Bird Photo Competition 2 2020 : Results

  • Competition Winner : First Prize
  • $627.20
  • Judges Comment
  • A major trend in bird photography has been towards depicting birds in their natural habitats, rather than simply isolated against a plain background. This evocative image shows the power of such environmental shots. Lammergeiers (aka Bearded Vultures) are birds of high altitude, so what better way to convey that fact than to show one soaring against a backdrop of half mountain, half cloud? Such a shot could easily be envisaged, but would be extremely challenging to attain in practice. The result in this case really transports the viewer into the Lammergeier's world, especially since the bird has been photographed from eye level, rather than from below.
  • Photographers Comment
  • Glenn Welch: I took the photo in Solsona, Spain in February using a Canon 7D mkii and 100-400mm f4/5.6 mkii. We were in a hide high up in the mountains and the mist had descended leavig us unable to see more than a few feet. For hours we were just staring at a blanket of thick cloud. Mid to late afternoon, just as we were giving up hope the cloud lifted and soon after this Bearded Vulture flew by. I was so suprised I nearly missed the shot!
  • https://www.glennwelchphotography.co.uk/
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A classic sea eagle strike, with the added impact created by a black backdrop
  • Photographers Comment
  • Thank you for the honor! White-tailed Eagle was photographed in Scotland. Since my exposure was a bit low, the bird was lit up properly and the background was slightly dark (the background is ocean water). So in lightroom i just brought the shadows and blacks down, creating the striking dark backdrop. There is no photoshop involved, nothing was moved. Thank you for selecting my photo. Cheers~ Krisztina
  • www.KSNaturePhotography.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • A delightfully posed parent-and-chick portrait that emphasises how much the crane chick has yet to grow
  • Photographers Comment
  • Hi, thank you very much! I'm Diego Cappella, from Wellington, Florida, I used a Nikon Z7 - 70-200mm. My house is near a Wildlife area preserve and for the last 3 years, this Sandhill cranes couple are coming to my backyard with their chicks. Allowing me to have this great opportunity.
  • www.diegocappella.com
  • Mark Of Excellence
  • Judges Comment
  • The essence of summer is conveyed through this backlit study