Bird Photo Competition 1 2015 : Results

Judges Comment
With so many bird images around these days, it's increasingly difficult to create one that stands out from the crowd. One way is to capture an image that has humor or tells a story, especially one that relates birds to us as humans. This well-conceived and well-timed capture of a pair of storks nesting on a tower crane is an excellent example. As well as providing all the elements needed to sum up the situation, it pays tribute to our level of civilisation by showing what disruption we will endure to help wildlife. A memorable, feel-good image.
Photographers Comment
Thanks a lot! My name is Stefan Betz and I come from Germany. I am a member of the GDT (the Society of German Nature Photographers). More pictures around the storks can be found on my homepage.
www.betz-naturfoto.de

Judges Comment
Capturing this aerial ballet straight into the sunset whilst retaining tonal detail requires considerable photographic skill. The shapes formed by the birds, the trail of water droplets and the backdrop all complement each other beautifully.
Photographers Comment
2 great white egrets are fithting during sunset in Hungary. Canon 1D Mark IV and 70-200 at 130mm
500px.com/Lemarcost

Judges Comment
An extreme action shot that would challenge the best wildlife photographers. The swift's red gape stands out against the color-contrasting green canvas.
Photographers Comment
A fast moving Pallid Swift captured as it is diving towards a small pool of water with its mouth wide open to grasp the floating insects from the surface of the water. Canon 7D, 300mm lens-2.8L + 1.4 extender, Bean bag Photographer: Nikos Fokas
www.nikosfokas-photography.blogspot.gr/

Judges Comment
An evocative backlit study with the sun and owl balancing the arrangement and the trees providing a strong sense of place.
500px.com/Lemarcost

Judges Comment
The head-on pose of this Osprey with its enormous catch makes for a striking image.

Judges Comment
Tropical colors and strong composition create a graphic travel photo that makes you want to be there.
Photographers Comment
Isla Holbox. This was shot with an Olympus EM-5 at 42mm f/5.6 ISO 250 1/800 sec. In beautiful Quintana Roo, Mexico. The island located on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Contrast and Exposure slightly adjusted for punchier colors. Thank you for your comments. Luis A. Baltazar
www.luisbaltazar.com

Judges Comment
The 'barber shop choir' poses of these calling gulls were well observed and captured.
Photographers Comment
Thank you for the Mark of Excellence, I'm very honored. My name is Vinni Bruhn, I am 51 years old, and lives in Denmark. These 3 tenors gave a spontanious concert to me and one of my friends, back in 2012 somewhere in Denmark. They were really funny, and we had a good laugh that day. The picture is captured with a Canon 1Dmark IV and a Canon 300 mm. f/2,8
vinnibruhnphotography.zenfolio.com/

Judges Comment
A perfect reflection and wonderful colors make this an eye-catching image.
Photographers Comment
Thank you for your selection of my photo. I am Mike Hutsenpiller a retired veterinarian living in Victorville CA. This was taken at Merritt Island Florida in a wildlife park called The Savannahs. The camera used was a Canon 5D. This was early in the morning without any wind which made this reflection of the Spoonbill possible.

Judges Comment
Monochrome treatment and thoughtful placement of the silhouetted starling in the frame create a strong, atmospheric composition.
Photographers Comment
"Bird On A Wire" by Jon Luvelli. | Taken near Columbia, Missouri, USA.
www.jonluvelli.com