Bird Photo Competition 2 2014 : Results

Judges Comment
With literally millions of bird photos now published on the web, creating one that stands out is a real challenge. This Hoopoe flight shot, blending both sharp detail and artistic blur, offers an unusually rich combination of interest and aesthetics. A considerable achievement and a worthy winner.
Photographers Comment
Hoopoe (Upupa epops) Taken at Kiskunság National Park, Hungary Camera: Nikon D800 Lens: 200 mm f/2 G VR Shotter: 1/5 Aperture: 13.0 ISO: 79
matebence.hu/

Judges Comment
An expertly-captured underwater view of the moment a kingfisher does what it's best known for.

Judges Comment
This wonderful technique for capturing swift-trails has already yielded a winning image in one of our past competitions, but it's always good to see more examples.
Photographers Comment
Thank you for the mark of excellence. I am starting to process these images in colour, due to new hardware. Swifts never stop amazing me, for their elegance in flight.
iglance.wordpress.com/

Judges Comment
A balanced, dynamic composition featuring two heron/egret species fighting over a fish. Fine detail, low shooting angle and a clean natural setting add to the result.

Judges Comment
Most people wouldn't think about shorebirds having to cope with blowing sand, but this image illustrates the hazard perfectly and compels the viewer to empathize with the subjects.

Judges Comment
An ultra-detailed close-up of these eagles in flight makes for a dramatic action shot.

Judges Comment
The ghostly form of this flying dove works very well in monochrome, epecially since the head is tack-sharp.
Photographers Comment
Thank you for the mark of excellence. I shot this picture in my garden,i need some days and a lot of shots to get it. Nikon D4 + Sigma 150-500

Judges Comment
Silhouettes of birds work best when the species has a distinctive shape. Frigatebirds are therefore ideal subjects for this treatment and this is a well-executed example.
Photographers Comment
I shot this picture at the Galápagos Islands. Technical Details: Model - Canon EOS 7D Lens - Canon EF 100mm 2,8 L IS USM ExposureTime - 1/500 seconds ISOSpeedRatings - 400 ApertureValue - F 5.60
500px.com/mm-photos

Judges Comment
Most bird photos are taken of birds looking as pristine as possible, so this muddy-faced flamingo has the element of surprise as well as humor.

Judges Comment
A great reminder that compelling bird photos can be captured without leaving your garden or yard.
Photographers Comment
I captured this shot in my backyard while sitting on my porch. I had just received the tamron 150-600 lens and was testing it out by watching the birds come and go. This little bird was prancing and turning on the fence. I caught her as she did a complete turn on the fence.