Wildlife of the Lower Florida Keys

[jprzybyla]

These were shot recently while in the Florida Keys for a week. C&C welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Key Deer



Green Iguana



Broad Winged Hawk

#1



#2



American Kestrel



Muscovy Duck



Free roaming chicken in Key West



My wife photographed this critter roaming around the Key West Cemetery

[jeeperman]

Nice series, Joe. I think the Hawk and Kestrel being my favorite. The Kestrel is such a pretty bird.
The iguana is a tough one, to get down to his level you might just get whipped. I have had my share of lashings by these guys and it can sting acrossed the face.

The head stone reads like it were my own. Completely something I would say.....or rather someone would expect me to say. Is that you rocking the National Geo hat?

[jprzybyla]

Thanks Paul, yup that's me in the National Geo hat. The Kestrel was a big crop because I could not get close, still it came out reasonably well. Such a pretty marked bird, very colorful. The day I shot the Iguana it was a cool morning so it was still moving slow trying to get warm.

[jeeperman]

I used to have a couple 6ft'ers roaming around the house. Those tails can be vicious should you upset one. I have had a difficult time getting close to the Kestrel as well, problem is I have to travel 100+ miles to get to them in the first place.

[Sergio M.]

An amazing series of clear, colorful images, Joe. Love #4.

I don't know about that last critter, Joe, looks kind of dangerous.

[dje]

Another great set Joe. Keep up the good work.

Dave

[Bobobird]

A very nice set of shots - colourful, clear and sharp. You sure had a good week.

[Mike Buckley]

I usually don't find the subject matter particular appealing, but I really like all of these images. I think that's because the environment is such an important part of each image. Great job and kudos to your wife as well!

[jprzybyla]

An amazing series of clear, colorful images, Joe. Love #4.

I don't know about that last critter, Joe, looks kind of dangerous.

Thanks Sergio, I appreciate your viewing and commenting. Maybe once the last critter was kind of dangerous but now he has mellowed and slowed down.

[jprzybyla]

Another great set Joe. Keep up the good work.

Dave

Thanks Dave, your comments and viewing is very much appreciated,

[jprzybyla]

A very nice set of shots - colourful, clear and sharp. You sure had a good week.

Thanks Bobo, these are just a few. Many more not posted here. Next maybe I will post a few of the butterflies.

[jprzybyla]

I usually don't find the subject matter particular appealing, but I really like all of these images. I think that's because the environment is such an important part of each image. Great job and kudos to your wife as well!

Thanks Mike much appreciated. I shall pass along the message to my wife.

[davidedric]

Very nice series Joe as the others have said. Not sure I have a real favourite as they are all so different, but as usual you've nailed them. Planning to head down the keys when we holiday in Florida in February, but didn't know what wildlife photo opportunities. Pardon my ignorance, but what counts as the lower keys?

[KCBrecks]

You are lucky to only be such a short distance away from opportunities like these Joe. These pictures brightened up a really dull morning here, heavy overcast, raining and not enough light to bother with a camera. Your pictures are another reason for hoping to get another chance to visit Florida. That rooster is a real handsome fellow and the detail on the scales of the Iguana is super. One technical question - is the background on the Muscovy Duck from cloning?

- Keith

[Bobobird]

Thanks Bobo, these are just a few. Many more not posted here. Next maybe I will post a few of the butterflies.

Please do.

Same here really hard sometimes pulling back on posting.

[terrib]

Joe, these are excellent. I especially love the little deer and the hawks. They are all so sharp and clear. Great job! And do post some more. I never get tired of looking at them!

[jprzybyla]

Very nice series Joe as the others have said. Not sure I have a real favourite as they are all so different, but as usual you've nailed them. Planning to head down the keys when we holiday in Florida in February, but didn't know what wildlife photo opportunities. Pardon my ignorance, but what counts as the lower keys?

Hi David, the lower keys are basically from Big Pine Key to Key West. The Key Deer are on Big Pine Key and No Name Key. The Key West Botanical Garden has some good wildlife oppurtunities to shoot.

[jprzybyla]

You are lucky to only be such a short distance away from opportunities like these Joe. These pictures brightened up a really dull morning here, heavy overcast, raining and not enough light to bother with a camera. Your pictures are another reason for hoping to get another chance to visit Florida. That rooster is a real handsome fellow and the detail on the scales of the Iguana is super. One technical question - is the background on the Muscovy Duck from cloning?

- Keith

Thanks Kieth I appreciate you commenting. The background on the Muscovy Duck is natural without any cloning. The duck was in deep underbrush sitting on a log. The green is a reflection from the overhead canopy.

[jprzybyla]

Joe, these are excellent. I especially love the little deer and the hawks. They are all so sharp and clear. Great job! And do post some more. I never get tired of looking at them!

Thank you Terri, your viewing and commenting are very much appreciated. I just looked at your sunset...great work.

[pnodrog]

Hi Joe, I like the close up of the Broad Winged Hawk best. Nice set and obviously your wife is a talented photographer.