to South America.River to Sea Preserve // Jan 20, 2010
The Palm Warbler is one of the smallest birds in the River to Sea Preserve, located just below Marineland on highway A1A south of St Augustine.Washington Oaks Garden State Park // Jan 17, 2010
Tropical colors brought out for a winter day -- a Gulf Fritillary sips nectar from flowers at Washington Oaks Garden State Park.Washington Oaks Garden State Park // Jan 4, 2010
This was one of the few blossoms left on the bushes at the rose gardens at Washington Oaks on New Year's Eve. We had a hard freeze, so it has probably lost its radiance.Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park // Dec 30, 2009
A Little Blue Heron stalks the wetlands at Paynes Prairie Reserve State Park.Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park // Dec 25, 2009
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is located in north-central Florida in Alachua County. It is known for its outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities including bison, cracker horses and cattle, alligators, sandhill cranes, and over 270 bird species. The principal physical feature of the preserve is a 16,000 acre freshwater marsh/wet prairie known as Paynes Prairie. The preserve includes the Prairie and some of the surrounding uplands for a total of nearly 22,000 acres.Princess Place Preserve // Dec 21, 2009
On impulse, we took a drive out to Princess Place Preserve, and were lucky enough to spot this beautiful American Kestrel.<br>I only had the time to get off one shot before the kestrel was chased away by a kingfisher, who did not linger long enough to be a photographic subject.Blue Spring State Park // Nov 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and here's hoping the web site gets all the bugs out. I shot this eagle from the nature boat ride at Blue Springs State Park. The guide said he would probably fly as the boat passed, but he was cooperative and let us get a few shots.Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park // Nov 13, 2009
This photo was taken at Paynes Prairie the last time I visited there in August, and resident photographer and volunteer extraordinaire Dominick Martino was our host, showing us the natural wonders of “his” place. He was one of the most dynamic posters on MPP, documenting the appearance and behavior of animals, birds, insects and plants of the beautiful preserve where he spent much of his time. Dominick passed away on October 17, 2009 after a short illness. The Friends of Paynes Prairie held a celebration of his life at the preserve on October 22, and a more lasting memorial is being planned. For details, go to <br>http://www.prairiefriends.org/domCelebration.html. He will be sorely missed. Dominick’s web site is http://dommartino.zenfolio.com/<br>Viera Wetlands // Sep 24, 2009
In the wildflower identification book, the wild Passion-flower also has the common name of Maypop. The flower almost looks too complex for such a simple name. This gorgeous wildflower, a vining plant, grows throughout the state, and blooms every season except winter. This one was at Viera Wetlands, but we also found them at Paynes Prairie.St Johns County Ocean Pier Park // Sep 13, 2009
The St Johns County Ocean Pier Park is the scene of many events including free weekly concerts, a farmers' market, surf contests, and special occasions such as the celebration of St Augustine Beach's 50th Anniversary.Washington Oaks Garden State Park // Sep 10, 2009
Gopher Tortoises are an endangered species, mostly from loss of habitat, and the parks (like Washington Oaks) and private lands with understanding owners are safe places for them to be. They are long-lived, up to 40-60 years. This one was probably in the upper range since he was fairly large. The tortoises are herbivores, and he was contently munching on grass until I interrupted him for a photograph.Wakodahatchee Wetlands // Sep 4, 2009
Even in August, a supposedly slow time for bird action, one could find things happening at Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Green Gay. Both of these areas are water treatment areas, and the county has turned them into wildlife habitat -- wonderful spots for the photographer.Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park // Sep 1, 2009
Paynes Prairie served up a veritable feast of wildflowers in August, among them the American Lotus (pictured here), Passionflower, March Mallow, Partridge Pea and a host of others. Nature puts on a grand show.Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park // Aug 15, 2009
There was an array of beautiful butterflies at Paynes Prairie on this day, and many flowers to feast upon.Fort Mose Historical State Park // Aug 4, 2009
Not much was stirring at Fort Mose yesterday except the insects, and some of them were busy making more insects.Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse // Jul 20, 2009
Visited by over 125,000 people each year, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. The lighthouse at the station is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the second tallest masonry lighthouse in the nation.Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse // Jul 20, 2009
On the lighthouse grounds, the Ayres Davies Lens Exhibit Building houses one of the finest collections of restored Fresnel lenses in the world, including the rotating first order Fresnel lens from the Cape Canaveral lighthouse and the restored original Ponce Inlet lighthouse first order Fresnel lens.<br>Fort Mose Historical State Park // Jul 11, 2009
Fort Mose Historical State Park is a small state park just north of St. Augustine. It is small in acreage but nicely arranged, with a boardwalk out over a marshy area. A new visitor center just opened.Bonaire Marine Park // Jun 18, 2009
The Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979, so the country got an early start on conservation. The island economy is geared to to the diving industry.Phil Foster Park // May 24, 2009
Phil Foster Park is a small park on the Intracoastal Canal, and divers find an amazing amount of sea life in the shallow waters there.Butterfly World // May 21, 2009
Tradewinds Park is a 699-acre Broward County regional park that is home to Butterfly World and Tradewinds and Atlantic Railroad. In the butterfly section, hundreds of vividly-colored butterflies flit among equally brilliant flowers as classical music plays in the background. A friend with us, a romantic at heart, was heard to mutter, "Wouldn't this make a great location for a wedding?"Long Key Nature Center // May 20, 2009
The pond at Long Key Nature Center, with a small island in the center, is not very large, but it was the center of an impressive amount of wildlife activity. You did not have to move very far to view the animals, from dragonflies to birds to iguanas.Long Key Nature Center // May 19, 2009
While we were visiting, there was a lot going on in a small area at Long Key Nature Center. In addition to all the wildlife action near the pond, a Hindu wedding, with the guests in beautifully-colored attire, was in progress in the nearby pavilion.Butterfly World // May 17, 2009
At Butterfly World, hundreds of vividly-hued butterflies flit among equally brilliant flowers, with classical music playing in the background. A friend with us, a romantic at heart, was heard to mutter, "Wouldn't this be a great location for a wedding?"Butterfly World // May 14, 2009
Butterfly World is a wealth of beauty, information and education on butterflies and the plants that feed them. We were there for several hours and only completed about a third of the exhibits. There is also an extensive display of hummingbirds and other exotic species, as well as sections for orchids, roses and other flowers.Wakodahatchee Wetlands // May 9, 2009
Wakodahatchie Wetlands is as interesting for the beautiful flowers as it is for the wildlife. Many spring wildflowers, such as this native pickerelweed, were in full bloom.Wakodahatchee Wetlands // May 8, 2009
This was our first visit to Wakodahatchee, and I wish I could move it closer to our home. There was so much going on that you could walk the boardwalk and see stuff, or you could plant yourself in one of the covered shelters and just let things come to you.Great Florida Birding Trail // Apr 1, 2009
We took a hike on the Eco-walk Trail in the Crystal River Buffer Preserve. It is a 2.2 mile walking trail, well-developed with interpretive nature stops along the way. The trail is one of the components of the Nature Coast section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Details can be found at http://www.citrusbirdingtrail.com/BirdcountR.html<br><br>Crystal River Preserve State Park // Mar 28, 2009
Phil Foster Park is a newly-renovated 14.65 acre beach facility on Blue Heron Boulevard in the city of Riviera Beach in close proximity to the Lake Worth Inlet, the Port of Palm Beach and Peanut Island. The park provides numerous recreational opportunities for visitors with emphasis on boater access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. A large pier and two smaller fishing platforms offer anglers the chance to test their saltwater skills in the beautiful waters of the lagoon. A guarded swimming beach provides the perfect access for bathers of all ages to enjoy the sun and fun. A nearby playground facility is sure to delight children ages 5 - 12. A special highlight of the park is four picnic shelters which overlook the surrounding waterway.City of Cape Coral // Mar 10, 2009
The city of Cape Coral protects its famous bird residents, including the burrowing owls, flocks of monk parakeets and nesting eagles. It's a good investment, because the birds bring in visitors, who spend money in the local economy.North Peninsula State Park // Feb 12, 2009
North Peninsula State Park is located along the ocean just below the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. It is an area of low scrub, a perfect area to host a family of scrub jays.Haw Creek Preserve // Dec 29, 2008
Haw Creek Preserve is a Flager County park, a 1000-plus acre parcel with a beautiful creek running through it. A long boardwalk with multiple decks off the pathway along the creek makes walking easy. There are many plants and animals to see and photograph. We found some of the rare green-fly orchids still blooming.Faver-Dykes State Park // Nov 15, 2008
Favor-Dyes Park has one picnic pavilion with power outlets, which makes it an ideal place to brew a pot of coffee and enjoy a crock pot of chili on a cool day.Wakatobi Marine National Park // Nov 1, 2008
The Wakatobi Marine National Park is an archipelago of four large islands located in south east Sulawesi, Indonesia. At 3.4 million acres, it is the second largest marine-protected area in Indonesia. The park encompasses stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches and a wealth of whales and dolphins. Positioned at the heart of the Indo Pacific area where marine biodiversity is at its greatest, diving is truly fantastic. Over 90,000 people live within the national park, many of whom rely on the reefs and inter-tidal habitats for their livelihoods. These peoples include many interesting cultures and histories. The objective of the marine park management is to balance the needs of the local communities while protecting biodiversity.Bonaire Marine Park // Jul 1, 2008
Bonaire was way ahead of the other Caribbean islands in conservation of its marine resources. In 1971 they banned spearfishing; in 1975 they made it illegal to break or take coral. With the support of the World Wildlife Fund, the island established the Bonaire National Marine Park in 1979. The Park starts at the high water mark and extends to 200 feet of depth and covers an area of 6672 acres all around the island. The park's purpose is to ensure that Bonaire's marine resources - its magnificent coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves - remain intact. Every person who dives in Bonaire pays a park fee to support the on-going cost of maintaining this national treasure.Washington Slagbaai National Park // Jun 17, 2008
The flora and fauna of Washington-Slagbaai National Park looks as if it were designed by Dr Seuss. A thick growth of cactus, interspersed with gnarled and unusual trees and scrubs, partially covers the arid landscape. Almost all of this growth seems to sport thorns of some type. Occupying some 13,500 acres at one end of the island of Bonaire (almost one-fifth of the island), this park presents hills with scenic vistas, vast saline plains, beaches and exotic birds. Animal life includes wild donkeAnastasia State Park // Nov 2, 2007
My husband and I live only a few blocks from Anastasia State Park, so it is very handy for me. We recently purchased the Florida State Park pass, and have been putting it to use at various locations. The pass admits up to eight people in a car, and is valid for a year.Cypress Island Preserve // Mar 15, 2007
The Cypress Island Preserve, a Nature Conservancy property in Lake Martin in south Louisiana is an extremely busy rookery at this time of year (March). The great egrets were nesting in the hundreds, with the trees looking as if they had all of a sudden sprouted huge white flowers. Like the St Augustine (Florida) Alligator Farm, the birds find this swamp a great place to build nests because the waters below are full of alligators, which keep any predators from raiding their nests. After the egrets build the roseate spoonbills will arrive, ready to start their nesting season. The preserve also hosts cormorants and great blue herons. The local tour guides can give you an impressive list of resident and migratory birds, including the pileated woodpecker, painted and indigo buntings, butter butts (local for yellow-rumped warbler), various owls and numerous other small birds.Washington Oaks Garden State Park // Feb 13, 2007
Washington Oaks Park is a real treat for the soul almost any time of the year. It's a beautiful place, full of lush plantings, spring-fed ponds and giant spreading oaks. The park always seems to have an active bunch of birds, resident and migratory.Viera Wetlands // Jan 29, 2007
It was our first visit to Viera, and we were amazed at the cacaphony of bird noises. There was such a variety of both birds and sounds, and at times the volume sounded like a crowd in the distance.