https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/homepage daily 0.75 2026-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1526434090515-LW62IIR4DSPA4C4GKES6/Bird+photographer+logo+ideas-05.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/2c419269-5265-4d6d-82b1-eebcddd2cda1/blue%2Bbanner%2B2.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/735e129c-b570-47b1-87d1-80ddf4805852/2025+Awards+open+16+May.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/13d2213c-e232-42e9-95c0-90a4a4f6f1ba/FAQs+%283%29.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/d28132c3-9493-4a03-bba9-648ce4d5d90f/Judges.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/5f251a32-e6fa-4188-8a59-87d688105330/Winners+gallery.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/15152db0-3404-4a35-8ab5-73f460024ddb/Categories.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/300580da-c4e8-4415-8420-3020bf498950/Rules.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/2dbfd5af-832d-4e70-925d-53ff8f64982b/Top+tips.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1564537832666-DGWNYN87FWJCIPR2YKMA/yellow+banner+2.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/286db146-ee14-45e3-a7fb-e0d462331356/Nikon%2Blogo%2B330.png Home - Make it stand out Nikon Australia is an Australian leader in digital imaging and optics, and is the proud Principal Sponsor of the 2025 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/7852b641-211b-4233-8734-aadb34bb47ef/Lake%2BCowal%2Blogo%2B330px.png Home - Make it stand out Lake Cowal Foundation (LCF) is a not-for-profit Environmental Trust, established to protect and enhance the nationally-significant wetlands of Lake Cowal in New South Wales. LCF is a proud sponsor of the 2025 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards Birds in the Landscape category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1c36342c-78db-424e-a819-587fb28cf012/nikon+Z8+530px+centred.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/b90c5305-cae8-4abc-996a-96c9b5b0dc9e/40673-Portrait-Preening+Ones+Feathers.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/13d2213c-e232-42e9-95c0-90a4a4f6f1ba/FAQs+%283%29.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/15152db0-3404-4a35-8ab5-73f460024ddb/Categories.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/300580da-c4e8-4415-8420-3020bf498950/Rules.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/5f251a32-e6fa-4188-8a59-87d688105330/Winners+gallery.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/d28132c3-9493-4a03-bba9-648ce4d5d90f/Judges.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/2dbfd5af-832d-4e70-925d-53ff8f64982b/Top+tips.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1c36342c-78db-424e-a819-587fb28cf012/nikon+Z8+530px+centred.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/286db146-ee14-45e3-a7fb-e0d462331356/Nikon%2Blogo%2B330.png Home - Nikon Australia Nikon Australia is an Australian leader in digital imaging and optics, and is the proud Principal Sponsor of the 2025 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/7852b641-211b-4233-8734-aadb34bb47ef/Lake%2BCowal%2Blogo%2B330px.png Home - Make it stand out Lake Cowal Foundation (LCF) is a not-for-profit Environmental Trust, established to protect and enhance the nationally significant wetlands of Lake Cowal in New South Wales. LCF is a proud sponsor of the 2025 BirdLife Australia Photography Awards: Birds in the Landscape category. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698117778057-7WWXF0QNMX3ER9T7WXSL/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732089207855-0XD6XUC0UUMYW0O7P3H6/The+mohawk+pigeon+by+Raz+Brewer.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/about-us daily 0.75 2026-02-27 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/faqs daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/d07b4475-4b23-4b85-b76d-aa7ee698bd2a/Howard+Loosemore.jpg FAQs Bush Stone-curlew by Howard Loosemore https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/themes daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040795893-ORPE6WQAH7F0RB6IWOY4/Water+trails+by+Rebecca+Harrison.jpg Categories - Categories Water trails by Rebecca Harrison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/a62a8d86-06c6-46b7-aa5c-5661a8f017a7/Nikon+Z+8+camera+%281%29.png Categories - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040795893-ORPE6WQAH7F0RB6IWOY4/Water+trails+by+Rebecca+Harrison.jpg Categories - Categories Water trails by Rebecca Harrison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/a62a8d86-06c6-46b7-aa5c-5661a8f017a7/Nikon+Z+8+camera+%281%29.png Categories - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/rules daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips daily 0.75 2024-07-23 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2024/7/23/graham-cam monthly 0.5 2025-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/32b46cd3-2686-469e-83d5-a24fc83cb4eb/2024+BAPA+Judges.png Tips & Tricks - Graham Cam - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/31994dcf-1fa2-432b-9b30-5579efec1a7e/beautiful+firetail+graham+cam.jpg Tips & Tricks - Graham Cam - Make it stand out Beautiful Firetail by Graham Cam https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-shelley-pearson monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/e9c37b62-d10f-45fb-9abc-f80005eae3f2/Shelley+Pearson+Aus+Grebe.jpg Tips & Tricks - Shelley Pearson Australasian Grebe by Shelley Pearson https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2022/4/12/2022-judges-tips-michael-snedic monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/925d806c-7b1c-40ba-9eb8-b328dd143608/King+penguin+portrait.jpg Tips & Tricks - Michael Snedic - Make it stand out King Penguin by Michael Snedic https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2023/6/20/2023-tips-lucca-amorim monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1687245438561-X2W4ZEGGIYC1ZXQKX4UZ/luccathumbnail.jpg Tips & Tricks - Lucca Amorim - Make it stand out Red-rumped Parrots by Lucca Amorim https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-tim-van-leeuwen monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/679a1aae-38e5-4736-a8c7-52cf8d0e5a83/Tim+Van+Leeuwen.png Tips & Tricks - Tim Van Leeuwen Little Egret by Tim Van Leeuwen https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2019-georgina-steytler monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563332724673-FMDMIGW18FCAN1JNYWIZ/Andy+Rouse+two+grebes.JPG Tips & Tricks - Georgina Steytler Great Crested Grebes by Andy Rouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183852673-M1E1G7EN81MN3LB8XXBV/Berry+Happy+Emu.jpg Tips & Tricks - Georgina Steytler - Make it stand out Emu by Georgina Steytler https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2022/4/12/2022-judges-tips-lia-bocchiaro monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/accfac43-5194-4359-947c-a5cdd2a0687e/Lia-Bocchiaro_Scarlet-Tanager.jpg Tips & Tricks - Lia Bocchiaro - Make it stand out Scarlet Tanager by Lia Bocchiaro https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2022/4/12/2022-judges-raoul-slater monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/322e2c25-d7af-4f67-b3b5-d24b74a8d94b/Raoul-Slater--Egret-Cattle.jpg Tips & Tricks - Raoul Slater - Make it stand out Cattle Egret by Raoul Slater https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2020-moose-peterson monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563331556103-5GJOTUHHOPUSU2ZYWOY8/Moose+Peterson+Allen%27s+Hummingbird+0776.jpg Tips & Tricks - Moose Peterson Allen’s Hummingbird by Moose Peterson https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2020-ian-wilson monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1587625028381-IEE3911N6IS1AAA0HWLX/ian+wilson+throng Tips & Tricks - Ian Wilson A Throng of Thieves by Ian Wilson https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2020-david-stowe monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1587618950406-WZE6EQST8K5HCTWX09LB/david+stowe+emuscape Tips & Tricks - David Stowe Emuscape by David Stowe https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2020-sabine-meyer monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563333115683-I24TNIQO777K9GSPHICE/Bonnie+Block_baldeagle%2Cgreat+blue+heron_+professional.jpg Tips & Tricks - Sabine Meyer Bald Eagle and Great Blue Herons by Bonnie Block https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2019-chris-bray monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563332010264-NNSW11TPC0PXMW5SD4A6/chris+bray+birds-4.jpg Tips & Tricks - Chris Bray Horned Puffin by Chris Bray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563332063534-03H5465NMBBD16Q1JA4T/chris+bray+birds.jpg Tips & Tricks - Chris Bray Welcome Swallows by Chris Bray https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2019-dean-ingwerson monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563332376005-TAHMRGB4WF18404PRG2Z/Gentoo+penguin+and+Elephant+seal+by+Glenn+Ehmke.jpg Tips & Tricks - Dean Ingwersen Gentoo Penguin and Elephant Seal by Glenn Ehmke https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563332412850-LT5QJ5PGWHO8D0OIF7LF/Jan+Wegener+GS+Parrot.jpg Tips & Tricks - Dean Ingwersen Golden-shouldered Parrot by Jan Wegener https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/78a678fc-6967-4805-b19e-7d545f7e4bf6/Dean+Ingwerson.jpg Tips & Tricks - Dean Ingwersen - Make it stand out Crested Terns by Dean Ingwersen https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2020-andy-rouse monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563330926074-OBC470U6G0CK4H3W3N31/Andy+Rouse+winners+2.JPG Tips & Tricks - Andy Rouse Great Crested Grebe by Andy Rouse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1563330963970-EIN4CIALT715SFDE0EJ8/Andy+Rouse+winners+6.jpg Tips & Tricks - Andy Rouse Barn Owl by Andy Rouse https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/2020/3/3/judges-tips-2020-ofer-levy monthly 0.5 2024-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1587619695447-21FR9NL2HQOGVYD77A0O/ofer+levy+kestrels Tips & Tricks - Ofer Levy Mating Nankeen Kestrels by Ofer Levy https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2019 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2018 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2024 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2023 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2022 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2021 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/category/2020 monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/tag/International+Judge monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/tag/Coordinator monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/tips/tag/Judge monthly 0.5 https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/contact-us daily 0.75 2025-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/9e7a98cd-e695-4809-964c-fdea86c280fe/Devon+Bull.jpg Contact Us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2018 daily 0.75 2020-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542152689161-BOVPVRMJFGNZVQRK87EN/Bird+Behaviour.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Slight Disagreement by Shelley Pearson BIRD BEHAVIOUR WINNER Each year the Little Egrets along with other birds mass feed at a certain time of the year. This is exciting to watch as birds compete for the fish and bad behaviour often occurs. This is something I have wanted to capture in camera and I have pursued passionately over the years. It has a high degree of difficulty due to the behaviour suddenly occurring and is over very quickly as they jump into the air. Technical aspects are hard to achieve as you have no control of direction of behaviour, backgrounds etc. This appeals because I managed to isolate these two from the crowd and expressions on their faces is clearly shown. (Canon 1DX with Canon 500 F4 IS II + 1.4x II extender, 1/3200 sec, f7.1 ISO 500) Little Egret, Mandurah Estuary, Coodanup, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542153438625-URLFTZEI7KXD5DFH0WUR/a+family+affair+-+bird+portraits.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - A family affair by Gary Meredith BIRD PORTRAIT WINNER Australian Rainbow Bee-eaters are rarely seen in large groups in Australia, so when I happened to find groups of Bee-eaters out in a remote part of the Great Sandy Desert in Western Australia I almost didn't believe what I was seeing at first. Over a period of a couple of weeks, I woke very early in the mornings as they only seem to sit together for the first hour of sunlight and then disperse after they had warmed up. The Bee-eaters tend to sit quite high in the trees so getting anything other than a blue sky background was going to be quite challenging. My only option was to hold my tripod with camera attached as high as I could and use the touchscreen on the Nikon D850 to take the photo! (Nikon D850 with Sigma 150-500 @ 500mm, 1/2000 sec, f7.1 ISO 640) Rainbow Bee-eater, Great Sandy Desert, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542153909034-QFOLO8HLML7BXIQRPI1D/Brolgas+flee+fire+-+birds+in+landscape.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Brolga's flee fire by Cathryn Vasseleu BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE WINNER From the Arnhem Highway near Mamukala wetlands in Kakadu I saw a typical dry season grassfire. Kites were hovering above the flames to swoop down and snatch fleeing prey. What made the scene special was a contrasting element; a green patch of waterlilies where some Brolgas were staying well away from the blaze. Being upwind of the billowing smoke I had a clear enough view to capture the dramatically different relationship between the two groups of birds and their fiery environment. (Canon 5D Mark II with EF100-400mm, @ 400mm, 1/160 sec, f32, ISO 1000) Brolga, Arnhem Highway, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542154165657-LE4WYSLNP48DWWU504HL/swooping+-+creative-fine+art.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Swooping by Sar Nop CREATIVE/FINE ART WINNER I regularly go to Akuna Bay to capture pictures of the local raptors as a few pairs of White-Bellied Sea-Eagles and Whistling Kites nest along the escarpments there. On the morning I took these photos I was on a small fishing boat when a nearby school of fish attracted a Whistling Kite, which started swooping its potential prey. I grabbed a burst of the action and took a dozen images, afterwards combining them to create this swooping sequence on my computer. Whistling Kite, Akuna Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542154416237-IMNO3TUNY5A2NBWRMULM/Human+Impact.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - A tragic end by Danny McCreadie HUMAN IMPACT WINNER We were driving along a remote dirt road near Burra SA when we noticed an emu foot pointing skyward along a fence line. Investigation revealed the bird had become entangled while attempting to traverse a barbed wire fence. Unable to free itself it was left to die of exposure to the elements. A tragic end. (Canon 7D Mark II with EF 24-70mm @ 24mm, 1/1250 sec, f6.3, ISO 400) Emu, Burra, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542154873685-KN59C472S5C929QNY5R9/Shadow+dancer+-+black+cockatoos+category.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Shadow Dancer by Lachlan Hall BLACK-COCKATOOS WINNER I had spent 6 weeks helping study the drumming and display behaviours of Palm Cockatoos for ANU the year prior to this but we were required to be filming the birds whenever they displayed. In this time I fell in love with Palm Cockatoos or "Palmies" as we called them, they're a species full of character, a funky look to match it and their display behaviours are fascinating and exciting to witness. I had dreamed of getting a shot like this of a Palmy in the classic "wing spread" display pose, complete with the crest raised and stunning red cheek patch (and tongue!) on full display, but it wasn't until I returned to the area on holiday the following year that I had my opportunity. This was taken on my first morning back at Iron Range and knowing how difficult it had often been to capture them displaying, I couldn't be believe being woken up by this male performing and calling loudly on this perfect open perch only 100m or so from camp. I was even more delighted when I realised the golden sun had cast a perfect shadow of the birds unique silhouette against its outstretched wing. (Canon 7D with EF 400mm f/5.6 L, 1/400sec, f6.3, ISO 640) Palm Cockatoo, Iron Range, Cape York, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542154974022-GNV0EBS6W5FBMKULG2OB/youth.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Crested Pigeon by Campbell Mole YOUTH WINNER I’ve always had a huge interest in birds since I was really young, and so when I became interested in photography when I was 14 it was sort of natural that I wanted to take photos of birds. I took this particular photo off my grandparent’s back deck in Park Orchards. There was a Crested Pigeon sitting on a mossy tree branch out the window, and it was lit up really nicely on one side by the early morning sun, which I thought would make a good picture. (Nikon D5600 with Sigma 150-600mm @ 555mm, 1/1000 sec, f6, ISO 640) Crested Pigeon, Park Orchards, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157543667-4UJF3RCRKFF0QFZ8O9OU/TawnyFrogmouth.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - I Am Invisible by Colin Driscoll Tawny Frogmouth This Tawny Frogmouth had found an ideal spot to merge with the strip bark of the tree. An opportunistic shot. (Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II, 1/200 sec, f10, ISO 400) Wollar region east of Mudgee, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157728359-HC6O3MYM8C560RLOVS1P/Cockatiel-Drinking.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - At the End of a Hot Day by Wilson Lennard Cockatiel I was working in Derby for several weeks and at the end of most days I would drive 40km east along the Gibb River Road from Derby to a small cattle water hole right next to the road. It was only August but the days were getting warm and usually above 32 C. It had been a very dry previous wet season and so water was scarce, so many birds were coming in to this water hole at the end of the day for a drink after a hot day. I really love the symmetry of the pose of the Cockatiel in this photograph. (Canon 70D with Tamron 150-600mm @ 330mm, 1/1580 sec, f7.1, ISO 400) Gibb River Road, Kimberley, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158827197-95BM0N5JDLFJHGNPB045/Behaviour-Royal-Penguin-MacquarieIsland-TAS-812-13-11.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Battle Royal by Duade Paton Royal Penguin I was photographing the Royal Penguin colony on Macquarie Island and observed the commotion caused when a Penguin had to make its way past its neighbours. This photo really appealed to me as I thought it really captured the hive of activity that was going on. The Penguins fight for their tiny area of rocks and will defend it from intruders. (Canon 1DX with Canon EF300 f/2.8 IS II, 1/2000 sec, f4.5, ISO 400) Macquarie Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157839917-10O68BD215JNV1VHEMLT/Berries+for+Brekky.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Berries for Breaky by Michael Hanvey Gang-gang Cockatoo Masses of vibrant red Hawthorn berries had attracted a flock of Gang-Gang Cockatoos to a site at Lithgow, New South Wales. The challenge was to capture a moment when the cockatoos were not obscured by the foliage. I eventually managed to find a non-intrusive backdrop for this image of a female Gang-Gang feasting on the Hawthorn berries. (Canon EOS 1DX Mark II with Canon EF600mm f/4L IS II USM, tripod support, 1/500 sec, f6.3, ISO 2000) Lithgow, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158003830-B60E7D21N9BL3LPV0NK0/Brown+Falcon+and+snake+2X6A6252.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Brown Falcon vs Brown Snake by Bill Harding Brown Falcon I watched the duel between this bird and the snake for some time using my car as a bird-hide. The risk of death was quite real for the bird as the snake made several attempts to strike with its fangs. I entered this photo as it depicts the moment when the bird seemed to finally be in control. I was fortunate to have the morning sun behind me and the bird was completely preoccupied, allowing a candid shot. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF600mm f/4L USM non-IS lens, 1/2000 sec, f7.1, ISO 400) Lake Cargellico, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158203258-XEOTOL6BRBF8RSDYAOEY/abpy+fixed-6.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Doomed! by Janette Rodgers Australasian Darter This little fish seems to be pleading to be set free with his big eyes but is about to go down the hatch. It was lightly raining when I took this shot as seen in the background. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 @ 500mm, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 500) Coomera River Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542160989577-7EQ6M1G3ZNVNGVP7R3YX/First+come+first+served.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - First Come First Served by Maria Mazo Silver Gull The seagull's fight noisy fight for food caught my attention and I was lucky enough to capture this photo while they were all moving. (Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon EF 100-400mm @ 400mm, 1/2000 sec, f7.1, ISO 640) The Entrance, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157926580-WYZD5WJ4JYNA8J2HFIGO/Hide+and+Seek_LachlanHall.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Hide and Seek by Lachlan Hall Red-capped Plover It was a joy to watch this father-chick duo foraging together along the shoreline. Dad would allow the youngster to wander off by itself a little way but if a raven or whistling kite was passing overhead he would make short sharp contact calls getting the chick to come running back and hide beneath Dad's wing. (Canon 7D with Canon EF 400 f5.6 L, 1/3200 sec, f8, ISO 800) Culburra Beach, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157058485-BEPWIHYSBAXF4RSB30YU/purple+backed+fw.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Joy in the Morning by Joy Peter Variegated Fairy-wren (eclipse male) Imagine being at a lookout looking towards Uluru in the early morning, turning around and seeing a little wren celebrating the morning in the cool desert air. It was a surprising moment captured because he was as curious about me as I was about him. They do not stay still for long. (Canon 7D Mark II with Sigma DG 150-500 mm @ 500 mm, 1/1600 sec, f6.3, ISO 1250) Yulara, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157292416-29TKAK8VQJMW2DN31MD6/Behaviour+03.JPG Gallery - winners 2018 - Kingfisher Discussion by John Dalton Sacred Kingfisher Kingfishers are very still when hunting, swift when on the move and very animated in conversation. These two argued face to face for minutes before going their separate ways. (Canon 7D with Canon EF 500mm + 1.4x extender, 1/3200 sec, f8, ISO 1600) Gordonbrook Dam (near Kingaroy), Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157386497-LED0NVSJZWGVUCLGCD1X/Mating+Season.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Mating Season by Jan Robinson Rainbow Bee-eater Male and female mating. (Nikon D7200 with Nikon 80-400mm @ 400mm, 1/1000 sec, f8, ISO 800) Canning Regional Park,WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542157171874-L1PG2L4BPR5V46YUYZ8G/Nankeen_Kestrels.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Nankeen Kestrels Fighting by David Adam Nankeen Kestrel It was early morning, I was photographing a juvenile Nankeen Kestrel perched on a handrail, when out of nowhere another Kestrel swooped down and clawed at the younger bird, I believe they were play fighting. They both flew off together and resumed their hovering over nearby cliffs. (Nikon D500 with AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR, 1/1600 sec, f4, ISO 1600) The Nobbies, Phillip Island, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158317231-78TT9WQXOCWL31P7VTGU/_D8Z6061-r5.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Mid-air Exchange by Sar Nop Peregrine Falcon An adult Peregrine Falcon is feeding a Common Starling to his young one. (Nikon D850, 600mm, 1/1600 sec, f4, ISO 1600) Dee Why headland, Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158533436-XV8OGOPG9N2QV702MABD/0Q0A0274.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - On the Hunt by Theresa Pitter Great Egret The still morning provided good opportunities to get reflections on the water. I was crouching down low to obscure myself from the bird's view. I was really enjoying watching this Egret forage around for prey in the shallow water. It would walk slowly, then stand motionless before rapidly dunking its head into the water in the hope of catching something. The fast shutter speed enabled me to get an action shot of this hunting behaviour. (Canon 5D Mark III with Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM @ 600mm, 1/4000 sec, f6.3, ISO 320) Shelley Foreshore. Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158614037-3Z1JBHYATH9TO27Z3F4Y/ROyal-5154.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Royal Penguin by Henry Cook Royal Penguin Royal Penguins come ashore through the kelp. Although it looks like a tough way to make landfall, it protects them from predators at this vulnerable time. (Nikon D800, 200mm, 1/800 sec, f10, ISO 1000) Macquarie Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542160886641-AJ7QIWC4JNFSF4ZSSJTZ/SendInTheClowns.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Send in the Clowns by Peter Brown Sulphur-crested Cockatoo This is how the cockies act, clowning around and having fun - they often congregate in the large gum tree at the back of our property and interact with each other in a playful way. The overexposed sky concentrates the viewer’s attention on the birds. (Canon 5DsR with Canon EF 300mm f2.8 L II IS USM + 2x extender) Palm Cove, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158415258-GO8UW0G3YB6EQMA9SQZU/Red-capped_Plover_B14X3851_Tathra_1800px.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Six-legged Red-capped Plover by Leo Berzins Red-capped Plover Female Red-capped Plover hiding her two chicks from a passing gull. (Canon 1DX with Canon 500mm f/4 + 1.4x extender, 1/2500 sec, f5.6, ISO 1600) Mogareeka, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158134486-EFVPUAHI1RSTCU173QH3/Bee-eaters+2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Stay Together, it's Cold by Gary Meredith Rainbow Bee-eater Winter out in the Great Sandy Desert can be very cold. Rainbow Bee-eaters, which migrate up from the south west of WA, seek the warmth of northern Australia during winter. In rarely seen behaviour, these Bee-eaters seem to huddle together in the first hour of daylight to try and stay warm as the cold wind blows across the desert. (Nikon D850 with Sigma 150-500 @ 450mm, 1/1250 sec, f7.1, ISO 640) The Great Sandy Desert, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542160797777-17PK44RBT8GELQ9GBMMB/Portrait-Red-necked-Stint-CulburraNSW-1001162.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Stint Reflection by Duade Paton Red-necked Stint Conditions were perfect, no wind, shallow water, reeds reflecting colour on the water. I lay in the shallow water and photographed the migratory waders as they fed around me. This Red-necked Stint has dipped its head into the mud causing a ripple in the water. I was drawn to the reflection and minimalist feeling the image evokes. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II + 1.4x extender, 1/1600 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Lake Wollumboola, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542158691391-QX4AF259MLGW1OV8IF4S/Behaviour-Black-winged-Stilt-Lake-WollumboolaNSW-24714.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The Reflection by Duade Paton Black-winged Stilt I arrived at a local lake early before the sun came up. As I wandered down to the lake I observed a pair of Black-winged Stilts feeding in the shallows. I approached quietly crawling in the mud. I then lay and photographed the birds as they continued feeding. I was over the moon when I saw this shot and realised both birds were in focus and the reflections really add to the shot. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II + 1.4x extender, 1/2000 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Lake Wollumboola, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163232297-OU5E4OAG3Z6GE3YUZGAS/IMG_6221-3.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - A Flash of Beauty by Louis Backstrom Brown Honeyeater Regarded by many as one of Australia's more drably-plumaged birds, Brown Honeyeaters have a reputation for pugnacity and their relative abundance means they are frequently overlooked. However, as with all birds they have a hidden beauty. When this bird flew to the top of a nearby banksia and began to call vociferously I started shooting, hoping perhaps for a nice image of the bird in its singing pose. The result was entirely unexpected - a brief wing flash exposing the vivid colours normally tucked away, a millisecond of beauty hidden among the mundane. (Canon 550D with Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM @ 300mm, 1/400 sec, f7.1, ISO 400) Bribie Island, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542164223947-TGRBNMG7EMMUUW85V5TD/Crimson+Rosella+autumn+2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Autumn Crimson Rosella by Bill Harding Crimson Rosella This beautiful Crimson Rosella (sub species flaveolus) perched for a while in a silver birch tree in my backyard. The bird obligingly performed a stretching routine in front of me. This routine showcased a beautiful variety of blues including light blues to sky blues as well as cobalt blues to navy and dark blues. I had just recently purchased the 400m F5.6 lens and this was one of the first ten or so photos that I took with it. I was pleased with the photo because quite often I would get a fleeting glimpse of these lovely birds flying past and be in awe of their wonderful wing colorations in flight but at the same time feel a sense of frustration at not being able to get a long enough look to really appreciate their beauty. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 400 mm f5.6L USM, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 1600) Wodonga, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542171820288-1KDBLLRXFL9U1ZRA0ET9/Great+Egret.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Beauty and Light by Shelley Pearson Great Egret This photo is all about showing the beauty of birds, light and colour. This was captured at first light when the sky is a stunning array of colour. I am very passionate about capturing the light and show the beauty of nature and our birds. The Great egret was already hunting at this time of the day and I was focused on the bird in particular. (Canon 1DX with Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II. 1.4x II extender, 1/1000 sec, f5.6, ISO 2000) Mandurah estuary, Coodanup, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163821004-DF3JAVB4WJW4RFW5FYZ2/DSC_0921-Edit-2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Cassowary by Chris Firth Southern Cassowary After days of searching the north Queensland forests for cassowaries, we finally found one ... on the beach. The wait was worth it, as the cassowary was completely unfazed by us, posing generously so we could see its famous casque, crazy face-paint and beautiful eye lashes. (Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500 mm @ 400mm,1/200 sec, f6.3, ISO 500) Etty Beach, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163287645-1PVOHQ7FN5LVYUHCTWXA/Australia_QLD_Australian_Ringneck_macgillivrayi_1.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Cloncurry Ringneck by Daniel Venema Australian Ringneck I was glad to capture this acrobatic pose as a group of these parrots fed at dusk. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x III extender, 1/125 sec, f5.6, ISO 3200) Mount Isa, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542171748686-AJR2SUJMX6PC2F2AEE5Y/Daintree+-+Cairns+409-Edit-2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Drying Times by Danny McCreadie Australasian Darter While travelling along the river by boat we passed this Darter perched in the middle of the river, drying its wings. I like this image because you can almost feel the texture of the feathers. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM II, 1/1250 sec, f4, ISO 640) Daintree River, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542171606340-OJO14VLK5V8DBSB46N6A/DSC_8291.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Early Morning Magpie by Bobbi Marchini Australian Magpie It was a very cold morning when I noticed the magpie sitting on the fence warbling so I grabbed the zoom and tried to time it so the "steam" from his singing breath would show. (Nikon D7200, 140mm, 1/1250 sec, f5.6, ISO 500) Bellingen, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163651337-DWYE5ANK3I3QH74B7C8E/Eastern+Curlew.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Eastern Curlew by Simon Blanchflower Eastern Curlew This photograph was taken at the end of summer and depicts an Eastern Curlew taking flight. It gives me a sense of the challenges these birds face during their long migration and the hope of returning as the last droplets of Australia slip from its feet and bill. (Canon 7D Mark II, 600mm, 1/6400 sec, f4, ISO 800) Comerong Island, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163372140-B6BJYPH8CB4ZITGZVJZD/BPOTYfinal.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Feathers all in Check by Rebecca Harrison Red-capped Plover This little Red Capped Plover was preening in the early morning sun, making sure that everything was in order before settling down to have a nap. (Canon 7D Mark II, 400mm, 1/2500 sec, f7.1, ISO 400) Two Rocks Beach, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542756345462-E4FXTFY1Z6LIVJ15FICF/abpy+fixed-11.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Intruder Alert by Janette Rodgers White-faced Heron This white-faced heron is using his fluffy feathers to alert an intruder that this is his patch of river. He is very used to human presence here as it is a favourite spot for walkers and fishermen. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 @ 500mm, 1/3200 sec, f5.6, ISO 500) Coomera River, Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163463466-SYUW2RXRQ1WSMF385RQS/Laurie.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Laurie by Rex Boggs Rainbow Lorikeet Friends and I went to Mt Archer one morning to photograph birds, mainly hoping to see a kookaburra. While cooking breakfast, this lorikeet decided to join us. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 500 mm f4, 1/500 sec, f4, ISO 250) Mt Archer National Park, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542164310342-L888G9I1Z5J0LVMVJ8FM/Magpie.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Magpie Look by Muneer Alshanti Australian Magpie I was sitting at the coffee shop around lunch time when this bird came looking for food. I did take the full face photo but cropped it as showing the one eye look stronger. (Canon 7D with Canon EF 300mm f2.8L II + 2x extender, 1/100 sec, f5.6, ISO 320) Whiteman Park, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163739735-LYD7OFTKTAGE312DLKI0/One+of+Seventeen.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - One of Seventeen by Lachlan Hall Orange-bellied Parrot The excitement of seeing these birds and even now, reviewing my images from a year and a half ago, is tinged with an immense sadness knowing how dire their situation is. This individual, "Silver Silver P" was one of just seventeen Orange-bellied Parrots that survived the return migration to Tasmania for the 2016/17 summer breeding season. (Canon 7D with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L, 1/1000 sec, f6.3, ISO 1250) Melaleuca, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172036836-55IUB9RQBORPZ2YVWTHD/Portrait-Red-necked-Stint-CulburraNSW-100116-2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Shorebird Reflection by Duade Paton Red-necked Stint Conditions were perfect, no wind, shallow water, reeds reflecting colour on the water. I lay in the shallow water and photographed the migratory waders as they fed around me. This Red-necked Stint was feeding as it walked. The water was so smooth as there were no other birds nearby and no wind. I was drawn to the reflection and minimalist feeling the image evokes. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II + 1.4x extender, 1/1600 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Lake Wollumboola, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542171960057-46E6UX4DJW6T4BDX2GCJ/Cassowary-6025.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Southern Cassowary Portrait by David Stowe Southern Cassowary A Cassowary emerges from the gloom of the rainforest into a patch of sunlight. (Canon 1DX Mark II, 214mm, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 640) Etty Bay, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542171669058-OGZB8PZOESL005WAQA09/416A2574-Edit-3.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Spotted Harrier by Danny McCreadie Spotted Harrier I had seen this Harrier sitting on the fence alongside the highway. I pulled over to take a photo but being shy it flew off but not before I snapped this image. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM II, 1/4000 sec, f5, ISO 400) Giles Corner, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542171885691-A0RLEHDVQU83W9PYBWW5/Tawny+Frogmouth.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Tawny Frogmouth by Nalini Scarfe Tawny Frogmouth Tawny Frogmouth just sitting quietly on tree branch at Shepherds Bush Park. (Canon 5D Mark IV) Wantirna, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172098242-5CQPLERA02856JE3U37R/Crested-Tern-Bald-Hill-BPOTY.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The Catch by Craig Greer Crested Tern As I lay in deep dried seaweed about a metre in depth, struggling to keep my head above, I saw this Crested Tern circling near the water's edge where a small flock with some young were roosting. The sun had just risen behind me, casting some lovely hues onto the sky ahead and I fired off a barrage of shots in hope that at least one would be sharp, and this was the result. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 600mm f/4 FL ED, 1/2500 sec, f8, ISO 800) Bald Hill Beach, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163542798-NLE61LA87J9G32HJ5HMM/RedBoobookKristianBell.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The Stare by Kristian Bell Southern Boobook (subspecies lurida) A subspecies of the southern boobook restricted to far north Queensland. This individual sat obligingly, if somewhat grumpily, in a tree for long enough that I could use the torchlight shining on it from a friend to provide more interesting lighting. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400mm, 1/25 sec, f5.6, ISO 3200) Cairns, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542163959594-VQ72ZVCO4QCLCUA9PN4J/Rifle+Bird+2X6A2690.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Victoria’s Riflebird by Bill Harding Victoria’s Riflebird Whilst being the most magical bird I have ever seen, this Victoria’s Riflebird also proved to be the most difficult bird I have tried to photograph in terms of good exposure settings. One moment he is jet black and the next a kaleidoscope of glossy colours. It took me several days of waiting and hoping before getting a few acceptable shots. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400 f4.5 - 5.6L IS II USM @ 148mm, 1/40 sec, f5.6, ISO 1000) Paluma, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542173509266-2EQ9B73BR2ODJ5VK7PY4/DSC_2903-Edit.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Amongst the Grass-tree Flowers by Chris Firth Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Flowering grass trees attracted a huge flock of lorikeets to feed. The trick was trying to find one that would stay still long enough to photograph it. (Nikon D7100 with Sigma 150-500 @ 200mm, 1/1600 sec, f7.1, ISO 500) Crowdy Bay National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172296381-XAAM5LYLX6CRDSRBVASP/White-throated+Grasswren+-+Pair.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Arnhemland Jewels by Laurie Ross Birds in the Landscape category White-throated Grasswren Sitting for hours observing a bird that not many people get to see is special indeed but photographing both male and female sitting next to each other was extra special. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 600mm F4 is II + 1.4x III extender, 1/2000 sec, f6.3, ISO 1000) Kakadu National Park, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542173753651-JA0KE5LUZLIX0POSGMA4/_W1A8643-002.JPG Gallery - winners 2018 - Cockatiels in the Pilbara by Cherilyn Corker Cockatiel The flock of Cockatiels was moving swiftly from one patch of grass to another, landing to eat seeds and quickly moving on. Fortunately they came closer and closer to me, allowing me to catch this image of the flock in flight. I have not cropped the image. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 400 f/5.6L, 1/5000 sec, f5, ISO 800) North of Roebourne, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542231098280-JCR6JJ8TWB67MMB0Z0O9/Black-faced+Cormorant+Eaglehawk+Neck+Pelagic+TAS+Sept+2016-1.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Cormorant Seascape by Heyn De Kock Black-faced Cormorant Seascape with Black-faced Cormorants. (Nikon D7200 with Nikon 300mm f4 PF, 1/1600 sec, f5.6, ISO 1000) Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542173824616-WXL7Y4KNMI1WBJZOSD1Q/Ringneck.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Dandelion Delight by Gary Meredith Australian Ringneck As spring approaches in Australia, many paddocks fill with dandelion flowers. The Australian Ring-neck love these flowers but seeing them sneak through the green and gold is tough as they are almost the same colour! (Nikon D7200 with Nikkor 80-400 @ 450mm, 1/500 sec, f7.1, ISO 400) Woodman Point, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174349623-3I1C16AMD8WVJ1UEFEDN/_D8V9814.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Diving by Sar Nop Crested Tern This Crested Tern has an incredible skill to dive in a very shallow water. (Nikon D850, 850mm, 1/1250 sec, f5.6, ISO 640) Manly Beach, Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174184518-8M0FWYELRD8UUBKYHY75/Alfred+Cove+001-Edit-2-4.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Early Morning Walk by Danny McCreadie Black-winged Stilt Early one morning in Perth I discovered I wasn't the only one out for a walk. This stilt was checking the edge of the Swan River for breakfast items. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM II, 1/1600 sec, f4, ISO 400) Alfred Cove, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542173437268-N2M5X037XE6T804JJ9LP/Emu+Among+the+Daisies_LachlanHall.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Emus Among the Daisies by Lachlan Hall Emu Emus are such curious birds, if you do lay on your back and wave your feet around in the air they will often come running in to check you out. The yellow daisies had burst up after rains in Sturt National Park and the ground was carpeted in bright yellow and I was trying to find ways to incorporate this burst of colour in my wildlife images from the trip. When I spotted this mob of mostly young emus moving through the acacia scrub I knew I had a good opportunity to lay down amongst the daisies with my wide-angle lens and then use the emus' curiosity to bring them in close. (Canon 7D with Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II @ 18mm, 1/800 sec, f10, ISO 400). Sturt National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172759965-NIXLGISYSMQZTHP31DN6/MMC17.JPG Gallery - winners 2018 - Eyre's Sandpatch by Mick Floyd Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo These Major Mitchell's Cockatoos landed on a dune as we were out walking, sitting in the wind for a short while before taking off back to a copse of trees nearby. (Pentax K-r with Pentax 50-200mm @ 200mm, 1/1000 sec, f8, ISO 200) Nuytsland Nature Reserve, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542231033907-88WHRLP5RAHV3PLMGBQE/_DX22755.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Gloomy Gliders by Nicolas Rakotopare Albatross species Two albatrosses photographed over the swell and under some gloomy clouds. Seeing these gentle giants glide effortlessly in their landscape of sky and sea is a sight that will never grow old. I am always in awe of these superb birds. Taken on a pelagic birding trip where fish was used to create a scent trail and attract birds. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 100-400 F4-5.6 L IS USM II @ 241mm, 1/3200 sec, f8, ISO 1600) Port MacDonnell, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172519281-AVVLSZIDQYI9PKAVDY6B/Yellow+Chat+Epthianura+crocea+crocea.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Jewel of the Barkly by Laurie Ross Yellow Chat Stopping at a small trickle of water on the vast Barkly Tablelands resulted in bumping into this stunningly bright male Yellow Chat, they seemed to find the only available vegetation for hundreds of kilometres. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 600mm F4 is II + 1.4x III extender, 1/2500 sec, f6.3, ISO 1000) Barkly Tablelands, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174289806-H8EOC0G771RL6Z7JUWT8/Townsville+Common+524-Edit-7-2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Keeping a Close Eye by Danny McCreadie Barking Owl These young Barking Owls watched me intently as I moved along the track. I stood still for a moment and one yawned and closed its eyes, convinced I wasn't a threat.` (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8l IS II USM @ 200mm, 1/2000 sec, f2.8, ISO 400) Townsville Common, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542230970135-NW3XLPACR0MLNFKY2BB4/BirdsInLandscapes-Kelp-Gull-EaglehawkNeckTAS-31117.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Lonely Gull by Duade Paton Kelp Gull Whilst on a small boat off the coast of Tasmania we were confronted with enormous walls of rock. Every now and again you would see a Kelp Gull perched high on the rocks watching the day go by. I really liked the texture of the rocks and the bird sits well in the frame. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 400mm 5.6L, 1/640 sec, f5.6, ISO 4000) Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174487525-WHU4OFX09N00J4EJHHGR/Lusitania+Bay_4946.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Lusitania Bay by David Stowe King Penguin A fraction of the King Penguin colony on Lusitania Bay on Macquarie Island. (Canon 1DX, 117mm, 1/800 sec, f5, ISO 2500) Macquarie Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174707403-24FUK4JQFQC7PIJYRDRI/Midwinter+Murders.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Midwinter Murders by Jon McGowan Australian Raven Standing in a frozen horse paddock with no socks on watching the setting July full moon when a murder of crows landed in the branches of a dead gum tree. I lay in the grass and took a few shots before they flew off. (Canon Powershot SX60, 247mm, 1/160 sec, f6.5, ISO 320) Mystery Bay, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174573723-7QFOJTLU525YRVY6DOSD/Redthroat+Sunset_David+Stowe-4220.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Redthroat Sunset by David Stowe Redthroat A Redthroat calls to announce his territory as the sunsets over the bluebush habitat. (Canon 1DX Mark II, 700mm, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 2000) Iron Knob, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542230592103-TUBRM72I3KJ0W1KWWPKF/BirdsInLandscape-Short-tailed-Shearwater-Eaglehawk-Neck-41117.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Shearwater Migration by Duade Paton Short-tailed Shearwater Whilst on a small boat off the coast of Tasmania we observed thousands of migrating Short-tailed Shearwaters. I wanted to capture the wave of birds heading south and include the Hippolyte Rocks and waves to give the scene some scale. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 400mm 5.6L, 1/2500 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172695639-PIB1YPT96L5WGQ6DFN5V/1I0A2104v1copy1.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Spikey by Maria Coleman Galah I thought I would take a short cut through the dunes after trying to photograph some other birds on the beach and I noticed this flock of Galahs feeding on this spiky grass. It was a challenging photo to take as I was trying very hard to focus only on the eye and not the grass. There was also a slight breeze thus stabilisng one self and trying to be sneaky was interesting. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 500mm f/4 + 1.4x III extender, 1/3200 sec, f7.1, ISO 500) Illawarra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174412742-M5VH3M5E3THRJX7F1E2C/reedyswamp_dawnswan.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Swan at Dawn by Claire Harper Black Swan I sat quietly in the reeds until the birds became accustomed to my presence. There were hundreds of other birds around but this swan had separated itself. This photo appeals to me because of the starkness of the black swan against the foggy backdrop. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 85mm, 1/125 sec, f14, ISO 200) Reedy Swamp, Shepparton, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172622028-0QLG1N9HKBW6K6AV8BUY/Swamp-Harrier-Sunset.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The sunset hunter by Wilson Lennard Swamp Harrier This Swampy was still hunting above the wetland at the rear of the Derby Sewage Works well after sunset. The sky went a beautiful orange and I loved the way the bird stood out so well against the background, to the point where the species is highly identifiable. (Canon 70D with Tamron 150-600mm @ 600mm, 1/640 sec, f7.1, ISO 500) Derby, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542172821273-I1PQM7CQW2YWPKXV32KG/Welcome+to+My+Pad.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Welcome to my Pad by Michael Hanvey Comb-crested Jacana Pushing a floating hide through the root systems of lily pads is hard work but it got me close enough to photograph this Comb-crested Jacana at rest (one foot retracted) amidst the masses of white flowers. May I also say that it is never a good idea to accidentally flood one’s waders with swamp-water. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF600mm f/4L IS II USM, gimbal head on floating hide, 1/2000 sec, f8, ISO 500) near Casino, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542174119531-2UGA37CDU22GAU9SFEYF/WetlandSunset.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Wetland Sunset by Cathryn Vasseleu Egret species An egret silhouetted against a glowing sky gazes towards the setting sun. Glassy water mirrors its tree perch and a flock of birds. Tranquility. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 100-400mm @ 100mm, 1/80 sec, f18, ISO 640) Cooper Creek, West Arnhem Land, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233458411-QKCO2UV65I98MJZT5PS5/Dawn+Of+The+Egrets.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Dawn of the Egrets by Louise Stockden Egret species I encountered a lone Egret at dawn on a beautifully still, foggy morning at Shoal Bay, Albany. The water was mirror-like and I loved how the Egret's stately posture was reflected in the water. In my artistic portrayal of this Egret, I have maintained the minimalist aspect whilst introducing repetition of shapes and patterns to create this result (Olympus OM-D with Olympus 60mm, 1/3200 sec, f5.6, ISO 200) Shoal Bay, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542232610521-QEX9ST0JDZWMAG8CN9QT/abpy+fixed-2.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Egret Hunts in Eerie Pond by Janette Rodgers Great Egret Late in the day, this pond looked rather spooky when I spotted this great egret hunting for fish around the mangrove roots. (Nikon D7200 with Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 @ 500mm, 1/640 sec, f5.6, ISO 800) Schuster Park, Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233079493-MZQDDX3C11K9GUSG0WI0/abpy+fixed-4.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Elegant Reflections by Janette Rodgers Great Egret This great egret was standing in a little waterhole in the heart of Newcastle alongside a busy road preening his beautiful breeding plumage. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 @ 500mm, 1/1600 sec, f8, ISO 400) Newcastle, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233387097-2L3UBOPNAAQUSWQYOH6A/Creative-Freckled-Duck-SouthNowra-NSW-22718.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Freckled Duck by Duade Paton Freckled Duck Up to 40 Freckled Ducks turned up at a local duck pond in the middle of a housing estate. This was a rare event that I needed to see. I headed down early in the morning and lay on the lakes edge. The bird photographed was curious and was checking me out. The bird was in full sun whilst the background wasn't, causing a dark background. In lightroom I turned down the exposure and lightened the bird creating the creative shot. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 500mm F4 IS II + 1.4x extender, 1/800 sec, f7.1, ISO 1600) South Nowra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233595679-E04C80CV4X7U3FZX347A/fineart-gabriel-1.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Gabriel by Shaun Viljoen Sulphur-crested Cockatoo I took this photo late in the afternoon as this bird headed for the darkness among the gum trees where it and many of its kin sleep every night. The bird was framed in the viewfinder with a beautiful symmetry that showed the wonderful natural engineering of its feathers, tail and crest. There was just something about that detail and shape in the last light, contrasted with the dark that would swallow it. (Nikon D750 with Nikon 300mm F4 + 1.4x extender, 1/800sec, f5.6, ISO 1250) Torquay, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542232228480-131H2H4KT9TU93TVJORJ/Gouldian+Finches+Group+Erythrura+gouldiae.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Gould's gift by Laurie Ross Gouldian Finch A dream morning at a watering hole in a remote part of the Northern Territory resulted in one of my all time favourite photos. This was the Gouldian Finches favourite perch before flying down to the water's edge for a morning drink. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 600mm F4 is II + 1.4x III extender, 1/1600 sec, f8, ISO 800) Timber Creek, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233214152-AZEMAI0QOLSFDPNWGZQL/0Q0A3426.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Harmony by Theresa Pitter Silver Gull I awoke very early on this particular morning. The light was low. The only birds in the area were a couple of Gulls sweeping back and forth. I decided to experiment with slow shutter speeds. I think the result of the image is rather pleasing. It evokes a calming, peaceful feeling in me. (Canon 5D Mark III with Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM @ 600mm, 0.7 sec, f7.1, ISO 160) Swan River, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233524138-TRL17JSSYWG4Q3PMMGAF/D7000_2015_00561-33-bwoldEdit.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Ibis Deep in Thought by Paul Aurisch Australian White Ibis The Ibis is often depicted as an ugly bird. Here the Ibis has character and appears to be deep in thought and contemplation. (Nikon D500 with Nikon 70-200 @ 200mm, 1/3200 sec, f4, ISO 100) Hervey Bay, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542232317672-BS3OOLWZWGG3495SX4O2/Pelican+For+Comp.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Pelican perceptions by Jacob Emerson Australian Pelican I feel that some of our more common bird species are often underrated or under appreciated. Although Pelicans are common along our coastlines, when you stop and have a good look at them, they are an incredible big bird and so unique. I watched a group of Pelis off the Kingscote Wharf for quite some time, and was striving for an eye contact shot. I got one. I decided to crop it in this way to really highlight the detail and lines in the bill and feathers and to show a unique perspective of one of my favourite birds. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR @ 210mm, 1/400 sec, f5.3, ISO 125) Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542232465871-5Y9AO0B15JDUQNHSY8K5/Reflection.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Reflection by Jan Robinson Little Egret Little Egret fishing. (Nikon D7200 with Nikon 80-400mm @260mm, 1/3000 sec, f8, ISO 800 ) Bibra Lake, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233313541-PT8WKVOH39ODLE538DLZ/DSC1273.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Song Breath by Angela Robertson-Buchanan Australian Magpie For the last two months the mornings have been cold and I noticed when the local Magpies would sing, you could see hot air coming from their beaks. As they stood on a table, I set up a box behind them with a black blanket as I wanted to try and illuminate the 'smoke'. It took lots of attempts to catch the right exhale of song to get the smoke. Also they didn't always sing in the spot in front of the box! This pair of magpies have my garden as their territory so are quite used to me being close to them. (Nikon D850, 105mm, 1/320 sec, f4.5, ISO 4000) Ashfield, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233262438-JLXRDALSD46YM6JWFON6/5D439632-3C6E-48DF-8EC1-3070AD8D7953.jpeg Gallery - winners 2018 - Sorrowful Coucal by Sylwester Chyb Pheasant Coucal This bird was on top of a small tree in a vacant building block on the new estate on the outskirts of town. I took my dog for a walk and spotted it. It was a wet morning and the bird seemed to be drying after the big rain. All the humidity in the air affected colours so I decided on a B&W image which, in my opinion, enhances the patterns on the wing feathers and adds more interest to the tail feathers. I felt the bird was sorrowful and its pose invokes in my mind religious depictions of crucifiction. (Nikon D500 with Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E) Goonelabah, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233148908-8YW3N8FCL0Z5K7C12UAF/David+Stowe_Black+Swan_SPACE.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Swans in Black by David Stowe Black Swan A pair of Black Swans swim against a shaded background catching the last light of the day. (Canon 1DX, 700mm, 1/640 sec, f7.1, ISO 1000) Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542232549262-9A7A7LSHQJYFUQ0VK79L/TheClaw_KimKliska.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The claw by Kimberley Kliska Brown Skua I love skuas and this image captures their unique hooked claw. Manipulated in lightroom to black and white with high contrast. (Olympus camera, 150mm, 1/500 sec, f7.1, ISO 200) Macquarie Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542232398937-A6SVWPQ6ZN2CFKEHG3YM/The+Showman_LachlanHall.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The showman by Lachlan Hall Palm Cockatoo I wanted to capture the essence of a male Palm Cockatoo in full display. Wings spread, crest raised and mouth agape as its far-carrying whistle calls penetrate the surrounding rainforest. Most importantly though that stunning red cheek patch is fully revealed and flushed with blood, a startling contrast to the subdued tones of the birds smoky-black plumage. (Canon 7D with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L, 1/400 sec, f6.3, ISO 800) Iron Range, Cape York, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542233686729-SNC0JF9YXB61ZT8UERO5/IMG_7923+copy.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Vivid Green by Tim Freer Australian King-Parrot Wing and back feathers photographed in fine detail. (Canon 5D Mark II with Canon EF 70-300mm f/4L IS USM @300mm, 1/1000 sec, f9, ISO 1250) North Avoca, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542235210633-X266PJX9MM8PS257RVCW/Bath+buddies1.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Bath Time! by Kelly Gough New Holland Honeyeater The bird bath is always popular with all the birds in our garden, especially during the summer. (Olympus OM-D EM1, 180mm, 1.2500 sec, f4.5, ISO 2000) Mahogany Creek, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234763831-4PE3TM6QNUZVZPTCT4E8/Cooling+Off.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Cooling Off by Warren Wilson Eastern Yellow Robin Many birds are attracted to my garden bird-bath which I provide during hot weather. Different species have their own unique methods to cool off. Some may quickly plunge into deeper water and bathe urgently whereas others may take a leisurely soak in the shallows and leave without fuss. The Eastern Yellow Robin initially splashes vigorously in the shallows before it leaves in a spectacular explosion of water. Note: Bird-hide, Bird-bath, Tripod with Wimberley gimbal head, 4 X Nikon SB- 900 Speedlights Bird-bath used. (Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR @ 500mm, 1/320 sec, f13, ISO 400) Woollamia, South Coast, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542237488445-1E2DINWP4UJ6HGL6RWU8/Crested+tern+choking+on+a+fishing+line.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Crested Tern Choking on a Fishing Line by Maria Mazo Crested Tern I was surprised by the unusual behaviour displayed by this crested tern. It took flight and landed a few metres away and I then photographed it as it tried its best to dislodge the fishing line caught inside its throat. Unfortunately to no avail. Human activities have such a negative impact on most bird species and this is a perfect example. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm @ 400mm, 1/3200 sec, f6.3, ISO 1250) Collaroy, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234993266-LTKRT89RDTDZUTSSYLWU/anzang+entry.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Darter in Trouble by Cherilyn Corker Australasian Darter The darter was in real trouble with cord wrapped tightly around its beak. I could not do anything to help. (Canon 7D Mark II, 400mm, 1/1250 sec, f5, ISO 500) Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542235280057-N8754GHDUWQ4ZENOQ7RS/Honeyeater.JPG Gallery - winners 2018 - Drinking on the Fly by Sarah Floyd White-plumed Honeyeater This tap in the camp ground attracted many birds as it was a reliable water source. I set up my camera on a tripod nearby and moved away so I didn't disturb anyone coming in to drink and then sat nearby with my camera remote. Although it was a human installation, it appeared to be quite useful - providing water and European Bees as a tasty treat. I love this photo as it shows how much effort a bird has to go to sometimes, hovering in just the right place to reach the water drips. (Nikon D7500 with AF-S Nikkor 18-140mm 1:3.5-5.6G DX VR @ 140mm, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 400) Trephina Gorge, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234926391-YV65DLVKGS9JOD6SC3VI/044A0994.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Emu Road by Cameron Candy Emu I was lucky enough to observe this male Emu escort his chicks across an outback highway near Coober Pedy in South Australia. I thought it was a very poignant moment that made me think about road safety for wildlife, but also created a striking similarity to a human father helping his kids to cross a road safely. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm @ 100mm, 1/500 sec, f8, ISO 200) Coober Pedy, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234359253-7QZ3R5EJP9X7HMZRU5PJ/DSCN4494-01.jpeg Gallery - winners 2018 - Fallen Victim of Duck Season by Andrew Wallis Pink-eared Duck One of the wounded with shotgun pellet damage to the bill and left to die - an unfortunate victim, shot and left to die on the last day of the three month long season, of Victoria's Duck season. (Nikon Coolpix P900, 8.4mm, 1/1600 sec, f4, ISO 200) Cundare Pools, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542235044271-97OO0MR7N6WVR6U2QXDA/_D8U1290.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Fishing by Sar Nop White-bellied Sea-Eagle An adult White-Bellied Sea-Eagle is trying to swoop his prey in a little bay while a commercial fishing boat is operating in deeper water in the background. (Nikon D850, 280mm, 1/2500 sec, f2.8, ISO 2000) Hawksbury River, Broken Bay, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234699403-FI4D8JJDX3D14ZY6TWVY/Horsfields+Bushlark.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Horsfield’s Bushlark by Don Hadden Horsfield’s Bushlark I noticed this Bushlark had flown into a barbed wire fence killing itself with its throat hooked on a barb. (Canon 60D with Canon 20-35mm @33mm ,1/350 sec, f22, ISO 400) near Lajamanu Aboriginal Community, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542235341496-F7J2J2O9SOJJX0DZ6B0W/Laughing+Kookaburra+Gold+Coast+Dec+2010.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Iconic Roadkill by Heyn De Kock Laughing Kookaburra I found a dead Kookaburra and photographed it with a slow shutter speed and off camera flash. (Nikon D7000 with Nikon 50mm f/1.8, 10 sec, f16, ISO 100) Clear Island Waters, Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234842765-KHB9K54TXM4A38QOODAI/Finch+couple.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Industrious Finch by Gary Meredith Zebra Finch These clever little finches seem to find all sorts of places to build their nests. A remote mine in the Western Australian desert provides a never ending supply of artificial nesting sites. This couple still had more work to do so were clearly still in the building phase on nesting. (Nikon D7200 with Nikkor 80-400mm @270mm, 1/1600 sec, f9, ISO 640) Telfer Mine, Great Sandy Desert, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542237545814-UIS4PZORK8NT99DKOU4J/Pacific+Black+Duck.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Pacific Black Duck by Thomas Hunt Pacific Black Duck A speck of blood on the iridescent flight feathers of a Pacific Black Duck. I came across this bird whilst hiking between Morialta and Black Hill Conservation Parks in the Adelaide Hills; it appeared to have been struck and killed by a vehicle whist crossing a road. Like many birds, ducks form strong pair bonds and it was heartbreaking to see its mate still waiting patiently nearby, perhaps not understanding the absolute irrevocability of death. (Canon 7D Mark II with EF 100mm f/2.8, 1/200 sec, f5, ISO 1600) Montacute, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234445594-MJB4C3Y5MTDW47Y5GSOG/Gang-gang+cockatoo+Bird+Photographer+of+the+Year+2018+entry.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Patina Perch by Lincoln Macgregor Gang-gang Cockatoo A Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) perches quietly on the edge of a rusted bathtub. This young male was one of four Gang-gangs that I was lucky enough to witness swoop down beneath some trees to take turns drinking from this tub. It's all too often that we see the negative impacts that man-made objects can have on an environment, and what intrigues me about this shot is that it makes the viewer question this notion and speculate whether some objects can integrate well into the environment. This charismatic species is listed as vulnerable in NSW. (Canon 650D, 100mm, 1/125 sec, f2.8, ISO 100) Berry Mountain, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542237192476-ZK87KPOT0X6J97QDPSTC/a_MG_4256.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Playground Brawl by Keir Sinclair Australian Magpie Visiting a kid's playground with friends, when an incredible raucous 'fight' began between these two 'locals'. It went on for around 60 seconds and was mainly near the ground. It was quite a sight and something I had NEVER witnessed before. Just wow !! (Canon 7D Mark II with Sigma 150mm-600mm @ 270mm, 1/5000 sec, f5.6, ISO 3200) St Kilda East, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234585819-DGKBNBTYC9S45AB2MZO8/0U7A9351+b+ABOTY+final.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Road Kill by Con Boekel Barn Owl I moved this bird to the opposite side of the road from where it was killed. After various attempts at arranging the bird and taking images of blurred speeding cars, I settled on this pose with a view to capturing the power and violence of the rotating hub caps. In crossing from vibrant life to a photographic still life object, the bird has made its small obeisance to humanity's power. Is the photographer a participant or an observer? The bird is now utterly indifferent. But, in the eye of this beholder, It lies there as if to say, 'Over to you.' The bird will be handed in to CSIRO to add to its national bird collection. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF24-70 USM @ 33mm, 1/100 sec, f16, ISO 100) Hume Highway, Yass, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542237396640-FHWZAFXVD9HA1CDJNNKE/KPC_1774.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Stunned Survivor by Thomas Rowland Southern Boobook After stopping to assist this owl, which had suffered an injury to its beak from impact with a motor vehicle the previous night, I took this picture just as another vehicle drove past us on the road, while my colleague prepared to attend to the dazed bird. We had to wait until the road was clear from traffic before attending to the bird, as we did not want it to fly into the path of yet another car. The image of the wheel behind the owl was not planned, but completes the story behind the bird’s injuries. Thankfully the bird recovered enough to fly away shortly after the image was taken. (Nikon D750 with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 160mm, 1/250 sec, f11, ISO 1000) Broome, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542237303113-YS6WD9TJBZU08EHRWSER/PJN_1299_budgies.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The Drying of the Dam by Lisa Nunn Budgerigar Dams in outback Australia can provide drinking water for birds after natural sources have dried up, prolonging the time they can remain in an area after rain. This photo depicts the last dregs of water in what was once a very large dam, as budgies funnel together to descend for a drink. Two days later the flock was forced to move on. (Canon 5D Mark III, 105mm , 1/1600 sec, f8, ISO 640) South of Alice Springs, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542234636570-6JOR20E4TZ08H3RYE79D/ExhaustedGalahKristianBell.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The Galah and the Spa by Kristian Bell Galah This exhausted and bedraggled galah was found limp on a fence during the heat of a 47 degree day. Clearly suffering from heat exhaustion we put it in the shade of our verandah and offered it some water, expecting it to take a few drinks. However, the galah had other ideas and calmly stepped into the water bowl for a good cool down instead. The bird spent 20 minutes or so recovering before finally flying away. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 100 f/2.8, 1/125 sec, f6.3, ISO 1000) Yarrawonga, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239394890-97DA7TKEQ9TNNP1B9E6P/Red+Tailed+Black+Cockatoo.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - A Matching Pair by Jane Putland Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo This pair were part of a group of around 30 who arrived in our neighbourhood streets early every morning for several weeks to feed on the Cape Lilac trees. We missed hearing them when they left. The photo clearly shows the difference between male and female. (Nikon D810, 360mm, 1/3200 sec, f8, ISO 800) Bunbury, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542238134444-TCCAHB7X3VNWAWE4O084/Baudins+Black-Cockatoo+-+Portrait+Calyptorhynchus+baudinii.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Cockatoo Surgeon by Laurie Ross Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo On our way to a winery my wife and I came across a group of Carnaby's and Baudin's Black-cockatoos feeding on the roadside. They let us get extremely close and it wasn't until I processed the photo when I got home that I realised what they were eating, amazing to see such massive beaks extracting such small seeds. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 600mm F4 is II + 1.4x III extender, 1/3200 sec, f6.3, ISO 800) Margaret River, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239450211-VW6LKS6D8AUATV23NWT8/Carnabys+1+of+1.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Country Roads by Tim Nallipogu Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo Driving through back dirt roads, I noticed 3 black cockatoos flying towards puddle in front. Quickly the whole flock came to quench their thirst and within a few minutes were gone. (700mm, 1/1000 sec, f8, ISO 400) Gnangara Moore River State Forest, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239506135-SWYARI3382YEP5O735JY/KI_170924_12_3538.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Fallen Feather by Peter Rowland Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo A recently fallen feather of a Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo. The place where it fell among the dead gum nuts, some chewed by the cockatoos in the past, framed the feather and told a story of the life of the bird, as well as providing a different way to enjoy the wonderful tail feather colours. (Nikon D3300 with Nikkor 60mm macro, 1/125 sec, f8, ISO 800) Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239280904-PZL4MNV20V32NYQX7PXJ/Red-tail_David+Stowe-6510.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Incoming by David Stowe Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo A Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo comes in to land to feed on seeding grasses. (Canon 1DX Mark II, 700mm, 1/4000 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Alice Springs, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239236781-9QUDZ0ZC6V9MARQ8HI0G/Palm+Cockatoo_David+Stowe-7581.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Palm Cockatoo by David Stowe Palm Cockatoo Palm Cockatoo in late afternoon light. (Canon 1DX Mark II, 500mm, 1/1600 sec, f5.6, ISO 1000) Cape York, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239175718-O4NERDMPQFWP9OY0M0XB/R-t+Black-Cockatoo.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Red-tailed Black Cockatoo by Mark Sanders Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Steady, don't come too close. This female Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo keeps a close eye on the photographer as she enjoys her morning breakfast. (Canon 5D Mark IV, 500mm, 1/320 sec, f8, ISO 1250) Lakefield, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239326080-498HSGA1V5KHXLQCW5BB/Red-tailed+Black+Cockatoo_David+Stowe-6521.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Take Off by David Stowe Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo A flock of Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos take off. (Canon 1DX Mark II, 700mm, 1/4000 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Alice Springs, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239027013-J7TBRPVFW7KAGLDGDMTR/Redtails_Unconditional+Love.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Unconditional Love by Rebecca Harrison Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo These two Red-tailed Black Cockatoos were quietly and lovingly preening each other - a male and female pair. Their noisy little juvenile was keening nearby. (Canon 7D Mark II) Perth Hills, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239105525-91B0Z7NM4EICEQIPR6NZ/Yellow+Tailed+Black+Cockatoo+Preening.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Preening by Kirsten Woodforth Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo This image depicts a Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo preening her worn feathers to perfection in early morning light. (Nikon D810 with Nikkor 500mm, 1/400 sec ,f7.1, ISO 320) Blacksmiths Beach, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542240903819-GU0TLLNFGRUJ1UUB1JFS/Mama+Bowerbird.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - A Hardworking Single Mother by McKinley Moens Satin Bowerbird I took this image of a female Satin Bowerbird in our garden. Satin Bowerbirds are the ultimate single mothers, building the nest, incubating the eggs and raising their chicks alone. We had been observing her collect sticks for a few weeks so we knew that she was nesting somewhere nearby. We were enjoying a fruit platter in the garden when this busy Mama Bowerbird dropped down from a nearby tree and started squawking at us. We have ten bird baths throughout our garden, along with plenty of native plants, so we don’t feed our wildlife. However, on this one occasion, we made an exception. Fruit is a natural part of a Satin Bowerbird’s diet, so we put a couple of blueberries on a log for this beautiful, expectant mother to enjoy. (Sony A57, Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 @ 250mm, 1/160 sec, f6.3, ISO 400) Blue Mountains, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542240734924-E8BUMT7W5DD37LZSRCLH/5.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Great Egret by Campbell Mole Great Egret It was very late in the afternoon, so the lighting was nice. I like this one because of the reflection the bird is casting on the water. (Nikon D5600 with Sigma 150-600mm @ 600mm, 1/125 sec, f8, ISO 200) Cowes, Phillip Island, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542239947887-HP15HGGCSM2CM63MMH36/Pardalote+Perfection.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Pardalote Perfection by McKinley Moens Spotted Pardalote Participating in bird banding has allowed me to get up close and personal with birds and has provided me with the opportunity to capture the incredible detail of nature’s design. This male Spotted Pardalote was pure perfection! (Sony A57 with Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 @ 210mm, 1/400 sec, f6.3, ISO 250) Scheyville National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542241218642-RUEYAHDVX2H1F1HQTR1Y/DSCN0002.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Tawny Frogmouth Feathers by Josh Clark Tawny Frogmouth This amazing noctural bird was dozing in the morning sun at Herdsman Lake. The bird had amazing camouflaged feathers, they were so unique and i just had to take a photo. (Nikon Coolpix P900, 125mm, 1/250 sec, f5.6, ISO 400) Herdsman Lake, Perth WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542240011572-6HQXW850NCJJ9GHFFFVB/IMG_1833+comp.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - The Dive by Zavier Utber Sacred Kingfisher it took me ages to capture this kingfisher striking the water near the bird hide at Lake Seppings .The light where she was perched was great but it was very hard to predict when she would go. (Canon 1200D with Sigma 100-400mm @ 400mm, 1/800 sec, f6.3, ISO 800) Lake Seppings, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542240786000-EUVGM9ZC62Q1JRG7TBLH/7.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - Welcome Swallow by Campbell Mole Welcome Swallow This Swallow had been flying around for a while picking bugs off the water surface, before it stopped for a minutes rest. I like this image because of the way it has its head turned a bit. (Nikon D5600 with Sigma 150-600mm @ 600mm, 1/400 sec, f8, ISO 200) Cowes, Philip Island, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1542240834785-VD9O0VNZCM62NEE5KX4P/DSC_5452+Final.jpg Gallery - winners 2018 - White-cheeked Honeyeater Sings by Finley Woodforth White-cheeked Honeyeater A White-cheek Honeyeater sings from a perch. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200mm, 1/800 sec ,f8, ISO 800) Blacksmiths Beach, NSW https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2019 daily 0.75 2019-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602480195-AZIJTQM3S27YHX31B1JD/Casuarius+casuarius+DSE_1365.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Southern Cassowary by Jun Matsui BIRD PORTRAIT WINNER A beautiful living dinosaur looks me in the eye. (Nikon D500 with 300mm f4 lens, 1/640 sec, f6.3, ISO 10,000) Southern Cassowary, Kuranda, Queensland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602537592-VCVBLYLYLT2MB3K0XYMW/Eastern+Spinebill+Nelson+21st+Oct+2018+1279r+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Eastern Spinebill by John Eley BIRDS IN LANDSCAPE WINNER This Eastern Spinebill was sourcing nectar from numerous Xanthorrhoea plants which were in full bloom in an open bush setting that had seen a recent fire. As the trees were exposed, there was virtually no chance of getting close to the spinebills, so this gave way to a wider image which highlighted the odd shape of the flower spikes. It wasn't until I processed the photo that I noticed the bee which has the attention of the spinebill. (Canon 7D Mark II with EF 100-400mm L IS USM at 400mm, 1/640 sec, f8, ISO 1,000) Eastern Spinebill, Nelson, Victoria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602593908-UOYEKNIWXLANHSAERD3U/20180704-southern-boobook-ninox-boobook-roadkill.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Life, fragmented by Matt Wright HUMAN IMPACT WINNER As our insatiable desire to clear hectares upon hectares of pristine forest daily to "progress" continues, owls are having to face a changing environment in which their territories are being divided by housing developments, roads and "mega" shopping centre construction. This was taken in a portion of the Southern Boobook's territory that was once lush eucalypt forest, now a concrete jungle that this poor owl was unable to navigate without losing its life. How much progress is too much? The bird was found in the middle of the road where it had been hit. It was moved to the roadside where it could be photographed in safety. (Canon 5D Mark IV with EF 16-35mm f4 L IS USM lens at 19mm, 13 sec, f13, ISO 200) Southern Boobook, Gold Coast, Queensland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602640158-TSO52JBWZE3WSMEMH4NS/A+Moth+snatch.JPG Gallery - Winners 2019 - A Butterfly Snatch by Greg Norman BIRD BEHAVIOUR WINNER This shot was taken on a day where I was concentrating solely on bee-eaters in flight and feeding. They would perch in bushes along the bank of a dam then fly out over the water to catch an insect which was usually a dragonfly however every once in a while they would follow the base of the dam bank and grab a moth or butterfly. I could easily see where the bird flew back to with its catch then I could just walk to that bush quietly to get the bird eating. The bee-eaters always throw their food up for a repositioning and this is where I captured a burst of frames. I gained about four different series of this butterfly being thrown up and each time it was smaller and more tattered. Bee-eaters are such fun subjects. (Canon 1Dx Mark II with EF 300mm f2.8 L IS II USM and 2x extender, 1/5,000 sec, f5.6, ISO 1,000) Rainbow Bee-eater, Wyndham, Western Australia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602729184-U4WCWME59SGUCREGY1GH/LinesOfFlight.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Lines of Flight by Cathryn Vasseleu CREATIVE WINNER Intrepid voyagers, Great-Knots fly from the Arctic to the southern hemisphere and back via the coasts of East Asia. As a flock of these critically endangered birds took to the air along the shore, I used a slow shutter speed to portray their flight as a blur of wings and waves, creating an effect similar to a watercolour painting. (Canon 5D Mark III with EF 100-400mm L IS USM at 400mm, 1/5 sec, f16, ISO 100) Great Knots, Casuarina Coastal Reserve, Darwin, Northern Territory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602903687-7SP57ZG7WUZCA57Q8EDQ/TWalker-SpecialTheme-1-LittleWattleBd.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Little Wattle Bird Plucking Ant Alates from the Air by Terry Walker 2019 SPECIAL CATEGORY: HONEYEATERS WINNER This photo was one taken around my home while I was recovering from surgery. The Little Wattlebirds feed and nest nearby and became a major focus of my attention while I was recovering. On one occasion, ant alates commenced their breeding flights and the Little Wattle Birds were flicking up from bushes and snapping them up, often several at a time. I spent several days attempting to photograph them into the sun succeeding only twice. Only backlighting can reveal the amazing colours of Little Wattle Birds, so the aching arm was worth it. (Nikon D810 with Sigma 150-600mm at 550mm, 1/6,400 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Little Wattlebird, Mt Stuart, Tasmania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573602823397-5OV2Q39Y61RTKFPR8JHE/Superb+fairy+wren.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Superb fairy-wren singing by Martin Longford YOUTH WINNER In the July holidays of 2019 my dad and I went on a short trip to Narrandera, NSW. Once there we had a look around the town for nice places take some bird photos and found a secluded spot at the Narrandera wetlands on the Murrumbidgee river. We weren't searching for any bird in particular but we came across some superb fairy wrens singing on top of reeds. Luckily, one hopped up onto a seed head and I was able to quickly take about 5 shots before it flew away. My dad checked out the photo and noted it as the best photo of the trip, which I was very proud of. If you are interested it was taken on a 30-year-old manual focus 600mm Nikon lens. (Nikon D800E with Nikkor 600mm, 1/640 sec, f5.6, ISO 1,000) Superb Fairy-wren, Narrandera wetlands, New South Wales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709746183-7UAEHOCT3SKORHNCCZJB/Black-necked+Stork+fhising.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Black-necked Stork fishing by Ofer Levy The Black-necked Stork is not a common bird in NSW. In order to photograph it I had to drive the 2 hours from Sydney to the Hexham Swamp. After many visits and failed attempts I was able to captured this male while it was chasing fish. (Canon 1DX with Canon 800mm f5.6 L IS, 1/5000 sec, f5.6, ISO 800) Black-necked Stork, Hexham Swamp, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709794134-7FG5IERV7G3USDKXJW0A/Beach+Stone+Curlews.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Beach Stone Curlews by Ofer Levy This image is one of the first images I got with my Canon 800mm lens. The long focal length enabled me to keep enough distance from the birds while they were busy feeding on Soldier Crabs on the low tide. (Canon 1D IV with Canon 800mm f5.6 L IS, 1/2000 sec, f8, ISO 800) Beach Stone Curlew, Soldier's Point, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709857031-C1HSGAJCWKF8P0KGO8SO/Comb-crested+Jacana.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Comb-crested Jacana by Ofer Levy This Comb-crested Jacana was photographed in a Port Douglas golf course. Being used to golfers the bird didn't mind my presence and I was able to get close enough for full frame shots. (Camera 5D Mark III with Canon 800mm f5.6 L IS, 1/4000 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) Comb-crested Jacana, Port Douglas, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709914623-HI6CNVNZZVEZYSH89WBB/Red-necked+Avocet.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Red-necked Avocet feeding by Ofer Levy Barton Park is a small wetland close to the Sydney airport. I have been visiting this spot since arriving in Australia more than 17 years ago. The first time I saw Red-necked Avocets in this wetland was very exciting as I used to drive more than 2 hours to the Stockton Bridge to photograph them. Knowing they won't stay long in this tinny tidal wetland I decided to return the same afternoon to try my luck. Sitting still on the edge of the water covered with my camouflage net I was able to capture this image in late afternoon golden light. (Canon 1DX with Canon 800mm f5.6 L IS, 1/3200 sec, f8, ISO 800) Red-necked Avocet, Barton Park Rockdale, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709960178-TQXLWM79AN34GNTV3JT7/Peregrine+Falcon.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Peregrine Falcon by Ofer Levy I have been watching and photographing local Peregrine Falcons for many years. I was especially keen to capture them in flight against the ocean. The rapid technological improvements in digital cameras over the last years made it possible to get the pictures I was after. (Canon 1DX with Canon 800mm f5.6 L IS, 1/6400 sec, f5.6, ISO 1600) Peregrine Falcon, Sydney Northern Beaches, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573710011522-8ZIPL67TP12LN5G8ZLCU/Great+Crested+Grebe+with+chicks.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Family Portrait by Ofer Levy I visit Lake Wallace a few times every summer in order to watch and photograph the Great-crested Grebes. Using my floating hide I am able to get relatively close to them without interfering with their normal behaviour which is the key to getting natural behaviour shots. (Canon 7D2 with Canon 800mm f5.6 L IS, 1/5000 sec, f8, ISO 800) Great Crested Grebe, Lake Wallace, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699383142-O0FA3D17QMXLPPVF1XE9/fishingegret.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Beauty Untouched by Shelley Pearson I love shooting before the sunrise during first light at my favourite spot Mandurah estuary. Beforehand I checked weather, tides which looked promising. I was excited when I arrived in the morning to already see beautiful colour around, with conditions perfect, water still, slight breeze and the tide bringing in fish. I quickly chose a spot to lay down near the waters edge and wait. The birds were all gathered waiting for fish movement at first light and this Great Egret was already catching fish before sunrise. The light was stunning with the soft pinks/peach colour reflecting everywhere. The estuary put on a show that morning to my delight. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4 IS II, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 2500) Great Egret, Coodanup, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699364858-AYPLNHD2LSJ4394XRP25/Did+somebody+say+food.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Did someone say food? by Claire Greenwell Fairy Tern chicks have seemingly insatiable appetites and competition for food between siblings is fierce. On hearing its parent’s fish call as it flew in behind me, this young chick sprang into action in an attempt to gain the attention of the returning adult and reach the fish-meal first. Parent-chick vocal recognition takes several days to develop after hatching but is essential for maintaining family unity and allows the adults to find their young on their return to the bustling colony. This image embodies the joy and excitement I feel whenever I spend time around these charismatic birds. This image was taken as part of my approved PhD research project on the species and its diet. Site access and methods have been approved by an independent animal ethics committee, the land manager for the site and the relevant state government authority. For species protection and research integrity, great care is taken to minimise any impact my presence may have on behaviour of the young and adult birds. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400 mm at 400 mm, 1/2,500 sec, f7.1, ISO 640) Fairy Tern, North Fremantle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699493799-KBYJ26XVOCF4WGSRDZIY/great+egrets.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Fly through by Jason Abuso It was a calm morning almost windless with a slight smoke haze from controlled burn off lingering in the background. As usual, there were several waterbirds species foraging that morning. These Great Egrets caught my attention as they faced each other for several minutes, not moving at all. They were simply showing their typical hunting technique - keeping still in the water or moving slowly until their prey is within attacking distance. As luck would have it, another egret flew between the pair as I had my camera trained on the scene. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Tamron 150-600mm G2 at 600mm, 1/2,000 sec, f6.3, ISO 125) Great Egret, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699402124-FPUZVUJC0PLX5CVEWJ5P/Fracas.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Fracas by Wilson Lennard In spring, Pied Stilts get territorial and perform elaborate chases and aerial acrobatic displays above the water. These birds were two of several chasing each other about the wetland, trying to gain dominance. I was quietly sitting by the shore line of this pond photographing Avocets when I noticed these Stilts begin chasing each other. I moved my focus to concentrate on them as the action intensified. It produced a wonderful aerial spectacle that was very special to witness. At the point I captured this frame, the left bird had leapt out of the water and was jumping towards the right bird, which responded by jumping in a startled manner. The title, Fracas, says it all! (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 500mm f4 plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2,660 sec, f7.1, ISO 640) Pied Stilt, Werribee South, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699496753-QO6KKOP8F9ACDF06C9IK/Home+Sweet+Home.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Home sweet home by Thiagarajan Sitharthan Grebes make excellent parents. Though the chicks are able to swim from birth, the parents carry them tucked in their wings until they are old enough. It was beautiful to watch these curious chicks enjoying the early morning sun from the warmth of their 'home'. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm plus 1.4x teleconvertor at 463mm, 1/640 sec, f8, ISO 1000) Australian Grebe, Woodhill Mountain, Berry, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699264422-JG6U0HWQRO8140DC3ZXY/_MGL9322.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Mating time by Fran Solly There was a colony of Crested Terns nest on a nearby Island and they were courting and mating on the mainland shore. (Canon 5D Mark III with Sigma 150-600 at 450mm, 1/2,500 sec, f8, ISO 640) Crested Tern, Lipson Cove, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699534982-UXW4JSUZFR3FS3SIZCGU/Horsfields+Bronze-CuckooDevils+Bend291218-31-Edit-2-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Parenting was never meant to be this hard by Mark Lethlean The blind devotion of this family of Fairy-wrens to feeding and raising the chick of another species reflects one of the most fascinating behaviours in the ornithological world. The image depicts the wariness by the parent of my presence while the chick is solely focused on its next meal. It was that focus that allowed me to approach to within 20 meters. (Nikon D850 with Nikkor 400mm plus 1.4 x teleconverter, 1/400 sec, f5.6, ISO 1000) Male Superb Fairy-wren and juvenile Horsfields Bronze-cuckoo, Devils Bend, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699564805-KN3ZL26S0UTSZ405GS8I/PlayTime.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Play time by Lea Scaddan I am fascinated by Little Corellas as they are highly intelligent and very playful so I take every opportunity to photograph them in various situations and locations. In between feeding on grass seeds, Little Corellas have play times where they play around and tease one another. To capture this, I was lying on the grass but a mound was between me and the Corellas. I had to crawl quietly towards them as they were playing around. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4L IS II USM plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/3,200 sec, f5.6, ISO 500) Little Corella, Herdsman Lake, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699438335-FNMA4KB0H57FEV09199U/DSC_9696-2-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Silent scream of terror by Janette Rodgers Great egrets are very good hunters and rarely miss a catch. Sometimes they can scoop up prey and sometimes they spear them with their very sharp beaks. This particular day was quite dark and gloomy and the bokeh in the background are water drops rising off rapids at one of the local rivers. This elegant bird is displaying his courtship colouring of pea-green lores, normally yellowish. The fish is very frightened and his fears seem etched in his demeanour with fins erect, eyes bulging and mouth wide open, knowing there will be no escape - the great egret is a masterful hunter. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 at 500mm, 1/5,000 sec, f5.6, ISO 1250) Great Egret, Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699308804-51TP688CLI9KTFHYMVGU/DSC_0544.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Thanks for breakfast by Stuart Blackwell The Female was with her chicks in an adjacent tree - it appeared she was impatient with the speed of delivery of breakfast so she swept in and took it from her bewildered looking partner. (Nikon D500 with 500mm f4 lens, 1/20 sec, f4, ISO 200) Peregrine Falcon, Tanunda, Barossa Valley, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573699251816-70Q13NQ244E5TSCI9U4M/_DSM0623-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Twwwannggg by Jason Moore This photo shows a masked lapwing extracting an earthworm from its hole in the ground. There was a real tug of war taking place! It was pulling so hard that the bird lost its balance and almost fell over when the worm eventually popped out. Captured shortly after sunrise on a grey and overcast day in the middle of the NT Monsoon season which saturates the ground and helps bring prey like this to the surface. (Sony A7r iii with Canon EF 500mm f4, 1/640 sec, f4, ISO 3200) Masked Lapwing, Bamurru Plains, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573700906180-KCDESCURE72OZHOLDXGK/_D8R6570.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - A formidable killer by Sar NOP This is a terrifying raptor in term of speed and ability to make a kill. Having an eye-contact with this bird always scares me! (Nikon D850 with Nikkor AF-S 600mm f4E FL plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2,000 sec, f5.6, ISO 1600) Peregrine Falcon, Northern Beaches of Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573700926706-97AB5XSASSB4UYPX7ZBQ/1L9A4170_edited-4.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - At the ready by Stephen Garth I was at the Western Treatment Plant near Melbourne. My aim was to take shots of waders from low angles. I had some success but while I was on my way back to the car this Zebra Finch popped up on a thorn bush so I took a couple of opportunistic shots and thought little more of it. When I got home and saw this shot on my computer I was delighted with the result. It was easily the best shot of the day and a complete surprise. The combination of the thorny bush, the lichen, the background colours with the brown grass and, of course, the bird in sharp focus made for a very pleasing image. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 400mm f4 DO IS II USM plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/400 sec , f10, ISO 250) Zebra Finch, Western Treatment Plant, Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701096523-EGJ7J70MCFVYTNL7DV0Z/Bee-eaters+6.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Colours of the rainbow by Gary Meredith Winter in the Australian desert is a combination of beautiful morning light and freezing cold temperatures. Here, a group of Rainbow Bee-eaters sit together with their backs facing the rising sun. Once these Bee-eaters have warmed up enough they head off for the day only returning at dusk to roost as a large group of twenty birds or more. Taken with a remote controlled camera setup to minimise disturbance of the birds. (Nikon D850 with Nikkor 80-400 f4.5-5.6G at 400mm, 1/1,250 sec, f5.6, ISO 400) Rainbow Bee-eater, The Great Sandy Desert, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701095409-9H6BP1NEMVJRL2IT6O3H/Comb-Over.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Comb-Over by Michael Hanvey It was early evening with just a few minutes of sunlight left when this Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo flew in for a drink at a small dam, raising its magnificent crest upon landing. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 600mm f4L IS II USM plus 1.4X teleconverter, 1/3,200 sec, f7.1, ISO 1000) Major Mitchell's Cockatoo, Bowra, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701535646-T1VU4885WV3RKBMYN4YC/Port-Black-winged-Stilt-Lake-WoolumboolaNSW-28118-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Elegant Stilt by Duade Paton When water levels drop at Lake Wollumboola a layer of plant matter is exposed which the birds feed on. I ventured out into the middle of the lake and lay in the mud, watching as several birds fed. This Pied Stilt took a break and looked over at me, I captured a few shots. I really liked the pose of the bird and the simplicity of the scene. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 500mm f4L IS II plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2,500 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) Pied Stilt, Lake Wollumboola, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701539559-WNYV9GIO6LY2NIALNAYB/woodswallows.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Family matters by Shelley Pearson Woodswallows can often be found in large groups perched on wire, trees branches, etc. They are very sociable and squash up whilst preening each other. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500 F4 IS II, 1/2,500 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) White-breasted Woodswallow, Eighty Mile Beach, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573702593998-08WJPR5FX0HZFRZR2KZT/RedCollaredLorikeets.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Flash Mob by Colin Driscoll It was a dull, cloudy, windy day which lent itself to a high key presentation. The birds were typically noisy like their close relatives the Rainbow Lorikeet and were soon off as quickly as they came. I captured a quick burst of shots before they flew. I liked the mix of poses in this shot. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon 100-400 f4-5.6 Mark II at 400mm, 1/250 sec, f11, ISO 100) Red-collared Lorikeet, Australian Wildlife Consrevancy Pungalina-Seven Emu Sanctuary, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573702776862-4GNRMF7WD7M2DUSWODB4/Golden-Headed+Cisticola.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Golden by Jeremy Chin I really like the similarities between the colours of the bird and its habitat and shows well the ability this species to disguise itself amongst its surroundings. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm at 400mm, 1/500 sec, f5.6, ISO 160) Golden-headed Cisticola, Rockdale, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573700994206-DBVQANUMW2YYK192NJDR/Avocet+9801.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Graceful landing by Tim Van Leeuwen The Avocet is a beautiful bird in flight as this photograph shows. This bird had been feeding on the far side of the waterhole when it took to flight and headed my way. Fortunately I managed to lock focus just before it landed presenting me with this graceful pose. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 200-400mm f4 with internal 1.4x at 560mm, 1/3,200 sec, f8, ISO 1000) Red-necked Avocet, Derby, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573702959425-OA3VSTX7F65R4CSOZWMG/Leaving_on_the_light.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Leaving on the light by Matthew Newton A Shy Albatross glows in the last light of the sun as it takes off from Albatross Island. Albatross Island is located off the north-western tip of Tasmania. It is home to 5,200 pairs of Shy Albatross, which are endemic to Tasmania. The Tasmanian government has maintained a long term monitoring program on the island for over thirty years. (Nikon D850 with 24 - 70mm f 2.8 lens at 62mm, 1/400 sec, f 4.5, ISO 400) Shy Albatross, Albatross Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701442375-449YHJ7MXEGHRH9PQ3V3/NankeenKestrel.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Nankeen Kestrel by Cathryn Vasseleu What luck to be able to photograph a pair of Nankeen Kestrels from above, at a cliff top overlooking Flying Fish Cove on Christmas Island, when one displayed its rufous plumage while the other watched on with its ‘teardrop’ marked eyes. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 at 400mm, 1/1,000 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) Nankeen Kestrel, Christmas Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573700895962-BM5XBQOBJUFYLZPGNZXX/0I8A0621_edited-15.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - On Golden Pond by Ian Wilson While the Chestnut Teal is gorgeous with his coy look at the photographer, this picture is really all about the light. The image was captured on a mid-winter afternoon with the low sun illuminating a tea tree thicket on the far side of the pond. The reflection of the out of focus background off the water has produced the stunning golden surface, modulated by gentle ripples propagating out from the preening bird. (Canon 5Ds with Canon EF 600 mm f4 II, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 800) Chestnut Teal, Breaside Wetlands, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701468328-86HLZDQK8KOU0IFMBMK2/L_Kelland.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Pelican Focus by Louisa Kelland Australian Pelicans at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast are monitored by volunteers for entanglement in fishing lines or general poor health. They wait with great patience and focus at the same time every day for fish scraps from the local fishermen. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM at 32mm, 1/200 sec, f16, ISO 400) Australian Pelican, The Entrance, Central Coast, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701517518-C6BM6FC6HFZ8ZM1JQNWO/Wompoo+Fruit+Dove.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Perfectly posed pigeon by Silva Vaughan-Jones Always timid and reclusive, this Wompoo Fruit-Dove felt safe enough surrounded by its favourite food to pose for a portrait in a Moreton Bay Fig. (Canon 1DX with Sigma 200 - 600mm plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/640 sec, f9, ISO 2500) Wompoo Fruit-dove, Bellangry near Wauchope, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701505681-9NNHFNNYHB1K5R7X24FS/Preening.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Preening by Lea Scaddan I arrived at Herdsman Lake very early in the morning to photograph Purple Swamphen chicks that had recently left the nest. While I was waiting for them to make an appearance, I noticed several Straw-necked Ibises nearby preening so I took a photo of one closest to me in the soft morning light. I love its metallic-coloured feathers and a single feather above its eyes. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF500mm f4L IS II USM plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2,000 sec, f5.6, ISO 500) Straw-necked Ibis, Herdsman Lake, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573700925927-EBRBTBR5IAS37TQHEO9F/A36I5156_edited-7.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Serious Seabird by Ian Wilson A not-so-shy Albatross with a determined look on its face. Shy Albatross breed on Albatross Island at the western entrance to Bass Strait only about 250km away from where the picture was taken. They congregate in large numbers along the Bonney Upwelling on the edge of the Continental Shelf off south west Victoria and the south east of South Australia. The wind-driven upwelling draws cold nutrient-rich Antarctic water to the surface along the edge of the Shelf promoting the growth of phytoplankton on which krill, squid and small fish feed. These in turn attract large aggregations of pelagic fish, seabirds and mammals. The Shy Albatross in this image was attracted to our fishing boat with fish scraps. Shooting from the upper deck enabled me to capture a candid eye-level portrait. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 300 mm f2.8 II plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/3,200 sec, f6.3, ISO 400) Shy Albatross, About 50 km offshore from Port Fairy, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701242054-UAVCUQ8IQA1YJ2BZY6NP/GC2_9668+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Soft-plumaged Petrel by John Harrison The photo shows a Soft-plumaged petrel streaking across the crest of a wave. The photo was taken on a Pelagic trip from Eaglehawk Neck. I really love Pterodroma petrels, but only so much can be seen with the naked eye or binoculars on a rocking boat. I aimed to depict the bird in great detail interacting with the environment - dynamic soaring on one wave crest with another wave in the distance behind. (Canon 1D X with Canon EF 600mm f4L IS II USM, 1/2,500 sec, f4, ISO 400) Soft-plumaged Petrel, Near the Tasman Peninsula, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701389693-D8AW72JQWVXVJ3BJR0RN/DSC_2026.JPG Gallery - Winners 2019 - Unconventional Beauty by Alistair Smith Despite the negative reputation these bird have around Australia, I find them beautiful, prehistoric looking and endearing. This Ibis stood under a sheltered area with sun hitting it at an angle. It was busily preening away, dust could be seen floating through the air around it. Many pin feathers are emerging from its neck and it was mainly targeting these, to remove the sheath that was covering them. Obviously well accustomed to people around town, the bird allowed me to get within a metre or so. (Nikon D7200 with Tamron 100-400mm at 400mm, 1/1,000 sec, f6.3, ISO 1000) Australian White Ibis, Healesville, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573701369085-TT2OPMIEJPGDXNA3KH4U/J+Dalton+Behaviour+II.JPG Gallery - Winners 2019 - Wren Call From Lantana Perch by John Dalton The spectacle of a Red-backed Fairy-wren calling at full volume in winter light. (Canon 60D with Canon EF 500 mm f4 plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/640 sec, f7.1, ISO 1000) Red-backed Fairy-wren, Kingaroy, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704046816-4XIKNP8EWFN9D1O9AD5N/Covert+Alertness.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Covert Alertness by Wilson Lennard The vegetation is low and the ground sandy and stark white on the Roebuck Plain. This Australian Pratincole had no trouble hiding within this environment. It heard me walking past and stood very still; it's strategy for being hidden from my presence. I really liked the way it used the landscape to its advantage. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4 plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2,049 sec, f9.0, ISO 500) Australian Pratincole, Roebuck Plain, Broome, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704087497-Y5Q9KT27AMLHBDNIUQYR/Egret+and+the+City.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Egret and the City by Veronica Mcphail Taken well before sunrise this Great Egret is lit by a street light giving it a yellow hue. I enjoy capturing our wildlife with the city as a backdrop to show how we co-exist together. I used a wide aperture to blur the city and keep the Egret as the main focus. (Canon 5D Mark III with 70-200mm lens at 150mm, 1/40 sec, f2.8, ISO 1000) Great Egret, Coode Street Jetty, South Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704213697-UV2U3NVWP3MNY3T90674/Sally+Gray_Green+Day_Birds+in+Landscape.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Green by Sally Gray One of my favourite images. The aerial perspective twists the 3 dimensional quality slightly, combined with the painterly effects of the landscape in a surreal wet season on Cape York. (Canon 5D Mark II) Brolga, Cape York, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704125760-M02NMX7CW25KHSRYW4F2/Last_Light.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Last Light on Albatross Island by Matthew Newton A Shy Albatross is lit by the last rays of the sun as it lands on the island to rest for the night. In September every year the birds return to the remote island in Bass Strait to renew their bonds with their mates and breed. This image is from a long term project documenting The Tasmanian Government’s Shy Albatross monitoring program which has been in progress for over thirty years and the scientists that are working to ensure the species survival. (Nikon D810 with 24-70mm f2.8 lens at 50mm, 1/100 sec, f2.8, ISO 100) Shy Albatross, Albatross Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704145193-STND6Z16RMF1085RWI0L/Letter-winged+Kite+dusk_David+Stowe-8827.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Letters from the Outback by David Stowe A small group of Letter-winged Kites await the setting of the sun before they go off to hunt. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 500mm f4 plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/640 sec, f6.3, ISO 1000) Letter-winged Kite, Western Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573703862430-8HBIHHQUVD4FHCNVQT38/_A8Q0277Moon+light+walk+on+beach.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Moon light walk on beach by Christopher Farrell After a great afternoon of nature photography within the Belfast Coastal reserve the perfect end was to capture two of the local Hooded Plovers feeding in the moonlight at Killarney Beach. (Canon 1DX Mark I with Canon 100mm to 400mm at 100mm, 1/250 sec, f6.3, ISO 1600) Hooded Plover, Killarney Beach, Belfast Coastal Reserve, Port Fairy, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704114187-921GBD8740EXBU9FMSIV/IMG_4837.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Peek a Boo by Linda Joseph This photos was taken on an early morning drive on a cold, wet and windy day of bird watching on the Atherton Tablelands. I was fascinated by the beautiful big dew covered cobwebs that hung like Christmas decorations on long grass near a cow paddock. The soft backlight of the morning sun made for great lighting when this little Golden-headed Cisticola popped up through the grass like it was saying peek-a-boo. The size of the cobwebs and grass flowers emphasizes how tiny and petite these little birds are. (Canon 80D with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM II at 400mm, 1/320 sec, f5.6, ISO 500) Golden-headed Cisticola, Atherton Tablelands, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704160671-10ZK1LYKQ00K6TWXTDCW/IMG_5828__edit_submission.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Peek-a-boo by Lisa Nunn I was driving across a tall grassy plain when a male bustard took off from amongst the long grass. I stopped to watch him fly away, and as I went to resume my journey I noticed his head had popped up out of the grass nearby. (Canon EOS 5D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS USM at 400mm, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 100) Australian Bustard, Barkly Tablelands, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704231399-60UTU79D3FY44LD8HS4D/Pelican+on+the+River+Murray.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Pelican on the River Murray by Peter Ross This was the first of a group of pelicans that arrived as the sun began to break through the early morning fog. The light, colour and majesty of the bird made for an unforgettable moment. (Olympus E-M1 Mark 2 with Olympus 40-150mm f4.5-5.6 at 57mm, 1/8,000 sec, f10, ISO 200) Australian Pelican, River Murray, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573703942471-X2V4DWUYP1A9A2NOZXRE/2019-03-11+Red-necked+Stint.JPG Gallery - Winners 2019 - Red-necked Stint by Arnold Faulks At low tide the soldier crabs come out to feed. At the same time the Stilts are also busy feeding to gain maximum condition for their future migration. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 300mm f2.8 plus 2x teleconverter, 1/3,200 sec, f9, ISO 640) Red-necked Stint, Ballina, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704248874-GRZVLROJBIT4133CH9BH/Sandpiper+Fling.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Sandpiper Fling by Wilson Lennard Werribee Treatment Plant is a place I often visit as I live in Melbourne. I especially enjoy summer when the waders arrive to fatten up on the available food sources of the wetlands and foreshore before returning to northern climes. While photographing Avocets in one of the ponds, all of a sudden, a small mixed flock of sandpipers (known as a fling) flew past me at break-neck speed and whirled and wheeled around above the water. As they came back closer to where I was quietly sitting, I took a series of shots . I was delighted with the results when I reviewed them later - the way they were almost all in focus and how they were so well isolated from the reedy background and water. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon 500mm F/4.0 and Canon 1.4x TC (700mm), 1/2,660 sec, f7.1, ISO 640) Curlew Sandpiper and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Werribee South, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704045338-W8GI98EQFCBTWPZHMZHL/BIL-Short-tailed-Shearwater.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Shearwater Migration by Duade Paton I was lucky enough to be on a boat off the south east of Tasmania near the Hippolyte Rocks where I observed thousands of migrating Short-tailed Shearwaters. I liked this shot for the chaos of migration set against the Rocks. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 400 f5.6L, 1/2,000 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) Short-tailed Shearwater, Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704271833-56X466A0NDIKIWO1UNB4/Sally+Gray_Swamp_Birds+in+Landscape.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Swamp by Sally Gray I love the abstract quality of this image with the blocks of colour and highlights of the Magpie Geese. Aerial images give us a fresh view of our world, sometimes challenging our perceptions of depth and dimensions and can challenge our brain to interpret what we are seeing. (Canon 5D Mark II with Canon EF 70-200 f 2.8L IS II at 200mm, 1/800 sec, f3.2, ISO 160) Magpie Geese, Cape York, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573704270049-S1GN52VUCNW8RXKHSO1E/The+Wind+Rises.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - The Wind Rises by Wilson Lennard A flock of shore birds were wading on a sand bar at Altona beach and I noticed the wonderful colours the late afternoon light was producing on the birds. I knelt down in the mud and started taking shots of the stationary birds, so I had chosen my ISO, aperture and shutter speed based on this. All of a sudden, something caused the birds to take flight. It was a Spring evening and a normal Melbourne South Westerly wind was blowing across the water. The birds immediately took off into the wind, which was strong enough to allow them to basically hover on the spot above where they had been standing. Luckily for me, they produced this pattern of birds, lining up and taking off like aeroplanes on an WW2 airfield. Seeing them hanging in the air was wondrous and the fact that they were still due to the wind assisted me to get the image with the settings I had chosen for stationary birds in the water. The name of the image was inspired by this thought and the fact that I had recently seen an animated movie by Hayao Miyazaki called "The Wind Rises", about a Japanese aeronautical engineer who designed his planes by using birds as an inspiration. It is a favourite flock image of mine. (Canon 70D with Tamron 150-600mm at 600mm, 1/790 sec, f7.1, ISO 400) Red-necked Avocet and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Altona, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573703920890-WO6JCE75EMPA8H9R74AS/1I0A7078v1copy2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Wipe Out by Maria Coleman I positioned myself in a spot on the rock platform watching the Heron feed in the surf. I was after a photo where the surf was going to hit the rock platform with some force and hopefully the Heron would fly into the air. This occurred but I forgot to pay attention to surf on the left hand side of me so not only did the bird get wet, but me and my equipment got a rather large dumping of white wash. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4iii teleconvertor, 1/3,200 sec, f7.1, ISO 500) White-faced Heron, Illawarra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705514851-DJV3XR8Z21DY59VGQMRI/NewHollandHoneyeater.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Drought Featuring New Holland Honeyeater by Angela Robertson-Buchanan I am a wildlife carer and rehabbed this New Holland Honeyeater from a concussion/wing injury. He was found on the ground in the Inner West of Sydney. Our trees are being cut down at an alarming rate to make way for new roads and development, plus the drought has pushed the smaller honeyeaters into city garden areas where they find it difficult to navigate the high rise buildings. This composite image symbolises lack of food and habitat for our birds. Created by photographing him (with a zoom lens) when he was free flying in a large room to increase his fitness. The branches were set up in a vase which he naturally landed on. He fully recovered and was successfully released. (Nikon D850 with Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8) New Holland Honeyeater, Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705527007-5YB349SAS9YYAOA9D51J/ScarletMontage.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Drought featuring Scarlet Honeyeaters by Angela Robertson-Buchanan I am a wildlife carer and rehabbed this Male Scarlet Honeyeater from a concussion/wing injury. He was found on the ground in the Inner West of Sydney. Our trees are being cut down at an alarming rate to make way for new roads and development, plus the drought has pushed these tiny honeyeaters into city garden areas where they find it difficult to navigate the high rise buildings. This composite image symbolises lack of food and habitat for our birds. Created by photographing him (with a zoom lens) when he was free flying in a large room to increase his fitness. The branches were set up in a vase which he naturally landed on. He fully recovered and was successfully released. (Nikon D850 with Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8) Scarlet Honeyeater, Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705583442-1EU3UNWHWYEQ5CMY5PVJ/Swamp+Harrier-.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Flaring Swampie by Dick Jenkin After spending many hours in a hide, with various comings and goings of different raptors, I was just about to call it a day. Something caught my eye and I looked up to see a Swamp Harrier circling in the rapidly fading late afternoon light. As the harrier flew by, my eye was attracted to the golden back lighting on the bird, which was mirrored by the light shining through the eucalypts. At Inala, staff travel the roads in the morning to check road kill animals for any babies in pouch (which they hand raise) and the carcasses are removed from the road to help prevent more road kill of raptors feeding on the carcasses. They are then placed in a safe and open area at Inala for the benefit of the birds and the delight of birders and photographers. In post processing I have used photoshop to clone more black areas and auto-filled to extend the room the bird has to fly into. I have also created a reverse shadow. Adding some flare also made for a more dramatic image. This image was taken from a hide through photographic glass. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 600mm f4, 1/1,250 sec, f7.1, ISO 800) Swamp Harrier, Inala, South Bruny Island, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705501268-MQ1G31I5DFQZOIXUOP4X/404A7552.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Silver Gull by David Pace This Silver Gull was sitting on the causeway between Granite Island and Victor Harbour. I was taking a series of photos and tried one with a flash. This over-exposed the subject but produced an interesting depiction of an often underrated and beautiful species. (Canon 5D with 300mm f2.8 lens plus 2x teleconverter, 1/200 sec, f5.6, ISO 400) Silver Gull, Victor Harbour, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705622200-FYODWPYGN4AM1643MYUH/Twin+Tawnies.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Twin Tawnies by Rebecca Harrison This was the first time I had seen a Tawny Frogmouth in the wild - there was a little family of four - two adults and two juveniles, sitting in a Peppermint Tree. The two little ones looked at me curiously with their wide eyes, snuggled together for comfort. It was a magic moment to see - something so fragile, small and precious, hidden and quiet in a local park. In editing I used a high key effect which gives the impression that they are almost in a studio setting. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM at 400mm, 1/640 sec, f7.1, ISO 640) Tawny Frogmouth, Mosman Park, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573706042815-U9PRMPA1I9LF1ZDQ9WJW/Australian+Summer.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Australian Summer by Toni Moran In a particularly hot summer with weeks of no rain, this girl (Mrs P) started coming up to the house to drink from a bowl I left out for her. On this particular day the heat was unbearable so I put a sprinkler out for her. She looked at me as if to say 'about time' and then proceeded to have the most wonderful time under the sprinkler. From that day on, she would come to the door and tap when she wanted me to turn the sprinkler on. The light was harsh on this particular day and I initially didn't grab the camera but Mrs P was so endearing I snuck into the house, grabbed the camera and tried to get a few shots without disturbing her. I came across this series when I was looking at what I might be able to enter for Human Impact. I had looked at a few other photos that showed negative human impact but with all the negative environmental events we hear or read every day, I wanted to find a positive one. I liked the bokeh and the way she is staring right into the camera. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM at 400mm, 1/800 sec, f5.6, ISO 800) Australian Magpie, Brisbane, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573706108720-MSP9UXH7AYYKCJ8ACET9/Collared+Cormorant.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Collared Cormorant by Geoff Dennis I spotted this poor little cormorant in my local creek and notified Wildlife Rescue. I sent them images of this bird with the black plastic ring around its throat. For the next few days there were unsuccessful attempts to locate and rescue the bird. I think the cormorant managed to chew the plastic ring off by itself as a similar bird was in the area a week later. My aim is to show the impact on birds of what appears to be a harmless piece of plastic, but around the throat of a native bird it is life threatening. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 400mm f4, 1/400 sec, f4, ISO 400) Little Pied Cormorant, Zillman Waterholes, Boondall, Brisbane, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705944439-X7B0VDEOUCWQWWNHODTC/_R7A1249.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Don't leave your rubbish out by Fran Solly The Brush-turkey has found a rubbish bag left by the side of the road it has ripped open the bag and is intent on scavenging through the plastic and paper waste for any morsels of food. He knows I am photographing him but the prospect of some human leftovers is more interesting that the person lying on the road with a camera. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 500mm f4, 1/2,000 sec, f4.5, ISO 400) Australian Brush-turkey, O'Reilly's Retreat, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1574201381022-CN3CSJSTBQ56CYV3P3TG/Fatal+decision.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Fatal Decision by Lea Stanlake This photo was taken at one of my favourite birding spots. I have been watching this resident falcon for the last few years over the winter months, so was devastated to see that it had just been hit by a car, the car leaving as I pulled up. I picked the bird and put it under the tree it always perched in. At that point I noticed the whip snake's head in its mouth. A whistling kite was circling above and had the large body of the snake. The decision to grab the head before the kite stole its catch ended tragically for the falcon. Finding enough food to survive, then defend its catch from other hungry raptors sometimes forces them take risks which they would not normally do. It was a fatal decision in this case. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM at 164mm, 1/500 sec, f5, ISO 320) Brown Falcon, 15 Km West of NT and WA Border, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573706041506-Z5C0RP4OSKXC96S8DEC1/cassia+brewsterii+forest+kingfisher+020.JPG Gallery - Winners 2019 - Forest Kingfisher by Jean Gundry This beautiful bird flew into one of our house glass windows and was completely immobilised for several minutes. Fortunately, it recovered and flew away. I felt privileged to be able to photograph it but I hope never to have that same circumstance again. We have since put decals on the windows to minimise bird strike. We have had far fewer accidents since. (Coolpix P900 with Nikon Coolpix900 Focal length at 4.3mm (24mm equiv), 1/125 sec, f2.8, ISO 400) Forest Kingfisher, Gowrie Junction, Darling Downs, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705976711-5RQ80NKU80C09DKBOGPX/AO2A8361_edited-5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Making a Splash I by Ian Wilson We have created three bird baths in our garden, a large one in the open for bigger birds and two smaller ones surrounded by over-arching vegetation which provides safety for small birds. On warm days many small birds come to bathe and drink. Eastern Spinebills love to make a big splash. They seem to delight in bouncing of the water with the aim of making as big a splash as possible. They often take the plunge in quick succession giving the photographer an opportunity to anticipate the right moment to fire a low-power, ultra-short flash of light needed to ‘freeze’ the action. In this frame I was photo-bombed by a bee coming in for a drink. (Canon 5D Mark III plus 3 x Canon 600EX-RT flashes, 1/8 flash power with Canon EF 300 mm f2.8 II, 1/200 sec, f14, ISO 125) Eastern Spinebill, Home garden, Belgrave Heights, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573705973397-1HPZYWJL35QKEQC3QTWA/20181004-powerful-owl-ninox-strenua-01.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Powerless by Matt Wright It's dark, you are weary-eyed behind the wheel of your car. Your eyes close momentarily. THUD. You awake from your microsleep. "What was that?" you ask. You stop, can't see anything. So you keep driving. You have just hit Australia's largest avian nocturnal predator, the Powerful Owl. Measuring 65 centimetres in height, weighing up to 2.2 kilograms and having a wingspan of almost 1.5 metres, it's a hard-to-miss bird. The Powerful Owl is under threat throughout its distribution in Australia. Although powerful in appearance and in name, it is powerless. It can not stop what is happening around it. We are losing them. The Powerful Owl is facing many threats. Whether it be the mass land clearing of preferred habitat or vehicle strikes which are taking the lives of mature, adult birds, they are disappearing and it's worrying. This particular owl was found on the Gold Coast, in Queensland. An area that has less than 10 confirmed sightings of Powerful Owl in public record! This is one less, mature owl that could be fuelling the increase in overall numbers. Little is known about the movements of Powerful Owls on the Gold Coast with no breeding pairs known. With land clearing in the region at an all-time high, now is the time to help save them! (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 16-35mm f4 at 24mm, 30 sec, f14, ISO 640) Powerful Owl, Brisbane, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573706249796-3GKTHC712KJZ49SXTD7G/roaddanger.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Road Danger by Lea Scaddan I was driving home from a bird photography outing and noticed a flock of Carnaby’s Black-cockatoos on the side of a busy coastal road next to a new housing development. When residential property developers install attractive bird-friendly plants by the side of the road to enhance its surroundings, it can attract birds to the danger of feeding so close to passing cars. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4L IS II USM plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1,250 sec, f5.6, ISO 800) Carnaby's Black-cockatoo, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573706163030-34XSY1HW712NUNZYIV5O/IMG_2749.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Unlucky by Linda Joseph This would have to be one of the most unluckiest little birds ever. So sad to see this juvenile Chestnut-breasted Mannikin had somehow impaled itself on the sharp barb of a barbed wire fence around a cow paddock. While barb wire is commonly used, the impact of the wire on birds often goes unnoticed. (Canon 80D with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM II at 400mm, 1/500 sec, f5.6, ISO 200) Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Atherton Tablelands, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707609994-4FJZWY8IA6UH7CESMGTE/White+Gaped+Honeyeater.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Brown Honeyeater by Paul Barry I found this honey eater feasting on the nectar of these beautiful red flowers. It seemed to be trying to decide whether to try another lot of flowers or stay with the ones here. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF 400mm, 1/1,250 sec, f5.6, ISO 800) Brown Honeyeater, Oxley, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707392969-NXQDM389UAH8329W1R1U/Gibberbird-David+Stowe-0657.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Gibber on Gibber by David Stowe A male Gibberbird surveys his gibber plain domain. (Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF500mm f4L IS USM plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1,600 sec, f7.1, ISO 1000) Gibberbird, Western Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707438713-MQVVNCU4OAVUSDWG6692/Graceful+HoneyeaterJulatten110717234-Edit-2-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Graceful by Mark Lethlean What appeals to me about this image is that it is not only a great demonstration of the evolution of the flower to attract the pollinator but also how concurrently the bill of the bird has evolved to extract the nectar. In this region there are 3 species of Honeyeaters- Lewin's, Yellow-spotted and Graceful which are challenging to differentiate if you focus on plumage alone. How do they coexist in this environment? All three also have subtle differences in their bill morphology which may reflect different feeding strategies. I was there to observe and photograph all three species. (Nikon D810 with Nikon 400mm plus 1.4x teleconveter, 1/500 sec, f5.6, ISO 1000) Graceful Honeyeater, Julatten, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707390451-JGJG57VZYWZ2UNXWN1GF/170121_0181_Spinebill2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Hovering Spinebill by Warren Wilson The tiny Eastern Spinebill is mostly a flash of colour darting around in my garden... until it hovers and feeds from a blossom. Over the years I had unsuccessfully tried to capture this behaviour and, inspired by images of hovering hummingbirds, grew increasingly determined to capture this behaviour. I set up a bird hide and soon discovered it required patience, luck and skill as they hover for only a few seconds to sup nectar before flitting to the next flower. After many failed attempts I was happy to eventually capture this image - it was worth the wait. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR 2, 1/250s sec, f10, ISO 400) Eastern Spinebill, Woollamia, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707471416-KDBPFXKRZ3FFZOFRPHJ2/KJKW_20180818_4008+-+Into+the+fire+you+made+scarlet+and+gold.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Into the fire you made scarlet and gold by Kylie Jones There is no missing the flash of red as the male Scarlet Honeyeater flits around in the trees. After a careful check for danger, this bird descended for a quick drink beside the shelter of bushes, with its delicate tongue protruding, ripples extending across the water, and a perfect reflection of its face seeming to look straight at me. He appears to be drinking golden nectar, the water reflecting the brilliant yellow of the Blackdown Wattle flowers along the creek edge. This sheltered creek crossing along the Goon Goon Dina walk at Blackdown Tableland is a favoured watering spot for the smaller birds when it contains water. As I sat on the ground beside a bush further along the path and waited, camera poised, many birds would stop at this rock for a drink, while the larger birds preferred another spot on the other side of the crossing where they could pop into the deeper water for a bath. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm II @ 400mm, 1/1,000 sec, f5.6, ISO 1000) Scarlet Honeyeater, Goon Goon Dina walk, Blackdown Tableland National Park, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707378034-MA3X7WWV0ND0YJKSRKJF/180905_0090_Lewins.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Lewin's by Warren Wilson Lewin's Honeyeaters are a regular in my garden. I was fortunate to catch this parent bird with its youngster foraging for nectar together. I was left with the impression that the parent bird was showing the youngster which was the most productive blossoms to visit. (Nikon D500 with Nikkor 300mm f2.8G ED VR 2, 1/250 sec, f11, ISO 640) Lewin's Honeyeater, Wollamia, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707556686-7R9N1452SG2TXBAIXUBN/LittleFrier.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Noisy Friarbird by Angela Robertson-Buchanan It was such a treat to see this Little Friarbird in the Grevillea as it was my first time observing this species. I framed the image like a delicate botanical drawing, much like an early ornithologist studying the species. Conditions were cloudy which provided a white background and enhanced the 'drawing like' composition. (Nikon D850 with Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6 at 500mm, 1/3,200 sec, f5.6, ISO 2500) Noisy Friarbird, Cashmere, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707482976-0X18IE9B9ACDYDLL3WVM/Scarlet+Honeyeater+in+the+Firesprite+grevilla.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Scarlet Honeyeater by Silva Vaughan-Jones Nectar-rich Grevillea Fire Sprite blooms attract this fearless, diminutive honeyeater. Following north-south honey flows, it migrates as Eucalypts, Grevilleas and Melaleucas flower and arrives locally in spring. The swiftness of the honeyeaters made them a challenge to expose correctly as they flitted in and out of the shade while feasting on the blossoms. Careful cropping and exposure adjustment in post editing produced vibrant complementary colours on an image I thought I had lost to under-exposure. (Canon 1Ds Mark 3 with Canon 400mm plus 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1,600 sec, f8, ISO 1600) Scarlet Honeyeater, Pappinbarra near Wauchope, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573707594478-J0NZRH21PIJFAPO06B6K/skinny-dip.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Skinny dip by Swapnil Nevgi I absolutely adore birds and greatly enjoy observing and photographing them. Noisy Miners visit our backyard every day for a dip and have become quite used to my presence. Having plenty of birds going in and out of the bird bath frequently gave me an opportunity to try from different sides, angles and settings. This particular photo was taken during an evening visit for a dip with the sun behind for great back lighting, a dark background and spray of droplets in front. This is one of my favourite shots out of thousands. (Canon 5D Mark IV with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 188mm, 1/2,000 sec, f6.3, ISO 500) Noisy Miner, Moggill, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573708925534-4GLOPU3VCPDZDWX5X2YJ/A02I2453.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Black-Fronted Dotterel by Robert Irwin This little Dotterel was darting quickly around a waterhole. Rather than attempting to follow the bird, I sat and waited for it for to be in the perfect spot. Eventually, I captured this image as it watched me through the tall grass and flowers around the waterhole. However the bird only stayed still for a split second, just long enough to snap an image. The afternoon light enhanced the green and golden hues of the vegetation. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS II USM, 1/1,600 sec, f4.0, ISO 2000) Black-fronted Dotterel, Mourachan Conservation Reserve, St. George Area, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573708978198-A1LCUBJKJYI0SZW22W1J/A02I2728.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Desert Rains by Robert Irwin An unexpected storm rolled over the dry, drought-stricken landscape while I was photographing this Emu. As the rain became more heavy, she hunkered down to stay dry and I got down onto her level to capture this image. She seemed to enjoy the cool change. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II USM at 180mm, 1/1,000 sec, f2.8, ISO 800) Emu, Mourochan Conservation Reserve, St. George area, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709025074-OR0JVAHLSULULFSZK54W/A02I3047.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Emu Family by Robert Irwin When I found this father Emu with a group of chicks, I approached as close as possible then laid on the ground and allowed the group to approach me. To my delight, they confidently and curiously walked quite close, with one of the emus standing right above me, investigating what I was doing. After they watched for a while, the Emus continued on their way. I loved how the legs of one of the emus framed the right side of the image. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II USM at 130mm, 1/1,600 sec, f2.8, ISO 1600) Emu, Mourachan Conservation Reserve, St. George Area, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709094896-JEIWH8P6GC0RJ7H0L3V7/Fabulous+Fantail.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Fabulous Fantail by McKinley Moens I am so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in a number of bird banding projects. They are not only valuable scientific opportunities, they also give me the chance to take images of the birds at close range to show the incredible detail of their plumage. (Sony A57 with Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 at 250mm, 1/160 sec, f8, ISO 1600) Rufous Fantail, Blue Gum Swamp, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573708892284-H00A0M9S33PVSEVNUEL3/A02I0380.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Purple Swamphen by Robert Irwin On a rainy day, I discovered a number of swamphen feeding on grass roots in an open pasture. I laid in the grass to get the lowest angle possible and waited until this individual walked closer and closer, pulling clumps of grass from the ground. I loved capturing this image with the drops of rain falling around the bird. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS II USM, 1/400 sec, f4.0, ISO 6400) Purple Swamphen, Sunshine Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573708866319-5T72OFH33MKPSLQJXYQ6/A02I2387.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Reflections by Robert Irwin I discovered this Black-fronted Dotterel displaying a classic feeding behaviour at the edge of mud flat in remote outback Queensland. I sat in the mud in the late afternoon, balancing my camera on a log and waited for the bird to be positioned in the perfect spot as it moved along the shore. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f4 L IS II USM, 1/1,000 sec, f4.0, ISO 1600) Black-fronted Dotterel, Mourachan Conservation Reserve, St. George area, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1573709212774-3CABAYE1C1A5IDVLENWI/Satin+Bowerbird.jpg Gallery - Winners 2019 - Satin Bowerbird by Ben Roe Walking amongst the trees at the Cooke's Mill campground I spotted this bird in the branches of a beautiful old tree. I love the colour in the bird's eye and the soft spotting on its body. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM at 400mm, 1/1,000 sec, f5.6, ISO 400) Satin Bowerbird, Cooke's Mill, Cathedral Range State Park, Vic https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2020 daily 0.75 2021-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083839681-OFP9KEA3P5UTXCCSIVS5/alison+langevad+backyard+birds.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - A Lovely Sprinkle - Alison Langevad A Lovely Sprinkle - Alison Langevad BACKYARD BIRDS WINNER Watching and photographing birdlife in Australia gives me so much pleasure. I feel it takes so little to give back. Often, I will fill a birdbath or put a sprinkler on to help our birds survive and enjoy long, hot North Queensland summers. For this photo, I positioned myself so I could shoot directly into the sinking sun. I felt that the water would both shield the direct light a little while illuminating the scene, showing off the magic of the moment. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, 1/2000 sec, f/2.8, ISO 125) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cannonvale, The Whitsundays, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083839062-2ZVGMCJVNHFUBRFH17LZ/Adam+Blyth+Bird+Behaviour.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Awkward Encounter - Adam Blyth Awkward Encounter - Adam Blyth BIRD BEHAVIOUR WINNER The male tried several times to stabilise himself on his partners back, which was clearly a tall order with those fantastic feet, before finally managing to find his footing and continue the circle of life. While those incredible feet are perfectly adapted to life on the lilypads, they still present some challenges! (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) Comb-crested Jacanas, Kununurra, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083842629-CKDYXYEDXMFLZISAFYZM/Patrick+Tomkins+special+theme+-+australian+wrens.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Noisy and Adorable - Patrick Tomkins Noisy and Adorable - Patrick Tomkins SPECIAL THEME: WRENS WINNER After a week camping with these birds, they had become so accustomed to my presence that they completely ignored me while they went about their business, often within arms-reach. This is the best part of bird photography for me - when the birds let you into their special little world. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1250) Splendid Fairy-wrens, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083843748-GZJW1VNMSONYURHTSJE9/Theresa+Pitter+birds+in+the+landscape.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Silence - Theresa Pitter Silence - Theresa Pitter BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE WINNER The Canning River provides a wide range of habitats for birds. It is seldom that I get to experience a misty morning like this one. It was cold, quiet and peaceful. I captured this shot of a Cormorant flying by. I love the contrast of the bird against the hazy, picturesque backdrop. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L at 400mm, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Great Cormorant, Canning River, Riverton, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083841586-G9J90L63TSABZBRR7SIB/Jun+Matsui+bird+portrait.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Southern Cassowary - Jun Matsui Southern Cassowary - Jun Matsui BIRD PORTRAIT WINNER She was quietly standing on the road side, which was nice surprise to me. She did some preening and eventually disappeared into the forest. Even not showing her face, she's beautiful. (Nikon D500, 500mm, 1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2000) Southern Cassowary, Palmerston, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083841139-5D8BOWGJI3STIMN8NAXI/Ern+Reeders+birds+in+flight.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Water Slice - Ern Reeders Water Slice - Ern Reeders BIRDS IN FLIGHT WINNER The image shows this magnificent flyer in complete command of itself in its environment. (Nikon D500, AF-S Nikkor 200-500m f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/3000 sec, f/9.5, ISO 800) Shy Albatross, Southern Ocean south of Port Fairy, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083844944-AWJC6VRG3WVAB7ZA7K4Q/Robert+van+den+Helm+human+impact.jpeg Gallery - Winners 2020 - What Remains... - Robert van den Helm What Remains... - Robert van den Helm HUMAN IMPACT WINNER Where do I start... we lived under the threat of bushfire for over 3 months during the Black Summer of 2019-20. Our town was under immediate threat for 2 weeks and we even evacuated for a couple of days but wind change saved Eden and we returned home. I'd heard stories of birds falling dead from the sky during the Mallacoota fires and soon after started finding scores of birds washed up with the burnt vegetation and ash along the local beaches. I felt the need to document this part of a Global catastrophe. When I found this Sea Eagle I wept. (iPhone 8 plus) Wedge-tailed Eagle, Eden, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083840118-7VPE5N89P5FMH9IN7NY5/Charlie+Sonnemann+youth.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - A Magpies Future - Charlie Sonnemann A Magpies Future - Charlie Sonnemann YOUTH WINNER Whilst birding in inner Melbourne I noticed this Australian Magpie sitting atop a tree stump looking over a large area of what was once coastal heath and saltbush but is now a factory district. I chose this photo because I want to share the worrying circumstances that Australia's birdlife are in. I think now more than ever people need to be motivated to take action against anti-environmentalism, climate change inaction and destruction of habitat. I hope that images, including this one, can be a motivator for people to act. (Nikon D500, Nikkor 200-500mm at 200mm, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 450) Australian Magpie, Altona Coastal Park, Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083058641-7IO71USD4KKLNHN506AL/claire+greenwell+pf1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Prize Catch Prize Catch In late spring, Fairy Terns flock to sandy shorelines in search of mates. Social displays and rituals ensue, characterised by paired aerial flights. The males’ parade with ‘prized’ fish advertising their unmated status and fishing prowess to potential females. In the Fairy Tern world, size matters and large fish attract more attention. Interested females engage in aerial courtship displays, jostling for a prime position close to the male and compete for his affection. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) Fairy Tern, Point Walter, Bicton, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083059175-T4OT0EQDI4UI4YWPQ5TX/claire+greenwell+pf2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Perfect Pass Perfect Pass Courtship feeding during pair-formation, egg-production and egg-laying periods is an important behaviour among Fairy Terns. During the early pair formation period, fish exchange is a necessary prelude to copulation and mating rituals conclude with the male offering his fish to the female in the final moments of the exchange. Once paired, males regularly feed the female, helping to increase fat and nutrient stores and contributing directly to egg production. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 320) Fairy Terns, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083059986-1LJJM5NDF68DKG3DESBA/claire+greenwell+pf3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Tasty Snack Tasty Snack Fairy Terns feed almost exclusively on small bait fishes, sometimes as long as the chicks themselves. Parents work tirelessly to satisfy the increasing demands of their rapidly growing youngsters and a regular supply of fish fuels fast growth. As chicks grow in size, adults select increasingly larger fish to meet their energetic requirements. The normally benthic fish shown is still in a larval form and translucent. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Fairy Tern, North Fremantle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083060447-2T2B0E67JUDQSMJKLA6L/claire+greenwell+pf4.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Feed me! Feed Me! Vocal recognition between adults and their offspring develops within the first few days of hatching and is essential for maintaining family unity, allowing the adults to find their young within a bustling colony. Behavioural and vocal cues, such as chick begging, enable parents to quickly identify their chicks within the bustling colony on returning from fishing trips. Here the juvenile can be seen begging for the incoming meal as the adult signals its arrival with a fish. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 360mm, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1250) Fairy Tern, Penguin Island, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083061075-IGEUA809LGPDMDRLIBIJ/claire+greenwell+pf5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - After dinner, we dance After dinner, we dance I banded ‘Little Blue’ as a tiny chick and had the great pleasure of watching this bird grow over three short weeks. I observed its maiden flight and watched as it ventured down to the shoreline. This is a snapshot of Little Blue’s reaction to touching water for the very first time. One of the many highlights of my field season and a moment I will never forget. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 360mm, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320) Fairy Tern, Penguin Island, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634083061566-7TX6QSCVH21CQH8YHFQT/claire+greenwell+pf6.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Tender Touch Tender Touch Just days after fledging, juveniles take short foraging expeditions with their parents. Mastering the art of fishing and being able to successfully capture a meal to sustain energetic requirements takes time to develop – learning how deep to dive, what’s edible and where to find productive fishing areas. Therefore, adults continue to supplement feed and care for their young for several months after leaving the colony site. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500) Fairy Terns, Rottnest Island, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460707700-2147L5I36X3HDQTGEO5S/BrownSkua_LachlanHall_Birdlife.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - A Fallen Giant - Lachlan Hall (Copy) At first glance I assumed this Southern Elephant Seal was nothing but a lifeless carcass. It wasn't until a pair of Skuas descended upon the seals limp body and began to peck at it that I realised it was still alive, though barely. The seal gathered its remaining energy and made several attempts to see off these feathered reapers but ultimately it was futile. Shortly after this photo was taken, one of the skuas punctured a hole in the seal's flank and begun to feed. The helpless giant just lay there, accepting of its fate. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 200mm, 1/800 sec, f/9, ISO 1000) Brown Skua, Sandy Bay, Macquarie Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460571567-5BKCNJ4ZGIA0XGTCH658/_26I9815.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Anyone want a Nut? - Shelley Pearson (Copy) Red-capped Parrots are often seen on the ground feeding on gumnuts fallen from the trees. Their slender hooked bill is perfect for extracting the seed and this shot illustrates how they insert the bill. Nature is amazing. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1000) Red-capped Parrot, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460639866-JFJCF4BIAWIWH68XF6I5/A13I9991+3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Bar-tailed Godwits fighting - John Harrison (Copy) The Bar-tailed Godwits at Lake Wollumboola were arguing with each other a lot on the day I took this photo. The bird underneath looks like the attack was a total surprise but I can assure you that this was not the case! (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM + 2x extender, 1/2500 sec, f/8, ISO 400) Bar-tailed Godwits, Lake Wollumboola, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460804395-18K5GO27O5KRNLBV63F1/Dinner+on+the+wing.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Dinner on the wing - Marion Anstis (Copy) While strolling around rocks along an inlet at Coolangatta Beach, I saw this juvenile Welcome Swallow, and after sitting very still for over an hour, I was able to capture this split second moment when the parent connected with its young one, feeding it on the wing and immediately flying off. She returned a few times, appearing unconcerned by my presence and sometimes landed before feeding the baby. (Nikon D850, Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF, 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 900) Welcome Swallows, Coolangatta Beach, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460586293-JZOM52D3GZGRF7TT8QCH/_96A3695.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Down The Hatch - Heather Thorning (Copy) I had just pulled up at one of my favourite birding locations and could see a Kestrel in the distance so grabbed my camera and started to walk slowly towards it. As I watched it quickly flew down to the ground and grabbed a mouse then flew to a low branch not far from me. The Kestrel got halfway through eating the mouse then started to gulp down the remains. Great to watch. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM + 1.4x extender, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Nankeen Kestrel, Woodman Point, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460695209-HEI0H6LPA781CX6EGO2Y/beautiful-firetail-pair-2-Stagonopleura-bella-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Fire Dance - Matt Wright (Copy) A male and female Firetail were interacting on this perch when the male decided he needed to impress the female. He went into a mating display where he would hold on the branch and flip himself upside down to show off his bright red rump! He would then upright himself and then do it again and again in the hope the female would be impressed enough to mate with him. (Canon 1DX, 800mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) Beautiful Firetails, Melaleuca, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460862827-4BZFDNLN7JV1K1OPKDZY/Peregrine+Falcon+Mogareeka+1+straighten.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Food Webbed - Harrison Warne (Copy) I was playing beach cricket late one afternoon when, just metres away, a Peregrine Falcon dropped from the sky, taking out a young gull. It was a quick kill, and despite the people on the beach the falcon would not forfeit its kill and I was able to crawl up close enough for this shot. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 200mm, 1/800 sec, f/3.2, ISO 400) Peregrine Falcon and Silver Gull, Tathra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460931339-0SFOPFIQQI0YLNU84HS2/PY4X4015Little+prsize1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Little Lorikeets in symmetry - Peter Odekerken (Copy) A pair of Little Lorikeets inspecting a potential nest site were alerted to a raptor's presence by the alarm calls of Noisy Miners. (Canon 1DX Mk II, 560mm, 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 800) Little Lorikeets, Inverell, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460624308-QAX77LJNR64LF4JMKW81/1I0A6911v4Sooty1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Love on the rocks - Maria Coleman (Copy) I've spent lot of time with these two Sooty Oystercatchers over the past years. I've seen them mate previously and breed successfully, but never captured an image of that special moment. I know from the female's behaviour when mating is to occur and focused on her, then he came over and they mated. I was very excited to finally create this image of this lovely pair, and after a few months I saw them with one chick. A successful start to the next generation. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II USM + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Sooty Oystercatchers, Illawarra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460842629-RZHEHVEZU62PBRKDM3GG/MALE+VICTORIAS+RIFLE+BIRD.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Male Victoria's Riflebird displaying - Kelvin Marshall (Copy) This image shows a male Victoria's Riflebird displaying on top of a dead tree fern. I was delighted to get this in good, late afternoon light against a background that highlighted the bird so well. (Nikon D750, Nikkor 200 - 400mm f/4 + 1.7x extender (650mm), 1/250 sec, f/6.7, ISO 3200) Victoria's Riflebird, Lake Barrine, Atherton Tablelands, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460767977-EOOMWYK69XNT9Z9XM76N/comp.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - The Cormorant - Steven Walsh (Copy) A Pied Cormorant on the hunt during the annual spider crab aggregation in Port Phillip Bay. These birds dart through the water like a torpedo. In over 300 dives, this is the only encounter I have had with a cormorant. The cormorant was searching for freshly moulted spider crab when the crab's shells are soft and they are vulnerable. (Sony A9, 25mm, 1/100 sec, f/6.3, ISO 100) Pied Cormorant, Port Phillip Bay, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604460966665-5P4NJU71SCD6FV6R8KGQ/untitled.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - The Gift - Tristan Stringer (Copy) I arrived just after sunrise to Fairy Tern colony at Rous Head on the edge of Fremantle Harbour. Using a bean bag and camouflage netting to minimise disturbance to the birds I laid down and waited. After about an hour this pair landed right in front of me allowing a close, intimate perspective of the male presenting a female with a fish during the courtship and mating rituals. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L, 1/6400 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Fairy Terns, Fremantle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461362239-LUL7EGXE57PQB6G9BEFE/Glossy+Black-Cockatoo+9650.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Aren't I Pretty - Con Duyvestyn (Copy) This bird is one of three Glossy Black-Cockatoos that have taken up residence in the Frankston area after the bushfires in Gippsland. They are about 400 km west of their normal range hence are very keenly sought after by birders and photographers. It seems that attention has accustomed this one to humans as it was quite comfortable with the presence of several of us at once, and seemed almost to pose for the camera. I like this shot because of the active feeding pose and the framing created by the foliage. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM + 1.4x extender (560mm), 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 3200) Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Pines Reserve, Frankston, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461255742-LD1J9WFYJZZBU71ULFNS/Berrylicious.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Berrylicious - Michael Hanvey (Copy) Gang-gang Cockatoos REALLY enjoy their food. It's such a pleasure to watch them devouring hawthorn berries because they take such obvious delight in the experience. What better way to show it than this male in mid-munch. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/400 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Gang-gang Cockatoo, Lithgow, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461465740-E0YIKVZ60CX0K92B7CJQ/SouthernGiantPetrel.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Bird's Eye View - Jake Wilton (Copy) After noticing a large black shape in the distance on the water's surface we approached to discover this huge bird swimming around the shallows of the reef. Usually only found on the Antarctic Continent and the surrounding sub-Antarctic islands, a sighting of a Southern Giant Petrel as far north as the Ningaloo Coast is an extremely rare event. Being from Antarctica and having no need to fear humans, the petrel approached the boat and begun to curiously investigate it. Taking great care, I quietly slipped into the water with my camera. To my surprise the petrel immediately approached and began to investigate me and my camera. After repeatedly trying to maintain my distance, the petrel's persistence paid off and it managed to get close enough to play with my camera dome. As it gently nuzzled it's beak against my dome port I lowered my camera underwater to capture this image from just beneath the water's surface. After a few minutes it begun to lose interest and slowly paddled off out to sea leaving me with one of my most memorable and unique birdlife encounters. (Nikon D810, Sigma 15mm Fish Eye f/2.8, 1/800 sec, f/9, ISO 400) Southern Giant-Petrel, Ningaloo Reef, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461306817-I8RNM5XTUDPQ9DGWOV9C/Jacana-1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Combed - Wilson Lennard (Copy) The Comb-crested Jacana became a favourite of mine last year when I travelled to northern Australia. This was taken early one morning on Lake Kununurra. I got down as low as I could to the water level to capture this image, so low that the lily vegetation and flowers slightly obscured the foreground, but I loved the effect that produced. This bird was dancing among the lily pads feeding, the light was beautiful and clear and the opposite shore was distant enough to throw the entire background out of focus. I had never see a Jacana in the wild before this experience and wondered at how they lithely skipped across the lily pads. A wonderful experience. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon 500mm f/4.0 Mk I + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Comb-crested Jacana, Kununurra, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461408875-OEQG0I3X4K986W50N3IC/MT1_3372-1-7.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Eastern Curlew - Michael Toms (Copy) I captured this using a tripod with legs splayed on a boogie board laying prone in the water. (Canon 1DX, Canon EF 500mm f/4 + 1.4x extender, 1/2500 sec, f/8, ISO 500) Far Eastern Curlew, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461255632-FUMNTGKC37S4307UN1T4/Bustard4Portrait.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Frisky Bustard - Toni Moran (Copy) I sat in my van all day hoping to see a displaying Australian Bustard. As the sun started to set, I was feeling disappointed that I hadn't seen any bustards at all let alone a displaying male... and then this happened! He was particularly interested in my van. I was using it as a bird hide of sorts and he seemed really attracted to it - maybe the shiny bull bar? (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800) Australian Bustard, Mt Molloy, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461337231-G86Z80S3G7ITTVT7R78R/Just+Hangin.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Just Hangin' - Jennifer Carrigan (Copy) A group of pelicans were on the shore of a local park busily preening and stretching. Fed by the local fisherman, they are used to people and allowed me to get quite close and photograph. (Nikon D750, 500mm, 1/4000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Australian Pelican, The Entrance, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461186330-IVEZPDOQU6CDEZUN4C0R/_DSC7608.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Morning Chorus - Michael Eleveld (Copy) After an early start, long drive, and much anticipation and excitement I arrived at the iconic Cradle Mountain National park. If just being in a place of such grandeur and rugged beauty of the mountain wasn't enough. Upon arrival, I was greeted by this beautiful Tasmanian Scrubwren singing its little heart out. As a bird lover, the morning chorus with Cradle Mountain as a backdrop was an absolute delight! (Nikon 7500, Nikkor 200-500mm at 400mm, 1/640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Tasmanian Scrubwren, Cradle Mountain, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461155018-K55ZWQB9SBNQZFSQQJMM/_26I1389final.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Pink - Shelley Pearson (Copy) The conditions were perfect for a beautiful calm morning when I arrived before sunrise. I quickly chose the best spot for light and laid down waiting. An Australian Pelican floated past luckily as the pink pre-sunrise light was at its strongest. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 600mm f/4 IS L IS USM III + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 6400) Australian Pelican, Coodanup Foreshore, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461450911-QSV7TW41XTHI704O5SFT/Sunrise+Spoonbill.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Sunrise Spoonbill - Nathan Watson (Copy) This was one of those dawn field trips where all the conditions came together. I had planned to visit this location after sighting some Spoonbills and waders a few days earlier. It was well protected from a southerly breeze and allowed me to shoot with the light behind me. What I didn’t anticipate was the warmth of the sunrise on this morning, it was a brilliant reddish-pink and as it shone on the far bank it lit up the foliage in deep golden tones, amplified by the colour reflecting from red rooftops on the hillside. As this amazing light covered the bank a Spoonbill walked towards me and I was able to capture a colourful sunrise portrait. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Sigma Sports 150-600mm at 600mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1600) Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Denmark, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461281568-HH2LALMQT5CSCYN47ETJ/DSC_5035-Edit-2.JPG Gallery - Winners 2020 - Thirsty - Keat Fong (Mark) Loh (Copy) After a very quiet afternoon I decided to pack up and go home. While walking back along the lake edge, I heard a group of noisy Little Corellas coming down by the lake and investigated. They were drinking by using old fence posts as perches but I was too late to get any photo. So I decided to go down early the next day and hid in between the reeds and waited. Within minutes I heard them coming again and was delighted to capture this moment. (Nikon D6, Nikkor 600mm f/4 FL, 1/640 sec, f/4, ISO 4500) Little Corella, Lake Gwelup, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461505752-8HPT3XSV07BLKA634CYC/Together.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Together - Rebecca Harrison (Copy) A Great Crested Grebe and her young take a moment while swimming around a small pond. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 500mm f/4, 1/400 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Great Crested Grebes, Herdsman Lake, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461487317-2HXBPV3678Z73LDJNYGP/Treasure+Chest_CompSize.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Treasure chest - Claire Greenwell (Copy) There is beauty everywhere you look. One of the things I enjoy about photography is being able to use imagery to connect people with nature, tell a story, and capture the world in a different light. Australasian Grebes are a common wetland species and have the potential to be overlooked, but the posture of the bird and the lighting make this image enchantingly beautiful. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Australasian Grebe, South Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461211903-Z1AQFXXETFTWFAQ1J9BS/1I0A7980v1stilt1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Winter Stilt - Maria Coleman (Copy) I was delighted to capture this shot of a juvenile Stilt as it moved gracefully through the water feeding at first light. The bright light on the bird makes it stand out so nicely while the shadowy background adds a little mystery. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/4000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800) Pied Stilt, Illawarra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461210686-4U0BOEKJO4B1O6T9LWPX/_O0I2562+Zebra+Finch+Richmond+Lowlands+18-Jul-2020.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Zebra Finch - Ada Chow (Copy) The first time I saw this cute, little Zebra Finch was very exciting. I used to travel more than an hour to Richmond to photograph them. After many visits and attempts, I was able to capture this male while he perched quietly on a branch looking towards me. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3, 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) Zebra Finch, Richmond Lowlands, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461947588-1UDBQOL7YKPPAUAZWGRP/DSC_6589.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Beady eyes search the ranges - Chris Firth (Copy) Nothing got past this beady-eyed Peregrine Falcon as it cruised over the Budawang wilderness. It came close to inspect me as I sat at the clifftop waiting for sunset, before losing interest and sweeping off to search for other things. With big cliffs to nest on and plenty of prey this area offers perfect habitat for Peregrines. (Nikon D7100, Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 at 200 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/11, ISO 640) Peregrine Falcon, Budawang National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461921492-50H3GVBM08YX1OH7UO6D/Bigfoot_Comp+Size.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Bigfoot - Claire Greenwell (Copy) Exceptionally large feet allow Comb-crested Jacanas to walk across lily pads, floating or partially submerged vegetation, giving the appearance of walking on water and landing them the nickname of ‘Jesus Birds’. The beautiful red comb, blue eye-ring, their outrageous feet and lifestyle make them great subjects to capture whilst in the tropics and I was keen to get a shot that showcased those features. I could see a couple of birds foraging some distance away with the sun behind them, so I laid down on the edge of the lagoon in the hope they would come closer. After a short time, one of the birds took flight and landed close to where I was. I took a series of shots, including this one, which highlights the enormous foot, the beautiful red, backlit comb and water droplets as it moved with grace across the lilies. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 500mm f/4 + 1.4x extender, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 800) Comb-crested Jacana, Kununurra, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462181079-0ZJ2PW5BAEV7E72UI6NU/Good+Morning+Sunshine.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Good Morning Sunshine - Paula McManus (Copy) These 2 birds wake up to a glorious sunrise. (Olympus OM-D E-M5, Olympus M Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO at 32mm, 3.2 sec, f/14, ISO 100) Mullinger Swamp, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462365603-38SPWTTN1YL9MVPT596Y/SH1_9322.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Into the light - Sue Harper (Copy) In the dazzling, golden light of dawn on the Avon River, a flotilla of cormorants flanked by a pelican were fishing together close to the old suspension bridge. When the water is low on the river, a variety of waterbirds and waders gather here to feed. As the birds headed towards the bright morning light, the rolling mist created gentle silhouettes adding an ethereal mood to the scene and softened the strong lines of the bridge in the background. This image seemed to me to conjure a beautiful balance of nature in harmony with a man-made structure connecting them both together. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM at 300mm, 1/8000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Australian Pelican, Little Black Cormorants, Little Pied Cormorants, Northam, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604633467697-5H2S2CGVJVAU0AZ62BLV/LoneDuck.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Lone Duck - Charles Davis (Copy) Coots gather together on the frozen lake's surface to beg for food passing tourists have thrown out for them, a lone duck joins them almost blending in like just another coot. (Nikon D850, Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 VR at 34 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/10, ISO 1000) Eurasian Coot and Pacific Black Duck, Kosciusko National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462229983-Z3GQZU3YIZQSHV5K5FFW/Misty+Magic.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Misty Magic - Nathan Watson (Copy) As sunrise broke over the inlet, it created a beautiful pastel tone as thick mist rose off the water. When these pelicans came together in the mist, I saw an opportunity to capture an atmospheric shot that portrayed the mood and light of a chilly morning. There is an ethereal quality to the image, the silhouetted hill providing a perfect backdrop for what was a very cool but serene scene. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Sigma Sports 150-600mm at 600mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1600) Australian Pelican, Wilson Inlet, Young's Siding, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462363799-E3RDHM30M7KRQC7IFGGC/Passing+Time.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Passing Time - Graham Earnshaw (Copy) A White-faced Heron rests on a broken branch in the serene, calm, shallow waters of Lake Gwelup (Perth) on an early evening winter's day. I love the utter minimalism of this image, without any ripples in the water and the clear reflection of the branch and bird looking so at peace. I really hope the Heron is feeling the same. (Sony A7R II, Sony FE 24-240mm at 208mm, 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1600) White-faced Heron, Lake Gwelup, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462198210-IUFLJR5PHTGDLYZ5Q0KX/Jacana-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Reflective Jacana - Wilson Lennard (Copy) The first time I saw a Comb-crested Jacana skipping across the lilies, I was amazed. When I saw the feet, I was even more amazed. The morning light was soft on this day and it really enhanced the scene. I love the bird's pose, its feet, the raised hind toe, the not-yet-open lily flowers, the pastel colours of the scene. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon 500mm f/4.0 Mk I + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250) Comb-crested Jacana, Kununurra, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462174995-IMWQP8IJ78RUF7PBASAS/Darude.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Sandstorm - Ryan Colley (Copy) While on the beach at Shoalhaven Heads I saw this Red-capped Plover run across the sand near me. I laid on my stomach to get eye level with the bird but then a gust of wind came along and started to create a mini sandstorm. I feel this photo captures one of the ever changing habitat conditions that beaches create for small beach dwelling birds. (Canon 600D, Tamron 150-600mm at 450mm, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 200) Red-capped Plover, Shoalhaven Heads, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462146796-TI6E2ARMYXZDNBQH49BL/Fig+bird+smoke+sunrise+2+reedit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Skeletons - Harrison Warne (Copy) A Figbird sits in the skeletal remains of a tree burnt in the Tathra 2018 bushfire, as the sun rises red through the smoke of another unfolding disaster: the Black Summer 2019/20 bushfires. (Canon 7D Mk II, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 140mm, 1/800 sec, f/5, ISO 100) Australasian Figbird, Tathra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604461934216-76W694VN7FLSWCHSU53G/1I0A7788v2Silvergulls.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - The sea is my home - Maria Coleman (Copy) A low pressure system had built up along the east coast and was producing some dramatic wave action. The Silver Gulls that breed on the Five Islands nature reserve were enjoying the chaos and power that was being produced by the swell and wind. The birds looked like they were having the times of their lives, naturally playing, flying effortlessly over the furious waves. They really looked like they were right at home at the sea. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/2500 sec, f/10, ISO 640) Silver Gulls, Red Point, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462518137-5M2VUFUNFC8UMP2Z2P2V/DSC09464.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Come back here... - Michael Jury (Copy) A Greater Crested Tern chasing after his catch after he has flipped it in the air to catch head first - always a delight to watch their coordination and control doing this. (Sony A9, Sony 400mm f/2.8, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200) Greater Crested Tern, Goolwa Barrage, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462503695-5COXOBTO1A96MY4TET9Q/DSC04017.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Gone Fishing - Michael Jury (Copy) A Greater Crested Tern flying off with his catch - I just love watching these skilful birds go about catching a meal. (Sony A9, Sony 400mm f/2.8, 1/3200 sec, f/4.5, ISO 500) Greater Crested Tern, Goolwa Barrage, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462448833-6YRXV1GP5VUJ6AB2UPHR/850_1749-Edit-2.JPG Gallery - Winners 2020 - Gymnastics Judge - Keat Fong (Mark) Loh (Copy) It was looking like another day down at the lake where not much bird activity was happening. But then a fight broke out between the White-headed Stilts, while one seemingly watched on from behind like a judge in Olympic gymnastics game. (Nikon D850, Nikkor 600mm f/4 FL, 1/4000 sec, f/5, ISO 640) Pied Stilts, Gnangara, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462470428-IYGW2GPAYGD7MUTHO3XP/Bowerbird+Regent+55.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - How big - Brian O'Leary (Copy) I love the full spread of wings, a hard shot to get. (Nikon D500 Lens on tripod driven by remote, Nikkor AFS 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6G ED VR at 220mm, 1/2000 sec, f/9, ISO 2200) Regent Bowerbirds, Alstonville, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462490517-3UFSPLELN7WQCXRUXT1S/AU2I6063.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Juvenile Spotted Harrier - Ron Smith (Copy) This juvenile Spotted Harrier was methodically sweeping the field for prey. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS USM Mk I + 1.4x Mk II extender, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1250) Spotted Harrier, Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462523315-35KY9GNABHJNFKO34UIK/Stilts-1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - The Terrible Trio - Wilson Lennard (Copy) These Stilts were intent on chasing each other all over the wetland, trying to claim dominance. The poor middle bird was copping it from both sides and decided to clear out before anything worse occurred. I love the dynamic poses in this image from all 3 birds, which all convey different traits; anger, escape and aerial dominance. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 Mk1 + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Pied Stilts, Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462538698-0R2OA0UIRIOIAFAOER9D/Touch+Down.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Touch Down - Nathan Watson (Copy) A large number of Spoonbills arrived at a small, shallow pool some distance from where I had been shooting for a few hours. Not wanting to disturb them, I approached slowly, shuffling across the sand while handholding my camera, and laying alongside the edge of the pool where a few were feeding. I was hoping to shoot a nice frame of a bird landing, which is much more difficult while in a prone position. Luck was with me and I was able to track one as it descended between two stationary birds into this majestic touch-down pose with wings outstretched, tail flared, and toes reaching for the water in some stunning sidelight. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Sigma Sports 150-600mm at 600mm, 1/2500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Denmark, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462749442-J2TATZI6WU26DRSFLV1P/FairyWren_Special+Theme+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Buzz Off - Warren Wilson (Copy) A bee suddenly appeared as this Wren prepared to drink from my backyard bird bath. The Wren took exception to this intruder and drove it off by snapping aggressively. It looked pleased with itself as the bee made a hasty retreat. (Nikon D810, Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR, 1/1250 sec, f/9, ISO 635) Superb Fairy Wren, Woollamia, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462833737-9Z2KCXS4UMBJD536XYHD/WPH+Darren+Revells+Birdbath+FRI+15-02-2019-2670-studio+BIRDLIFE.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Explosion - David Whelan (Copy) I had fantastic success photographing European Honeybees at my friend's bird bath and when the birds started to arrive I looked to emulate that success. All the birds that were taking a dip, mainly New Holland and White-Plumed Honeyeaters, were so fast that I couldn't anticipate the exact moment they would immerse themselves to fire the shutter. By using continuous high speed shooting as well as a fast shutter speed to freeze motion and catch the water droplets, I achieved the result I was after. It was a brief but exhilarating moment of pure joy in trying to keep cool in the summer heat which I think is reflected in the bird's expression. (Nikon D500, Nikkor 200-500mm VR at 340mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) White-plumed Honeyeater, Staughton Vale, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462652120-5TWPEDPQ807U6W0FN797/_26I8406master.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Galah Antics - Shelley Pearson (Copy) The Galahs nest in our tuart tree right at the back of our yard. They often feed on seed from the weeds that grow. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF L 500mm f/4 IS II, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 800) Galah, Secret Harbour, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462725366-W7YJH36AMVKCR13WLMVU/Gang+Gang+-+Local+Watering+Hole.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Local Watering Hole - James Tyrrell (Copy) Every day at my parents' house large numbers of Gang-gangs come in to feed on our bird bath. This is one of the young females that regularly visits. My family is involved in preservation and conservation of the local reserve. Part of this has involved monitoring and research of the local Gang-gang Cockatoo populations. We are fortunate over recent years to have seen an increase in their numbers as evidenced by the numbers that regularly come to our bird bath of an evening, on their way back to their hollows - as many as 9 sometimes. I chose this picture because I love the composition of the washing in the background, showing the domestic scene, and the connection between this suburban garden and the reserve beyond the back fence, which provides fantastic habitat for birds and wildlife such as this beautiful Gang-gang and her family. (Canon 70D, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 164mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5, ISO 1600) Gang-gang Cockatoo, Canberra, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462803496-YM9DIO0IHG95IJ9EFF91/IMG_5598.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Lunch break - Andreas Heikaus (Copy) This Noisy Miner found a massive stick insect. It took a while until it was ready to eat. (Canon 80D, Tamron 150-600mm G2 at 600mm, 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Noisy Miner, Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462692882-NSYVMH1YRYL8LFO4OMDT/DSC_2801.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Oh it's typical - Jun Matsui (Copy) They do have powerful legs. And they do what they do. (Nikon D500, 500mm, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1800) Australian Brush-turkey, Cairns, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462768925-TJ07LBUOOVRWCL18ALFI/Rainbow+Bird.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Rainbow Bird - Michelle Gardner (Copy) On a gloomy day when it was raining everywhere but my place, a rainbow appeared behind a popular bird branch in my front yard. I grabbed the camera (just in case), went out to wait and wah-lah! a New Holland Honeyeater landed on the branch! Happy days. (Olympus EM1 Mk III, Panasonic Leica 100-400mm at 364mm, 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) New Holland Honeyeater, Mallala, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462798667-C12ZH1SSHEA6A3F2TS3A/Refuge.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Refuge - Jennifer Carrigan (Copy) This bird took an afternoon dip in our pool and then sought refuge in the filter box enclosure. It seemed to have some kind of damage to its wing and kept trying to swim or fly out, but to no avail and kept returning to the enclosure. I decided to help him out with a pool scoop. It jumped onto the pole then sat on the pool deck for around an hour, before finally flying off. (Nikon D750, Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR at 210mm, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400) Noisy Miner, Lake Macquarie, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462676052-7Q9GMZVPGEDS9GRCKK8F/2019-10-24_095359%281%29.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Screen time - Dianna Weaver (Copy) A pair of Spotted Pardalotes regularly visit our backyard bird bath. On this particular day this little one landed on our screen door and hoping he would stay close I snuck outside and snapped a few photos. It only lasted a few moments but it was very special. (Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm at 400mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Spotted Pardalote, Canberra, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462963797-OBF3CTYCN58KE8RU86YO/Blue-faced+Honeyeater+taking+the+plunge.JPG Gallery - Winners 2020 - Blue-faced Honeyeater taking the plunge - Keith Holm (Copy) Sitting at the beach in Darwin a pair of Honeyeaters landed on a picnic table fighting over the leftover food. One was sitting on the lip of the milkshake guarding its contents from the other. I wondered what it was going to do next. I moved around until I had a backdrop of the sand and water and increased the aperture as far as I could to blur the background as much as possible. I got off one shot and then just as I squeezed the shutter it disappeared and I thought I had missed it. I was surprised and very happy with the result of my second shot. A second later the milkshake fell off the table and the birds flew away. I like the photo because it shows the way Blue-faced Honeyeaters have adapted to the human environment finding their "honey" in our sweet leftovers. (Canon 40D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM at 400mm, 1/400 sec, f/5, ISO 400) Blue-faced Honeyeater, Casuarina Beach, Darwin, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462995403-3GDW75E7V4JJBLAGHER9/Hooked+by+Alison+Mellor.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Hooked - Alison Mellor (Copy) While watching charismatic Australian Pelicans congregate around a fish cleaning facility at Forster NSW, I noticed this unfortunate pelican with a fishing hook embedded above its eye. As well as a risk of infection, the hook and attaching swivel must have been quite an impediment to the pelican’s vision. I alerted a local wildlife rescue group and was advised they would send someone to try and assess and help the pelican. Though it is a confronting image, I took this photo to tell the story of the impact that fishing hooks can have on birdlife. (Canon 80D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100) Australian Pelican, Forster, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462998487-UYRILV2Y980YXFWMPJ5R/Hooked+Under.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Hooked Under - Jennifer Carrigan (Copy) The pelicans at this location are quite tame as they are used to fishermen feeding them scraps. I was able to get relatively close this day to photograph them preening. It wasn't until I arrived home and reviewed my photos, that I noticed this pelican had a hook stuck in his neck. Unfortunately this year I have photographed a number of birds with hooks and various fishing lines wrapped around their bodies. This is an ever increasing problem encountered by our sea and water birds. (Nikon D750, Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E VR at 500mm, 1/1250 sec, f/13, ISO 800) Australian Pelican, The Entrance, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463019676-0HM4RX16LBMCNA56RP56/Look+what+I+found.JPG Gallery - Winners 2020 - Look what I found - Tony Bellette (Copy) I was leaving Oyster point after a birding outing when I saw two young magpies playing with a condom, near a grassed area adjacent to the water's edge. It struck me that this material could be deadly if ingested - a horrible ending to a young life. I fired off a few shots while they were playing. (Canon 600D, 70-300mm at 300mm, 1/1600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1600) Australian Magpies, Oyster Point, Cleveland, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463040903-A7PDM6704ZT4APL4ZTCW/Reflection+-+Alison+Mellor.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Reflection - Alison Mellor (Copy) Endless sky, clouds and trees. This was the last view this Silvereye saw, not realising it was a reflection. An optical illusion had turned this suburban window into a deadly trap. Research and awareness of the extent of bird strikes against windows is in its infancy in Australia. As larger windows grow in popularity for both new and renovated buildings, we would do well to reflect on how windows and buildings can be better designed and retrofitted to minimise harm to birdlife. (Canon 80D, Canon EF-S 18-55 f/4-5.6 IS at 26mm, 1/80 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100) Silvereye, Wollongong, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463041804-JLV8TM9N5FH7BKA2Z8EY/Tangled.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Tangled - Charles Davis (Copy) A Noisy Friarbird struggles to untangle itself from bailing twine that has been left in a paddock. The bird may have been trying to use the twine as nesting material before becoming tangled but did manage to get free eventually, taking the twine away with it in its beak. (Nikon D810, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 VR2, 1/640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 640) Noisy Friarbird, Canberra, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463082732-8IT9ATP58FDW8BYQDIF3/The+fire+and+smoke.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - The fire and smoke - Lawrence Chan (Copy) The view toward the west of Greater Melbourne encompassing Little River , Lara and surrounding farmlands . The district has been prone to bush and grass fires but supports large numbers of Australian native birds and migratory waders with the Port Phillip (Western Shoreline) Ramsar Site is in the vicinity of the area. The smoke from a fire has intensified the sunset. This flock of cormorants seems helpless. (Nikon D7100, Sigma 150-600mm at 180mm, 1/3200 sec, f/5, ISO 1250) Cormorants, Werribee South, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462944384-9LY9QXXJNPFUHVXBERYM/Ashley+Hjorth-06012019-253+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Web of lines - Ashley Hjorth (Copy) I found this Corella caught in old fishing line in a tree overhanging the banks of the Murray river. At first, I hoped it was still alive and went over to see if I could help. But it had already passed and must have had a long, stressful end. We all have a responsibility for the activities we partake in to leave nature how we found it. The consequences can be dire. (Sony A9, Sony 100-400 G Master at 352mm, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 250) Little Corella, Robinvale, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604462922025-TDYFFBHFRZPFYUKIB5X0/birdlife+-+4.jpeg Gallery - Winners 2020 - What Remains - Robert van den Helm (Copy) We lived under the threat of bushfire for over 3 months during Black Summer 2019-20. Our town was under immediate threat for 2 weeks and we even had to evacuate for a couple of days but a wind change saved Eden and we returned home. I'd heard stories of birds falling dead from the sky during the Mallacoota fires and soon after started finding scores of birds washed up with the burnt vegetation and ash along the local beaches. I felt the need to document this part of a global catastrophe, this shot showing a dead Kingfisher and dead Swamp Wallaby in the background. (Sigma DP2 Merrill, 30mm f/2.8, 1/160 sec, f/4.5, ISO 100) Sacred Kingfisher, Nullica Beach, Eden, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463799385-XWZOYPF4CAX8IEYR1RSB/Splendid+fairy-wren_01.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - A flash of blue - Sebastian Stachurski (Copy) It never ceases to amaze me how colourful the birds of the mallee outback can be. It seems such a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape. This male, along with a troop of females, hopped across the track as I watched delighted - my first time encountering this species. I am humbled by the opportunity to see them and get a few photos. Those various shades of blue are truly splendid. (Nikon D7200, Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 at 500mm, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Splendid Fairy-wren, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463558540-0BOMGZLLNJVP0YQIUW87/Gorgeous+grasswren.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Gorgeous grasswren - Chris Tzaros (Copy) Having spent hours searching high and low for these birds in a really nice patch of habitat, I literally stumbled across a pair right beside the track on my way back to the car! The light was fading and in the last few rays of sunshine filtering through the mallee canopy, I was able to take a selection of photos of these amazing Grasswrens. (Canon 1D Mk IV, Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS + 1.4x extender, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 400) Striated Grasswren, Gluepot Reserve, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463664195-KKZ6W7QMN7AAENMWUADV/Little+Blue.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Little Blue - Shaun Viljoen (Copy) I met this little fellow at a local pond, where the wrens seem to love the open grassland beside the water. I visit them pretty regularly and one thing I particularly enjoy about these personality-packed birds is watching the changes in their breeding plumage. (Nikon D850, Nikkor 300mm f/4, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Superb Fairy-wren, Torquay, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463767697-WF9GV7Z285DIEFVQJ2KZ/SBAR8723.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Little blue - Patrick Tomkins (Copy) I recently spent a few days at Lake Tyrrell, specifically to photograph White-winged Fairy-wrens. On my first day they were extremely skittish, but by the end of the trip, this resplendent male would happily forage within a couple of metres of me, often coming too close for my lens to focus. I think 'little blue' and I became good friends. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 500mm f/4, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2500) White-winged Fairy-wren, Lake Tyrrell, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463686727-GD31LT59MQCFATHDKNGU/My+best+angle.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - My best angle - Chris Tzaros (Copy) It was amazing to come across several groups of these confiding Fairy-wrens amongst the Pandanus fringing the turquoise waters of Lawn Hill Creek, including right beside our camp! It was a bonus to see this exquisite male in full breeding colour and capture some photos of an unusual head-angle that accentuates the diagnostic lilac crown. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS + 1.4x extender, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 800) Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, Lawn Hill, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463747942-AO48KPARFKS7ZEYD6GSH/Simply+Splendid.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Simply Splendid - Michael Hanvey (Copy) The male Splendid Fairy-wren is one of Australia’s most beautiful birds. I was lucky this one posed for a moment in a setting that made him the stand out in the most 'splendid' way. (Canon 5D Mk III, Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x Mk III extender, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 800) Splendid Fairy-wren, Cunnamulla region, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463800528-BK2XHLKPQJP7GTCAULM1/Superb+fairywren+catch+wasp.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Superb Fairy-wren catch - Johan Boshoff (Copy) Living out of town ensures that there are a number of good birding sites close to home. After about an hour of sitting still in some undisturbed woodland, the birds started accepting me as part of the landscape and going about their business. A male Superb Fairy-wren was foraging in the grass not too far from where I sat and caught a large wasp. He seemed to be proudly displaying it as he paused on a broken branch. (Canon 1D Mk IV, Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM II + 1.x Mk III extender, 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Superb Fairy-wren, Invergowrie, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463833879-LW2AV2UV6R9VZ4NPWF2C/Superb+Landing.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Superb Landing - Charles Davis (Copy) What seemed like an easy landing quickly becomes a slippery experience as this little male Superb Fairy-wren tries to land on a frozen lake. (Nikon D810, Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 VR2, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250) Superb Fairy-wren, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463603379-XM2YGJAF3FM98OD9HFWL/IMG_3978-Edit-30.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - That's dinner sorted - Michael Todd (Copy) Superb Fairy-wrens were one of the common species that lived in the bracken near our house where we lived in Tasmania. It was wonderful being able to sit in the bracken, camera set up on tripod, watching the antics of these birds in the late afternoon. I particularly like this shot because of the out of focus bracken, the space on the left of the frame and the cool Tasmanian light - it takes me back there when I look at it. Unfortunately, a fire ripped through this area a few years later but I hope that the blue wrens have recolonised. (Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4 + 1.4x extender, 1/125 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Superb Fairy-wren, Molesworth, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463524119-ZF8VPU8RYPE0931QVVOQ/_81I1982.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Variegated Fairy-wren - Geoff White (Copy) An eclipse male pauses briefly on a branch with his latest catch. (Canon 1DX Mk II, Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, 1/400 sec, f/4, ISO 800) Variegated Fairy-wren, Morisset, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463860777-E2CIOM8648IHYQNQ4R4O/Wren+1+1+of+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - What a Tail I Have For You - Howard Loosemore (Copy) It took me seven long years to get my first shot of the very elusive and skulking Southern Emu-wren. These stunning Wrens rarely come out in the open and can lay quiet for long periods making them very difficult to photograph. I could see this male's head in some heath where he sat tantalisingly close but not quite clear enough for a shot. I quickly scanned a possible path for him and noticed a bare stick nearby. Hoping he may just use it as a perch I pre-focused and shut down a few stops to give me a little more depth of field. All of sudden he was in my field of view. I ran off a long burst and a couple of frames had him looking back at me - presumably intrigued momentarily by the noisy camera shutter. I love the symmetry of the tail and the stick and the beautiful sunset backlight. (Nikon D850, Nikkor 600mm f/4 FL ED VR + 1.4x Mk III extender, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1800) Southern Emu-wren, Cheynes Beach, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463200315-2P8CTF6I4J5EWVAZOEJC/_MG_1268_1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Aerial Assassin - Tess Poyner (Copy) I spent one late afternoon following this tiny Azure Kingfisher in my kayak. As it darted up and down the banks, I managed to capture this photo before it took flight. (Canon 7D, Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM at 300mm, 1/800 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1600) Azure Kingfisher, Mummaga Lake, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463268931-ARA3DD73AR98M5TZELAD/Crackin+Carp.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Crackin' Carp - Merlin Tzaros (Copy) On our way back from our trip up north, in a dry and dusty spot near Mt Isa, Queensland, my dad, a friend and I were looking for the Carpentarian Grasswren to photograph in the early morning light. We weren't having much luck and I decided to head back to camp, leaving dad and our friend to keep looking. However, on my way back, I realised that I wanted to have one more try. I turned back and caught up with dad, and kept searching. Not long after, in the beautiful morning light, this friendly little male came to say hello! I was so glad I decided not to give up. It was such a memorable experience. (Canon 7D, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM, 1/4000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1000) Carpentarian Grasswren, Near Mt Isa, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463370585-NSPN2YZL1TJRE7QFVM8B/Pallid+Cuckoo.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Pallid Cuckoo - Jacob Dedman (Copy) I used a lower vantage point to capture this shot as I wanted to be at the cuckoo's eye level. I was not expecting to get a good shot as the sun was at its highest level and the light was quite bright. I had tried taking photos of this bird on other occasions and had failed so I was very surprised that I was able to get so close that my lens was too close to actually focus on the bird (3.5 meters). It didn’t pay me any attention at all and just sat there on the fence wire and only looked at me when I started firing my camera's shutter as if to say "Hmm... go ahead, I love getting my photo taken! Shoot away Mr. human!" It was just one of those special moments that you only get once every now and again. (Canon 5D Mk IV, Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 320) Pallid Cuckoo, Havelock, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463367561-05DQBYT0VGLRV2V9JNFW/The+Decorator.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - The Decorator - McKinley Moens (Copy) My favourite neighbour is this handsome male Satin Bowerbird. I love watching his antics when he chases his thieving rivals. I took this image as he returned with fresh decorations for his bower. I don’t like the idea of any more plastic in our environment - but I was relieved to see that at least these new additions had been cut, posing no danger to this incredible bird. (Sony A57, Minolta 100-400mm f/4.5-6.7 at 400mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 250) Satin Bowerbird, Blue Mountains, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463170136-ZRBSY0C0BSQOQSTGMY2O/Corvus+Mellori+head.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Two lovely blue eyes - Daniel Alexander (Copy) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and, in my eye, ravens are hard to beat. They look so handsome, and they have stunning vivid blue and white eyes. They're also not black at all, but glossy purple and chestnut. (Canon 50D, Canon EF 100-400mm L USM at 300mm, 1/500 sec, f/5, ISO 250) Australian Raven, Lara, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463425833-HOP7EMCPBYWEK9C8LTYP/Waiting+for+Friends.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Waiting for Friends - McKinley Moens (Copy) Rainbow Lorikeets are a raucous bunch that are usually heard before they are seen - and their childlike antics never fail to make me smile. I took this image while camping with my family. This image captures a lone Rainbow Lorikeet in a quiet, reflective moment as it waited for friends to arrive. It didn’t have to wait long! (Sony A57, Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 at 210mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200) Rainbow Lorikeet, Murramarang National Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1604463284226-3GXVC3QRW6DTNQQ6IV8Z/DSC_0137-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2020 - Yellow-billed Spoonbill - Drew Davison (Copy) As I was walking along the boardwalk, I noticed a Yellow-billed Spoonbill sweeping the surface of the water with its bill. I walked closer then paused. The Spoonbill flew up onto the side of the boardwalk then tilted its head to the side, allowing me to capture many photographs of the fine details on the bird’s face - details that aren't always visible, except when you are observing the bird closely. The morning light on the Spoonbill through the trees enhances the fine details of the Spoonbill's face. (Nikon D5600, Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 C DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Herdsman Lake, Perth, WA https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2021 daily 0.75 2021-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183852673-M1E1G7EN81MN3LB8XXBV/Berry+Happy+Emu.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Berry Happy Emu by Georgina Steytler BIRD BEHAVIOUR I was 'cruising' along the road towards Shark Bay when I noticed a group of 4 to 5 emus feeding on a plant, I’m guessing a mistletoe, on the side of the road. It always amuses me to see emus, such big birds, feeding on grasses and plants, so I pulled over to take some images. I rested my lens on the car window (I did not want to get out of the car in case I scared them), made sure I had a fast enough shutter speed to capture action and fired off some shots. I could not see the berries very well from where I was as they were so small so I was delighted when I looked back through the images to get this shot of a bright red berry about to go down the hatch! (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark III, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM + 2x teleconverter, 1/1,600 sec, f/8, ISO 3200) Emu, Shark Bay, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183709063-3X12XPNP9PJHKVM6U0U7/Family.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Family by Lawrence Chan BIRD PORTRAIT I was touched by the family intimacy of these two pairs of New Holland Honeyeaters. I could feel nature's unconditional love and care. (Nikon D850, Nikon 400mm f /2.8, 1/3,200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) New Holland Honeyeater, Port Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182526996-YOHVC096C1P9384ON2X4/Black_n_White.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Salt and Pepper by Lyn Steele BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE While I enjoyed the original colour photo I have cropped and presented it in black and white for more drama. This was a freezing, blustery, extremely windy day that only crazy photographers go out in. I loved the contrast of the white Corellas against the black birds in the sky. Also the white birds in the beautiful shapes of the dead tree branches reminds me of an oriental blossom tree...I often call this image my "Corella blossom tree". An interesting point to make here is that almost all the Corellas are facing the same direction ... they are all pointing into the wind which requires less effort and avoids the wind ruffling their feathers. (Sony ILCE - 7M3 (sony a7iii), Tamron 28 - 200mm at 113 mm, 1/400 sec, f/10, ISO 1250) Common Starling, corellas, Bannockburn, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183602701-8G6GB58X1DAABARHBGM9/Spin+cycle_compsize.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Spin Cycle by Claire Greenwell BIRDS IN FLIGHT In order to maintain good plumage, Fairy Terns bathe and preen their feathers daily. This image shows a Fairy Tern emerging from the swash zone and shaking off excess water from its feathers, water droplets illuminated by the setting sun. This was a behaviour I’d been hoping to capture for some time but despite several attempts, the conditions to create such an image were never quite right. However, persistence paid off and one afternoon all the elements aligned – wind direction, lighting and bathing birds, allowing me to capture this photo. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon IS USM 500 mm + 1.4 x teleconverter, 1/3,200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Fairy Tern, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183367365-C855M5ZL2D27K4W6DNUZ/_MGL1452+Moonlighting+Wren.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Moonlighting Wren by Nathan Watson BACKYARD BIRDS Our backyard is full of native plants that attract lots of birds. I was in the garden with the camera trying to capture some honeyeaters in the sunset, but they weren’t cooperating. As golden hour became blue hour, I turned to head inside and saw some Splendid Fairy-wrens hiding in our Eucalyptus caesia with the moon rising behind them. Lifting my lens, I willed a little female to hop along the branch and much to my delight, she obliged. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon 500mm f/4 L USM MKII, 1/2,000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1600) Splendid Fairy-wren, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183258887-WPRRMS4IPLHSMVH8Y42C/20210104-DSC01135-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Day the Sky Cried by Jonathan Gu HUMAN IMPACT It was a bitter afternoon of torrential rain in the Capertee Valley. I had spent the day trying to seek shelter from a sweeping storm, stressed out and anxious after learning about one part of the Blue Mountains that had flooded a few days prior and claimed the lives of two women. From a small shelter, I watched helplessly as a ute slammed into a White-browed Babbler taking flight. As I heard the soft thump of the collision, I was filled with a sense of helplessness. We were stuck in a storm in a town with no mobile reception. I took this photo to give recognition to this small unfolding tragedy, which was no doubt only one of many others that occurred that day as people sped through the roads seeking shelter from the storm. It reminded me of how we often trivialise collisions with birds by fixating on the potential of mere dents or scratches in the panels of our vehicles, rather than the suffering and trauma that we inflict — to the injured birds and the human witnesses who may be powerless to act. The story has a positive ending. I initially thought the Babbler had passed away from the trauma of the collision. But a few moments after I took the photo, it eventually closed its eyes and flipped onto its belly in a daze. I monitored it, waiting for a break in the rain and a clear road to move it to safety. However, when a break finally emerged after about 30 minutes, I looked to where it had been to find that it was gone. I searched up and down the middle of the road and along the grassy roadside, but could find no signs of the Babbler. I don't know what happened to it, but I like to believe that it managed to regain its bearings and return back to the wilderness. (Sony A7R IV, Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary at 400mm, 1/125 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640) White-browed Babbler, Glen Alice, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183074599-XY0RLE7G6XPOCXCXNODA/Golden+Lights.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Golden Lights by Ido Monk SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS A small group of these Double-banded Plover arrive on a small strip of beach in my local area each year. I had been watching and enjoying their presence for many years. This particular day, I set up in the dark at the shoreline and waited for the sun to rise. I had envisioned photographing the Plovers with backlight, using the distant vegetation in shade as a dark element to frame the birds. To my great delight a large swell had piled seaweed on the beach and the birds were roosting within the weed. As the sun rose, it light up the dark brown and red seaweed covered in moisture, providing some beautiful light to frame the Plovers. I used a simple beanbag for support and setting up in the dark and laying flat on the beach, minimising my movements the birds tolerated my presence with indifference. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Sigma 150-600mm Sport at 600mm, 1/125 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640) Double-banded Plover, Pt Leo, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182832891-MHZ1HP3PBDCWHYFQB098/IMG_9288+2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Golden Stilt by Caleb Robins YOUTH It was early morning and I was lying in the mud, just about to get up as the light was getting harsh - but in flew a pair of stilts. I was looking into the sun so I lowered my ISO and fired away. I took lots of frames but this was one of my favourites. One of the best things about photography is there is no creative limit. You don't always have success but when you do its worth it! (Canon EOS 450D, 370mm, 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 400) Pied Stilt, Kyabram, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635926760490-S6JAJE3VIVW5KUBYD9ER/Planet+Grass+Tree.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Planet Grass Tree by Patrick Tomkins What struck me most about this photo is the ethereal landscape – it doesn’t look Australian to me, or even from this planet. The endless grass tree spikes and the burnt bush background look very alien, and they wouldn’t seem out of place beneath the ocean on some far-away planet. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) New Holland Honeyeater, Bemm River, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635926764393-XVH9VQYPMYP53C68U2BI/Sugar+high.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Sugar high by Patrick Tomkins After the black summer bushfires, the regenerating grass trees provided an oasis for a range of bird species. This included large flocks of yellow-tailed black cockatoos, which, in normal years, are likely to be much less reliant on grass tree nectar as a food source. There is something very cool about a black cockatoo feeding on grass tree nectar, and watching these massive, awkward birds hop between the endless flower spikes is something I won’t forget. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Bemm River, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635926770349-50I02WY15Z3343KSRPMU/The+five+musketeers.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Five Musketeers by Patrick Tomkins Some of the post-fire grass tree spikes in East Gippsland were truly gigantic, and this was one of them. I spent several mornings camped out in front on this particular spike, using my rooftop tent as a hide, hoping a yellow-tailed black cockatoo would come and feed on it (they could only land on the biggest spikes). A group of musk lorikeets turned up instead – that was even better! (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/5000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) Musk Lorikeet, Cape Conran, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635926755211-LPLQJTSL1DSU5ZY3SVXT/Food+on+the+fly.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Food On The Fly by Patrick Tomkins There are a few Australian honeyeater species that feed on the wing, but none more so than those from the genus Myzomela, like this beautiful scarlet honeyeater. It’s not easy catching these tiny, lightning-fast birds in action, but luckily for me, they had appeared in droves to take advantage of the East Gippsland grass tree boom, and I had lots of opportunities. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 4000) Scarlet Honeyeater, Marlo, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635926763949-4YE2DJ9MHPRSLJDDAK6R/Spotted.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Spotted by Patrick Tomkins It wasn’t only the nectar feeders that relied on the grasstree boom for food, the insectivores did too. The abundance of nectar and pollen attracted a host of insects, and species such as the beautiful spotted pardalote, which normally feeds high in the eucalypt canopy, could be seen in large numbers foraging amongst the sea of grass tree spikes. A rare treat to be at eye level with this wonderful little bird. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) Spotted Pardalote, Bemm River, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635926758753-HIMUBS28YFCYKX8XDHND/Golden+grass+trees.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Golden Grass Trees by Patrick Tomkins Golden hour in East Gippsland’s regenerating heathlands was truly special. The grass tree spikes would light up, the flying insects would become glowing balls of fire, and any birds were just a bonus. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM, 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200) New Holland Honeyeater, Marlo, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182599184-NFWJ2CJIB1S5EAZT7JU7/The+Dive.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Dive by Georgina Steytler WINNER I was in a lake near a tourist resort where visitors regularly fed the waterbirds so this musk duck appeared unafraid of humans. In fact, at one point it swam around my feet and nibbled on my rubber boots - seemingly fascinated! I followed it for a couple of hours as it swam around in the water, at one point picking up a stick to play with. In this image it was diving into deeper water. Tanins heavily stained the water a reddish brown so it looks better in black and white. I like the light rays and the feeling of the bird diving into them. I shot this with an Ikelite underwater housing, wide angle lens and dome using the natural light. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 16-35mm at 16mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640) Musk Duck, Pemberton, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1635929361058-FSQ53NBRTT309OZ70VV7/Walking+the+Wire+by+Maya+Hughes.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Walking the Wire by Maya Hughes HIGHLY COMMENDED: “We were so impressed with the quality of black and white images from youth, that we are also providing an honorable mention to a 12 year old Maya Hughes.” Raoul Slater is kindly providing another of his father's drawings to this entrant. When out walking in my neighbourhood, I often see different Magpie families and I like to photograph them in many different settings. They often sit on the wires to preen and socialise and it’s the perfect look-out location. As I looked up one day, I saw this impressive Magpie walking the wire and I just had to frame this image. Walking the Wire or # Magpie as I realised after I had taken the photograph, highlights the contrast in nature and technology. (Canon PowerShot SX430IS at 109 mm, 1/160 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100) Australian Magpie, Prospect, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183860648-GB9IG0CMHKJU09IAJQOA/850-3875+200621-.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Brolga Mating Ritual by Harry van der Zon SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR This was taken on a very foggy morning, making it difficult to get detail. Fortunately, the fog lifted enough to allow some sunlight to penetrate to extract sufficient detail, just when the Brolga was picking up an flipping rocks as part of the mating ritual. I felt very privileged to witness and photograph this. (Nikon D850, Nikon 600mm FL f/4 + 1.4x III teleconverter, 1/1,000 sec, f/8, ISO 640) Brolga, Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183908469-6QWHG2M1794DOPWBEZ16/P1509607+copy.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Duck Dabbling by Jacqui Davey SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR This was taken one autumn evening. I was packing up to go home as the light was fading. However, I saw this duck feeding and was intrigued how it's body remained stationary while its beaked moved rapidly creating concentric circles in the water whilst surface feeding. I wanted both the movement and the stillness, and used a slow shutter speed to capture both. (Panasonic DC-G9, Leica Vario 100-400mm at 364mm, 1/20 sec, f/20, ISO 1600) Pacific Black Duck, Lake Alexandra, Mittagong, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183870726-5CUM6ZDM6L8FIGQ293O9/Faster+Mum+Faster.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Faster, Mum, Faster by Georgina Steytler SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR This female was feeding with her babies when a male musk duck came closer and she suddenly took off in the other direction. One of the young ducks managed to get onto her back for the ride. I have never seen a duckling of this age or species on the back of their mother before. I love the way the duckling is peering around her head to see where they are going. (Canon EOS 1Dx, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/1,600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1600) Musk Duck, Bibra Lake, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183904089-X1QJSWVWH5XP2EVBMMVA/The+Foolish+One.jpeg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Foolish One by Peter Ross SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Alerted by the commotion of the local "Neighbourhood Watch" group of Noisy Miners, I wandered out to see a standoff occurring between a group of Miners being brave from a good safe distance, and the local Kookaburra, with one unwise Miner cowering in fear below the Kookaburra. I'm sure some of the cries were meant for the foolish one to get out of there as much as "inviting" the Kookaburra to leave! (Sony A7R3, Sony FE 200-600mm G OSS at 600mm, 1/320 sec, f/7.1, ISO 100) Laughing Kookaburra, Noisy Miner, Wellington Point, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183870269-QB1FF8WR911M0ZGKZQN4/Love+in+a+sandstorm_compsize.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Love in a Sandstorm by Claire Greenwell SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Courtship displays and the carrying of fish by males play an important role in establishing and affirming pair bonds in Fairy Terns. During the egg production period, pairs mate regularly, ensuring eggs become fertilised. As I lay on the beach watching the pair, the wind suddenly picked up. The birds remained committed and completed their courtship routine, despite the gusty winds whipping up a sandstorm. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon IS USM 500mm + 1.4 x teleconverter, 1/2,500 sec, f/8, ISO 1250) Fairy Tern, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183840932-CHDQ15NEG693M063J8P2/_A1_9485-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Thirsty Work by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I stumbled across a spot where this flock of endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoos drink every evening. The challenge was it was inevitably right on dusk when the group would arrive, which presented difficulties in getting a decent exposure. I tried several different tactics including backlighting and side-lighting the group with a little fill flash. This image was achieved with the assistance of low power flash which did not disturb the birds at all. (Sony A1, Sony 600mm f/4, 1/400 sec, f/4, ISO 100) Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183916941-DJCP4CK0PFGWPXOBAYW6/Wing_attack.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Wing Attack by Lyn Steele SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR When I first started photographing these Corellas as they flocked to our local township I became increasing aware of how playful they are. In research I have read that they are some of the most playful birds in the world. Over summer and autumn I became slightly obsessed with watching their hilarious antics. I have seen them swinging on tree branches and pushing each other. I have watched them play in the children's playground and couldn't believe it when I saw 2 birds go down the slide! On the morning I took this image I was watching them play in the netball courts. The climbed down and swung on the nets, they chased each other around the ring and even climbed down inside the nets. I chose this image because I found the bird on the left to be engaging ... and because I couldn't resist the title for this ... "Wing Attack". (Sony ILCE - 7M3 (Sony A7iii), Tamron 150 - 600mm at 300mm., 1/2,000 sec, f/9, ISO 1600) Little Corella, Bannockburn, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183695846-MATFDH30CFF540C90UIS/Crimson+Chat_DSC9493-3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Adolescent Splendour by Graham Cam SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Last light on a winter’s afternoon, this adolescent male Crimson Chat, stopped to display his newly emerging colours, complemented by the rich orange-red ochres of outback Australia. The beauty and delicate nature of this bird is depicted against the harshness of the dried burrs that covered much of the landscape. This was an opportunistic capture - the classic shot is the adult male in its full red, black and white attire; females, juveniles and immatures are too often overlooked for their intrinsic beauty. This young male had sufficient red feathers emerging to tie the bird into the rich orange-red tones of its arid environment. Taken late in the afternoon in shade, the richness of the red earth tones and the red feathers against the bird's white chest required only subtle edits to highlight the bird against the vibrant background. The bird was active on the ground, feeding on seeds and small insects and for a moment in time it hoped onto the stems of a dried shrub and posed for the camera, with excellent eye contact with the photographer, before continuing on its search for food. In terms of the composition, I like the three primary leading lines from the lower left-hand corner, the two longest stems of the burr framing the bird.The fourth stem of the right-hand side lends symmetry to the overall composition. The dried stems and seed pods in this dry arid environment contrast against the soft plumage of this tiny bird. (Nikon D300, Nikkor 600mm f/4, 1/160 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200) Crimson Chat, Strzelecki Track, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183773292-K296HNULZPSS5LB1R3HJ/Little+Egret+Dancing+for+Joy.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Dancing For Joy by Aaron Brown SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Although this Little Egret was trying to find a tasty meal, to me, it looked as if it was dancing for joy in the golden light of the rising sun. In this shot, I love the way the golden light was filtering through the white feathers as this Egret dashed around the shallows. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Sigma 150-600mm at 600mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Little Egret, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183671255-7WRI8U5GYEJXI24BZ5OP/_MGL7169+Hungry+Spoonbill.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Hungry Spoonbill by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Laying in the reeds on the bank of this shallow tidal pond, I was able to watch this Yellow-billed Spoonbill sweeping for its breakfast. The shadows and soft light created a moody scene and a great backdrop to show-off the bird’s characteristic spoon-shaped bill. On this occasion the bird caught something a bit more vegetarian than its usual diet. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Sigma Sports 150-600mm f/5-6.3 at 600mm, 1/1,250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183750215-ZQHIHZO7TG858B7YGGDI/IN+THE+LAST+LIGHT.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - In The Last Light by Fiona Ruck SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT The sun had set and it was getting dark when I spotted these two Australian pelicans on a branch opposite our camp along the river. I rushed to get my camera and had to use a high ISO in order to capture a photo in the last light. The white of their feathers was in deep contrast to the dark green foliage around them. There were many of these birds along the river and it was always beautiful to see pairs of them together either majestically floating along the river or as now, together high up in the foliage. We stayed next the Gwydir River for about three weeks and during that time I took many photos of pelicans, but this one is very different from the other photos because of the lighting, elegant stance and the way the pelicans with their white feathers stand out against the Australian bush. I also think the pelicans in this photo look sophisticated! (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM + 1.4 x III teleconverter (560mm), 1/640 sec, f/9.0, ISO 6400) Australian Pelican, Gwydir River, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183687508-7ZHX887JZYXP7R0YUIEG/Birdlife+Photography+Awards-4.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - New Holland Honeyeater by Emma Wilkinson SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT I was staying at a farm with a friend, and on days they worked, I'd walk along the rail trail to the nearest town, shooting as I walked. I chose to enter this photo because of the almost whimsical qualities to it, and the pose struck by the honeyeater. The blurred white dots in the background are little insects that were flying around the tree. (Canon M5, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 at 200mm, 1/640 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100) New Holland Honeyeater, Murray to Mountains rail trail, Eurobin, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183731046-XKDWZX3T6B5P2XM7DWTU/HBurrell-8.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Preening Portrait by Hamish Burrell SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT I can't resist photographing any species of Black-Cockatoo - they have such personality and beauty I would never miss taking a shot if I saw one. I was on a long coastal walk on the south coast of NSW and it had been very uneventful bird-wise. As I got to the end of the walk I came to a banksia forest and could hear a cracking sound. I knew exactly who the culprit was, and next thing I knew 30 or more Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos descended on the trees next to the trail, tearing bark apart, cracking seeds and preening. I saw this male (with it's pink eye) preening on a nice old tree stump, and climbed up a nearby sand dune to get the dark background behind him. I approached very slowly and crouched behind a shrub. I loved the eye engaging with me and the distinctive yellow cheek contrasting the dark scene and plumage. The late afternoon light gave a yellow highlight to the outline of the bird tying into the yellow cheek. (Nikon D500, Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR + 1.4x III teleconverter, 1/640 sec, f/4, ISO 1000) Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Merimbula, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183725490-U284P3JT55NYD2CVW8ZH/IMG_5877-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Pretty in Pink by James White SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Pink Robin perched deep in the wet rainforest. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/400 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200) Pink Robin, Beech Forest, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183775252-6B0QKXGGSLH8IK2K8V8K/portrait3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Stay Close by Diana Andersen SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT I was just about to head home as it was almost 7 pm, and the light was fast disappearing, but the wind had also dropped and the conditions were still. A Great Crested Grebe ventured out of the shadows with a tiny chick tucked in alongside her neck. I needed to increase the ISO considerably to maintain a fast enough shutter speed to capture her swimming towards me. I especially like the way this shot displays the relationship between the mother and the chick. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/800 sec, f/6.3, ISO 10000) Great Crested Grebe, Herdsman Lake, Wembley, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183695268-PQKW0ENO89K9GZI8FLFZ/bpa2021-20190908-28_NT__the_kimberleys_part1__53I0302.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Twinkle Toes by Adam Blyth SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT The fascinating Comb-crested Jacana - these birds spend their life living on bodies of water with waterlilies or similar aquatic vegetation. Their extra long legs and toes enable the Jacana to spread their weight evenly across waterlilies which gives them the appearance of walking on water (which is why they are sometimes called the Jesus-bird!). On a trip up to Kununurra, several of these amazing birds were resident on Lily Creek Lagoon and I had a wonderful time photographing them as they foraged among the lily pads. (Canon 1D X Mark II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4x III teleconverter, 1/1,250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1600) Comb-crested Jacana, Kununurra, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183688455-RMZRML7ONTSKXAG4R6XH/416A8090-Edit-5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - What was that? by Danny McCreadie SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT I was photographing Black Swans at my local park when I captured this moment as a cygnet watched a drop from it's parents bill hit the water. The late afternoon sun provided a warm glow to the backdrop. (Canon 7D MKII, Canon 500mm f/4 L USM MKII, 1/2,000 sec, f/4, ISO 400) Black Swan, Forde, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183709647-PANWP58F5SBN4A731USN/DSCF1096.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Where's That Wattlebird? by David Green SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT This New Holland Honeyeater was watching out for a Wattlebird which had been bullying the smaller birds. Sometimes, the Honeyeaters would chase off the larger bird. They'd been fighting for the chance to splash around in a bird bath. Occasionally, one would land on a nearby tree for a rest then dive in again. I liked that this one looked ready to go and perched on a branch that is alive with new growth. (Fujifilm X-S10, 100-400mm at 301mm, 1/2,500 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) New Holland Honeyeater, Mount Taylor, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183778187-FQQ8DQUTGGMZHB8X0Q60/You+Looking+At+Me.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - You Looking At Me? by Peta Lowe SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT This was early morning, which brings the keen fisher-folk to a local jetty - and it is not long before a couple of night herons arrive to eagerly watch the goings-on, hoping for an easy breakfast! I love the birdlife in Mandurah, and this one reminded me so much of Robert de Niro! (Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 70-300mm at 300mm, 1/200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100) Nankeen Night-Heron, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182599184-NFWJ2CJIB1S5EAZT7JU7/The+Dive.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Dive by Georgina Steytler SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I was in a lake near a tourist resort where visitors regularly fed the waterbirds so this musk duck appeared unafraid of humans. In fact, at one point it swam around my feet and nibbled on my rubber boots - seemingly fascinated! I followed it for a couple of hours as it swam around in the water, at one point picking up a stick to play with. In this image it was diving into deeper water. Tanins heavily stained the water a reddish brown so it looks better in black and white. I like the light rays and the feeling of the bird diving into them. I shot this with an Ikelite underwater housing, wide angle lens and dome using the natural light. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon 16-35mm at 16mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640) Musk Duck, Pemberton, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182495707-0AACRZ4YNQ8IH59679SY/_AN_7620+Guardians+of+the+shore.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Guardians of the shore by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE On an impromptu visit to one of my favourite inlets, there was a small group of Yellow-billed Spoonbills resting on a rock, so I waded out a short distance and laid in the water not far from them and waited patiently. After a short while three began walking towards me, sifting the shallows along the way. I zoomed out to my widest view to capture the crystal-clear reflections as they walked past, posing like three guardians on patrol. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Sigma Sports 150-600mm f/5-6.3 at 150mm, 1/3,200 sec, f/8, ISO 1250) Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Youngs Siding, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182601534-SR7S0RB5W8QDQ1SHJ100/Peeking+Goose.JPG Gallery - Winners 2021 - Peeking Goose by Kim Wormald SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I have always been fascinated by how many creatures must be watching us as we wander about in nature; they will be hiding in so many places. I stay watchful for tiny movements but hadn't seen this large Cape Barren Goose until it lifted its head and curiously peeked at me through the rushes. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ISII USM at 365mm, 1/800 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Cape Barren Goose, Phillip Island, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182485402-KJT1NU9S3UNDTFJ0TB8J/0A7AC4FE-CE08-464F-A4ED-3469E5365B62.jpeg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Sunsets are made of Pink by Steven Pulvirenti SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE The surreal moment I witnessed countless numbers of Galahs in the outback town of Winton congregated together for sunset - the sound was deafening and brilliant. (Nikon D5500, 70-300mm at 70mm, 1/10 sec, f/4.5, ISO 100) Galah, Winton, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182526208-0HBB26KBQ8XEL3CFZOYR/20150814_Yuraygir_1110_bla.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Welcoming the Sun by Alan Wigginton SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE While walking on the beach I noticed something on the edge of this cliff some distance away. Walking closer, I saw it was an Australasian Darter drying its feathers. The early morning sun, clouds, waves and the bird at the top of the curve of the rock made an irresistible photo opportunity. (Nikon D800, Sigma 120-300 at 300mm, 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 560) Australasian Darter, Minnie Water, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182552681-J43NPJSTH3GIF7BLNMJU/HBurrell-5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Wetland wonderland by Hamish Burrell SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I had just had one of the best days of bird photography in my life with Painted Honeyeater, Painted Snipe, Spotless Crake and Australasian Bittern just to name a few of the species photographed. Wanting to make even more of the day I turned my attention to Magpie Geese and Galah silhouettes as they flew across the sun and landed in the dead trees. I positioned myself so the bird was in a clear patch of branches and the sunset was in the frame as much as possible. I was really drawn to the sharp silhouette of the bird and trees contrasting the soft clouds and blurry reeds. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ISII USM at 188mm, 1/3,200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800) Magpie Goose, Griffith, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182614888-14PTHDV3A057BE7FZDT3/Yellow+Tailed+Black+Cocky.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo by Cat Sparks SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE These beautiful birds are a very rare sight in Macarthur. I noticed this one perched on the plane tree through the window so I grabbed my camera and snuck out the front door, around the side and up to the top deck as fast - and as quietly - as I could manage, desperately hoping to snap a shot. Lucky me took three before my visitor took off. (Nikon Z7, 300mm f/4.0, 1/5,000 sec, f/8.4, ISO 5000) Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Macarthur, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183529813-37RRHCABV3U94AKH69E9/DSC02960-kite-vs-magpie-birdlife-competition.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - A Look of Surprise by Steve Nicholls SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT This Square-tailed Kite was flying low when it was spotted by a Magpie which promptly started a course to intercept and chase it off. Standing on the top of a large hill on one side of a valley, I was almost looking down on the birds as the event unfolded and managed to capture this look of surprise on the Square-tailed Kite as the Magpie approached from behind. I love the unusual angle looking down on the action from above rather than looking up from below. The gesture of the Kite, its beak wide open and craning its neck back to see the incoming magpie makes this shot one of my favourites. (Sony A9, Sony 400mm f/2.8, 1/2,500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 160) Square-tailed Kite, Australian Magpie, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183599561-8WNWC4C9TVCNJVWMLEE3/Pelican+at+sunrise+0L9A6450.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - A Pelican at Sunrise by Jason Abuso SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I took this photo on a cold, calm and misty morning, arriving at the estuary just before sunrise. At that time, the birds were mostly preening and doing some stretches in preparation for a new day. After preening, this pelican saw a group of cormorants feeding at a distance. Not wanting to miss the opportunity for breakfast, it took off to join the feeding frenzy. I was glad that it took off before the beautiful golden light in the morning faded. The rising mist as the environment started to warm helped blur the background beautifully. I think the backlighting suited this shot as the observer will be drawn more to the action rather than the details on the bird. The position of the wings and feet, the wide and high splash, and the rim light that gave the shape of the bird were highlighted more in this kind of lighting giving the action of taking off more impact. I chose to take the photo at a very low angle to reduce distraction on the foreground and background. It was also meant to show a bit of the pelican's reflection on the water to help the viewer experience the calmness of the morning. The background slightly overexposed in order to get some details on the bird and prevent it from turning into a silhouette. (Canon EOS R5, Canon 400mm f/4 DO II at 400mm, 1/1,250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Australian Pelican, Island Point, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183530890-10034SHK1YWQC8IXB33T/Boobie_DSC4938.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Booby by Megan Willis SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT A Norfolk Masked Booby in flight (complete with water droplets from the ocean) which was a lovely and beautiful moment to capture. (Nikon D500, Nikon 80-400mm at 195mm, 1/2,500 sec, f/8, ISO 720) Masked Booby, Norfolk Island https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183513454-L7ROTP8BZ9EYVGEUMAZD/DSC00273-swallow-about-to-eat-bug-birdlife-competition.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Decisive Moment by Steve Nicholls SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I have been trying for several months to capture these incredibly fast Welcome Swallows feeding on insects. I came close on a few occasions, but the insect was usually too far from the Swallow or the angle of the bird or the aesthetics were wrong. With this image I managed to capture what I consider to be the decisive moment, with the insect only millimetres away from the Swallow's open beak. To achieve this particular shot, I carefully observed the feeding patterns of the birds and learned to predict their flight patterns, and then it was a matter of placing myself in a position where all of the elements aligned and waiting for a Swallow to fly towards the camera as it captured an insect. It is extremely difficult to track the erratic and fast moving Swallows through the lens at 400mm, so I used a red-dot sight attached to my camera's hotshoe which enables a wider view. To help the camera lock focus, I turned off all special autofocus modes (focus tracking / bird eye-AF) and instead relied on the simplest wide autofocus setting. I also selected an area on the lake where the trees were creating patches of shade on the water and surrounding vegetation but with sunlight on the bird. I've found that unless I can find a dark or simple background with the bird as the brightest part of the scene, the autofocus just won't lock onto the Swallow. (Sony A1, Sony 400mm f/2.8, 1/8,000 sec, f/2.8, ISO 1600) Welcome Swallow, Swan River, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183546889-05KO00HIFOXABS4DCGX0/DSC07626-Swallow-beak-in-water-birdlife-competition.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Kissing the Water by Steve Nicholls SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT To track these erratic, fast moving birds at 400mm and for this I used a red-dot sight attached to my camera's hotshoe and an extremely high shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. I've found that even at 1/4000sec I can often end up with some minor motion blur when photographing swallows. Because the swallows are so tiny and move so quickly, they often don't fill enough of the sensor for the autofocus to work reliably. I needed to use every trick in the book to help the camera along: the bird in the bright sunlight, a simple or darker background, and I also turned off all camera processing features such as focus tracking and bird eye-AF, relying instead on the most simple and widest autofocus mode. To get some interest in the water (rather than just a reflection of the blue sky) I attached a circular polarising filter to the lens. I had this shot in mind for some time, but conditions had to be just right; a sunny, windless morning, but not too cold or the insects which the Swallows feed on are just not active enough. It took many attempts over several sessions to capture this Swallow with its beak still in the water, at the exact moment it snatched the insect from the surface of the lake. (Sony A1, Sony 400mm f/2.8, 1/8,000 sec, f/2.8, ISO 4000) Welcome Swallow, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183590656-2B1BH2XTAF28AHHLF92L/P3054346_1+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Lift off by Inigo Koefoed SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT This osprey had just finished feeding on a fish while perched on a stump in the early evening. I wanted to get a shot of it taking off so was waiting patiently for it to finish its meal. Over an hour later (and a few stiff muscles) I managed to get what I was after! I like how you can see the power in the bird, with its long outstretched talons and wings. I had predicted it would take off into the wind, which luckily for me was coming from the west at sunset. That allowed the evening light to show off a lot of feather and body detail, and to catch in the eyes. I managed to keep the shutter speed just right so as to keep the bird sharp but maintain a bit of motion blur in the primary wing feathers. I also deliberately took the shot in portrait, so the composition was able to capture both the sky and the coastal desert background (despite giving up a bit of space for the wings!). Overall I am very happy with the result of this planned shot. The hour of waiting was well worth it! (Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II, Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH at 167 mm, 1/2,000 sec, f/8, ISO 1250) Osprey, Tantabiddi boat ramp, North West Cape, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183554254-4RP7CRM8KH4I7MPRM46L/Galah+flight.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Up Close & Personal by Cat Sparks SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I heard a flock of noisy galahs take over the plane tree beside my house. They were having breakfast and making a big mess. I grabbed my camera, raced outside and upstairs to the top deck in my pyjamas. It was freezing cold and raining but this is, hands down, most definitely the best bird snap I have taken. (Canon EOS 600D, Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II at 250mm, 1/320 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) Galah, Macarthur, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183380091-ZF40AOWI2D7BIN13LLPV/Caught+Up.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Caught Up by Jennifer Carrigan SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS This photo shows that birds in the backyard can still do interesting things and interesting poses. I like the display of the open wing with the other wing closed. The bird also looks as though he is watching something with great concentration. (Nikon D500, Nikon 200-500mm at 500mm, 1/2,500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2800) Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Goulburn, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183393808-F0EBLFG29J6OQE1PWZRD/Fairy+Light+Robin.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Fairy Light Robin by Georgina Steytler SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS My father has fairy lights in his garden. One day when I was visiting he had left them on and a Scarlet Robin landed on them and used them as a perch to hawk for insects below. I grabbed my camera and was relieved to see she stayed there long enough for me to get a photo. I framed her and the lights against the shadows of a tree behind and applied exposure compensation of -2.3 stops. I deliberately picked a side on angle so that the fairy lights which were not in focus would appear as balls of light. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/2,000 sec, f/4, ISO 1600) Scarlet Robin, Argyle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183386541-PW6MNGDDM4YKFGLQWT5X/cockatoos5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Jirdarup Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos by Diana Andersen SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Jirdarup bushlands project has provided a drinking station about 3 metres above ground which is used by Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos passing through the inner city areas. I loved the interaction between the birds and also the positive nature of the project in such a built-up area. (Canon EOS R5, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM, 1/2,500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 6400) Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Victoria Park, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183358955-8XWEM4RNI1ZB0YK0KR6T/backyard3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Mirror Mirror by Diana Andersen SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS A moment after arriving at the beach and parking, a male Splendid Fairy-wren arrived and landed on my car. I quickly jumped out to photograph him when he began to go to war with his own reflection. I loved the three way reflection created by the car window and mirror. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM, 1/1,600 sec, f/4, ISO 2000) Splendid Fairy-wren, Busselton, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183419583-RW3YVGYE85CG2113N8BG/Paradise.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Paradise by Lawrence Chan SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Our plum tree was a true four seasons paradise for many of our backyard birds including this New Holland Honeyeater. Especially during spring time, it was busy with catching small insects, sucking nectar or just having a good time resting on the branch. Such a great place for our family to escape the COVID-19 pandemic and practice mindfulness. (Nikon D850, Sigma 150-600mm at 600mm, 1/2,000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1000) New Holland Honeyeater, Altona, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183412493-LDA4D06L9SQEH12XDJZN/Cocky_D508350.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Passionfruit Cockatoo by Megan Willis SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS I photographed this passionfruit-eating Cockatoo at Christmas time last year. My neighbour grows these yummy passionfruits and they spill into our yard so we all get to enjoy them! I watched this Cockatoo for quite a while as it flew around the neighbourhood eating many passionfruits and then settled in a great position with a clear background on our adjoining fence. (Nikon D500, Nikon 500mm PF, 1/1,600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Lake Macquarie, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183409243-EOB0GTBBCN3CV1RC522M/GDS_7741-Edit-3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Stand Off by GD Smith SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS A family of Bush Stone-curlews live along my street and wander around everyone's front yards carefree. My neighbour recently added this statue to their garden, which sparked angry displays from one particular curlew over many days. I took this photo while lying face down on my driveway, and watched this curlew walk back and forth mantling and hissing at this statue for about 20 minutes. (Nikon Z6, Nikon 200-500 f/5.6 at 410mm, 1/640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Bush Stone-curlew, Victoria Point, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183191174-NFWZ34921DAWP9AMHPE4/20200105-IMG_3686-Edit_layersafphoto.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - A tough mouthful by Lauren Wade SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT This poor cormorant had swallowed a hook. The line is still clearly visible. We watched it for over an hour while we tried to contact a wildlife rescue agency to help it. It would move whenever we got close. Unfortunately, in the first week of January we couldn't get anyone who could come before the bird swam away. I think the photo displays the bird's obvious distress. (Canon EOS 70D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 ISII USM at 400mm, 1/1,000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 160) Great Pied Cormorant, Palm Beach, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183288907-WOJFX7U4CHX3TMZWLC4N/SH1_5886.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - All wrapped up by Sue Harper SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT I watched this Australasian Darter for more than an hour as it struggled helplessly to free its beak of discarded fibre. The bird's distress and exhaustion was evident in its tired eyes and limp body but I wanted to capture this, as upsetting as it was to watch, to highlight the bird's plight due to human carelessness. Too often darters suffer from avoidable entanglement from discarded waste which sticks to the serrated edges of their beaks and prevents them from drinking and catching fish. I sat at a safe distance from the darter having called WA Seabird Rescue to come to its aid but sadly it flew off before help arrived, leaving its fate unknown. Although I returned to the same spot over the following days to check on it, I didn't see it again. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM at 371mm, 1/800 sec, f/8.0, ISO 500) Australasian Darter, South Perth foreshore, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183211213-C87JCBLP57ADKIPY5WJU/_C1I6898-1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Barely Afloat by Lucca Amorim SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT After a full morning of bird activity and photography, I was suddenly challenged to explore the depths of the lagoon after spotting a large white corpse floating on top of the water's surface. As I walked towards the floating bird, I knew instantly that it was indeed a dead pelican. My emotions were overtaken by sad thoughts while observing the lifeless giant. I knew that I would encounter scenes like these while exploring the impact of farms on wildlife. However I was still shocked by this, as the swarm of flies descended on the pelican and as the fetid smell of farming agents polluted the air. I decided to document the scene and showcase the horrific untold story of farming agents and their poisoning capacity. Many of these lagoons are surrounded by dozens of farms, eventually becoming distribution agents for powerful insecticides while leading hundreds of birds and fishes to their imminent death. After witnessing and documenting the horrible scene, I then decided to exit the water and head back. Unfortunately, a clump of dead fishes awaited me at the lagoon's shore to confirm my suspicion of toxic waters. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II USM at 24mm, 1/500 sec, f/9.0, ISO 1600) Australian Pelican, Freeman's Reach, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183271688-YOQBTLXOVPWT92T247GJ/HumanImpact-EastArnhemLand2021.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Lethal by Sherry Bruce SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Even though this image was captured at an isolated area of East Arnhem Land, it demonstrates the omnipresence of our human-wildlife conflict. The scene was unsettling for me and I would have completely missed it, if not for the feral donkeys crossing the road at the time. Like a spotlight on a stage, the dead entangled bird or prey was lit up amongst the shadows of the bush, almost as if to draw attention to its plight. The light and shadow drew me to capture this image, to share its story which is part of a larger story: the negative impact of humans on Australia's wildlife. (Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 200mm +2x III teleconverter, 1/320 sec, f/8, ISO 400) Southern Boobook, East Arnhem Land Road, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183304710-URILE1DWNT7BI2SDFV5Z/mdozvic3522-5DIV210421-2-2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Level Crossing by Mark Daffey SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT I was photographing the autumn colours along Macedon's Honour Avenue when these ducks emerged from a driveway onto the road. Cars would come along and they'd scurry off to the side of the road then return repeatedly to nibble on something that had fallen on the road. Several cars had to brake while they waited for the ducks to disperse. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L USM at 200mm, 1/80 sec, f/9, ISO 640) Australian Wood Duck, Macedon, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183270916-1B1ZZB2RPRRCTQVFTM8T/DSC_0044.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Showtime by Lachlan Hanrahan SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT The Entrance, NSW, is well known for its daily pelican feeding. Every afternoon, crowds of tourists and locals alike gather to watch this spectacle. The pelicans gather up in a mostly orderly fashion, anticipating the tasty fish soon to be handed out. A wall of people surround the birds as more and more appear. Fish are thrown, pelicans jump and flap and children scream. It's a truly unique experience! Having grown up in the area, I'd been to the feeding when I was young, but not as an adult. This particular time, I had the chance to take my girlfriend (now wife) to the feeding when she was visiting. Being from Ohio in the US, it was certainly an experience she won't forget! (Nikon D3400, Nikon DX 55-200mm at 55mm, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 100) Australian Pelican, The Entrance, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183074813-6SRZX5HLWBAF31JR3S8R/Black-fronted+Dotterel.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Black-fronted Dotterel by Michael Hanvey SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS I liked the rich ochre colours of the red gravel landscape, which pick up the reds of the bird’s eye-ring and bill, while giving contrast to the overall image. (Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4X III teleconverter, 1/1,600 sec, f/8, ISO 640) Black-fronted Dotterel, Cunnamulla, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183093082-Y7NLB49HM9ONVCB689ZD/special2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Early Bird by Diana Anderson SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS Red-capped Plovers are always busy on the estuary mudflats. They stop suddenly and then take off again rapidly, making them challenging to photograph at times. This bird had caught a worm that did its best to hang on in the mud causing the bird to pause and giving me the opportunity to capture the scene. I liked the typical behaviour of these little birds in this shot and the reflection in the still water of the pool. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/3,200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500) Red-capped Plover, Coodanup Foreshore, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183048676-S79QNWWMO23SI74TXT1E/_A1_7569-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Masked Lapwing by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS A Masked Lapwing posing in the beautiful dawn light on a beach in north west Australia. These birds must roost on this beach as they were often there early in the morning, however they would move inland as soon as human activity on the beach started to increase. (Sony A1, Sony 600mm f/4, 1/640 sec, f/4, ISO 5000) Masked Lapwing, Broome, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183090658-FPSWEERPSXHGB7FZDHQC/Shake+it+shake+it+baby.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Shake it, shake it, baby! by Georgina Steytler SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS I was feeling quite down one day so I went out to the local weir and saw a couple pf Black-fronted Dotterels feeding on the concrete ledge. I slowly crept forward and lay down. After a while they got used to my presence and came closer as they fed. This one paused in front of me for a shake. It was such a wonderful experience and I felt so much better after a few hours with these beautiful birds. (Canon EOS 1Dx, Canon f/4 600mm lens, 1/1,600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Black-fronted Dotterel, Toodyay, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183127887-WMUXR0ZURMKZR1UON1W4/Walking+on+Water.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Walking on Water by Rebecca Harrison SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS This Red-capped Plover was busy foraging about before deciding to take off. I captured this just as he began his run up. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4 + 1.4 teleconverter, 1/2,000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 800) Red-capped Plover, Mandurah Estuary, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634183128248-NDOAWZQQMQOSFYUIH617/Wings+Up.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Wings Up by Georgina Steytler SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALIAN PLOVERS, DOTTERELS & LAPWINGS When I first arrived at this shallow lake, I was delighted to find stilts, avocets and dotterels feeding everywhere. However, as it was midday the light was not great for photography. I waited until just before sunset, when the sun was low on the horizon. The rich light was hitting the vegetation on the far side of the lake, which was reflected in the water like a golden pond. I lay on the dried mud at the shoreline for over an hour in photographic heaven as the stilts, avocets and dotterels fed around me. I was photographing this bird when it suddenly stretched its wings. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II, Canon f/4 600mm lens + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) Red-kneed Dotterel, Huttah-Kulkyne National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182864748-XAGBJC1TJWXOVBDFKL05/DSC_1599-1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Braving the Ocean by Isaac O'Brien SHORTLIST: YOUTH I took this photo near Coffs Harbour after an offshore low pressure system caused the swell to pick up. As I was taking photos of the waves, I noticed a Darter sitting on top of a rock. It was constantly being splashed as each wave crashed against the rock. I captured this photo to highlight the power of the ocean and the challenges faced by birds living in these conditions. (Nikon D5600, Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 at 170mm, 1/1,000 sec, f/5, ISO 640) Australasian Darter, Korora Beach, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182819824-8H3Z70Z4MRMEY4N661QL/Breakfast.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Breakfast! by McKinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH With the incoming tide, it wasn’t practical for me to lay down to photograph this Silver Gull foraging for breakfast on the shoreline. So, keeping one eye on the ocean and the other on the gull, I squatted and waited for it to approach. Making use of my articulated screen, I held my camera as low as I could to get a more pleasing angle. After waiting so long in an uncomfortable position, I was rewarded for my patience and was pleased to capture the split-second when the gull flipped the insect and then ate it. It was a great start to the day! (Sony A57, Tamron 200-500mm at 500mm, 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 100) Silver Gull, Currarong, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182819605-6UOQHL4X8998R0EU133O/Catch+of+the+Day.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Catch of the Day! by McKinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH After wrapping up a morning of shorebird photography, I stopped at the top of the hill on the way back to the car to have a snack. I hadn’t been there long when this Osprey flew by with a snack of its own. I had already packed up my gear and thought that I had missed a golden opportunity. When I noticed it sweeping around again, I started scrambling to get my gear back out. I wasn’t quick enough for the 2nd fly-by but I was ready for the 3rd. Unfortunately, it flew too close to fit into the frame. Amazingly, this majestic bird did a 4th and final fly-by before heading off to devour its meal. Thankfully, on this occasion it allowed me just enough room to fit both the bird and the fish into the frame. The waves were pounding below and so was my heart! I wasn’t the only one pleased with their catch that day! Being so close and at eye level with an Osprey in flight gave me a unique perspective - it was definitely a memorable wow moment for me. (Sony A57, Tamron 200-500mm at 500mm, 1/2,000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320) Osprey, Northern Beaches, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182860756-52OE1EZPVC2V6TGZRPZ0/P1040549+4.JPG Gallery - Winners 2021 - Colourful Catch by Rob Davison SHORTLIST: YOUTH I have always wanted to photograph a Rainbow Bee-eater, and I was excited when the Rainbow Bee-eaters started their annual migration south. One January day, I went to Lake Gwelup to photograph these magnificent birds. I was hoping to capture a shot of one in flight, or eating an insect. I spent hours photographing these birds without any luck. The birds in flight were too quick to photograph, and the birds eating insects were too timid, and I could not get close enough to take a good photo. But then I saw a Rainbow Bee-eater, a fine specimen, sitting on a pole not that far away, eating a dragonfly. I took some photos, then took a step towards it. It didn't even notice me. After a few more steps, I was about 10 metres away from the bird, close enough to capture this image with my 1200mm lens. I was very pleased. (Lumix FZ80, 215mm (1200mm equivalent), 1/800 sec, f/5.9, ISO 80) Rainbow Bee-eater, Lake Gwelup, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182910493-8XZGK0BZDY916C3ETL4C/white+headed+stilt+portrait+reflection.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Delicate Steps by Pablo Ducarme SHORTLIST: YOUTH Waking up early to catch the sunrise, a small Pied Stilt searched for small critters and molluscs. As it slowly moved up along the water's edge I lay down in the mud trying to get as close to the water as possible to get a more intimate perspective with the Stilt. I tried to show its movement as it waded through the water by timing the shot for when it lifted its feet and as I did the sun shone through and highlighted its profile while stretching out its reflection upon the still water. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM at 400mm, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Pied Stilt, Tuggerah Lakes, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182897868-P6SQTNIVZPYL4PBG0865/Pelican+Perfection.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Pelican Perfection by McKinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH By taking advantage of an overcast day, I was able to extend my photography efforts beyond golden hour to capture this image of an Australian Pelican. The subdued lighting gave the water a milky quality that I found especially appealing. (Sony A57, Tamron 200-500mm at 420mm, 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 100) Australian Pelican, Lake Illawarra, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182889704-HCM30ZYRNTBKMUT97N34/Spoonbill+Splash.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - Spoonbill Splash by McKinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH Having found a quiet spot away from the other birds, this Royal Spoonbill really went to town creating the ultimate spoonbill splash! I enjoyed watching it splash and preen for quite some time. I chose this image because I particularly liked the sun filtering through the feathers of the huge outstretched wings. I converted this image to black and white as it draws the focus of the viewer to the main photographic element i.e. the bird in the motions of bathing and the commotion of the splash. (Sony A57, Tamron 200-500mm at 500mm, 1/4,000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Royal Spoonbill, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182931093-KFECAWSY06SCKULSMZZ2/The+Taste+Tester.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - The Taste Tester by McKinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH Sinking deep into soft, squishy slime and algae, I squatted and waited as a group of Red-capped Plovers foraged around me. Being such energetic little birds, they didn’t stay still long enough for me to get an image that I was happy with but I stayed still and kept as low as possible and waited. My patience paid off as they eventually began to come closer and closer. This handsome male stayed still just long enough for me to capture this image of him. (Sony A57, Tamron 200-500mm at 500mm, 1/500 sec, f/8, ISO 160) Red-capped Plover, Shoalhaven, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1634182933451-LRTIX6WWU6W6YVZBLOTU/White+Plumed+Scuffle.jpg Gallery - Winners 2021 - White Plumed Scuffle by Jacob Dedman SHORTLIST: YOUTH This photo I think really displays the social behaviours of White-plumed Honeyeaters. I was on an outing with my local Birdlife branch, and this was the most prolific species of bird out that day. I love the light in this shot - even though it was quite harsh that day, it was softened from filtering down through the foliage. I was shooting handheld, which is quite a task if you are using a heavy 3.9kg telephoto lens! I love how the birds are interacting in the shot. I feel that it shows the true "personalities" of the White-plumed honeyeaters. The birds look like they are having a little bit of a bicker, with their beaks open as though they are shouting at each other! The bird on the far right looks like it's trying to ignore the others... hmmmm, I think it says: "You little trouble makers! Stop arguing about who got that grub!" I am also very happy with the depth of field in the shot, where absolutely everything in the background is totally de-focused... bokeh at its best. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4x II teleconverter, 1/1,600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800) White-plumed Honeyeater, Tatura, Vic https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2022 daily 0.75 2025-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227835743-OEBP2J4H3OQ869AF9AL2/Leaning+In.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Leaning In by Rebecca Harrison WINNER: BACKYARD BIRDS The Aussie in me calls Galahs 'Pinks'; they are always a wonderful sight to see ambling along median strips nibbling on flowers, or screeching at each other over the best position on tree branches. This clever female Galah had worked out how to get to the tasty grass seeds by climbing up the side fence and leaning out as far as she could to grab them swaying in the breeze. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II + Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Galah, Coogee, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153107184-Q60S4OZQ1OCIAHIMOGGB/_DSC0834A+copy.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Feed Me Please by Cheng Kang WINNER: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I was so surprised to see a Eurasian Coot asking for food from a Little Pied Cormorant. When I first saw them getting closer with mouths gaping, I couldn't help but think - are they going to fight? In fact, the Little Pied Cormorant ended up spitting out some food for its counterpart. I was so amazed and touched to see this act of charity among birds of different species and made me think about my expectations of how nature interacts. It turns out birds not of a feather also flock together! (Sony ILCE-1 + Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 600mm, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 2500) Eurasian Coot and Little Pied Cormorant, Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666155009608-8AVSF1WE5AA4ERGECWHE/IMG_5118-2.JPG Gallery - Winners 2022 - Hokey Pokey by Danny Lee WINNER: BIRD PORTRAIT Shy Albatross are regular visitors to boats in Tasmania. They are often intrigued when I slip into the water with them, and they can get quite confident in approaching to see if my camera gear is edible or not. The conditions were perfect this day, and usually just having an Albatross so close is usually enough, but the ominous sky certainly added more drama to the shot. I never take for granted the opportunities I get to photograph these amazing sea birds, especially knowing how vulnerable Albatrosses are to some of today's fishing practices. I love to try and show off as much of these Birds as possible by using the split shot technique. I choose to shoot with a small Canon compact camera. After a lot of years of practice and a lot of patience, I find it's small size is often perfect for me, especially when the sea is calm. (Canon G7X Mark II + Inbuilt lens at 8.80mm, 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 200) Shy Albatross, Port Sorell, Bass Strait, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227088135-06MRDY8RL1MH45TQO2BJ/0A2A9606+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - White-faced Storm Petrel by John Harrison WINNER: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Storm petrels regularly exhibit this water-skiing behaviour whilst searching for food on the water's surface, but I have never seen such a perfectly timed photo of the moment of impact. (Canon EOS R3 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x teleconverter III, 1/5000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) White-faced Storm-Petrel, Near Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666222834742-SQJDKE8A7B9GG61PCQ0W/Fog.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - The sentinel by Maria Coleman WINNER: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE The birds were hunting in the water and moving through the fog and dead trees which created a very moody scene. It was a very cold and foggy morning and I lay down on the edge of the lake watching the birds move effortlessly through the water. I noticed this lonely Pelican high up in the tree keeping an eye on those that drifted past and it reminded me of a sentinel patrolling the wetland. (Canon EOS 7D + Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/200 sec, f/4, ISO 400) Australian Pelican and Pacific Black Ducks, Riverian, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231170234-5DC03HQ6SXUYJFYRCPML/_O4I2751+Entry.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Over the Rainbow by Nathan Watson WINNER: HUMAN IMPACT The wheels of a car speed past the lifeless body of a beautiful Western Rosella, victim of a car strike. For all the impact us humans have on birds, road mortality is perhaps the most overlooked. In Australia it is estimated around 10 million animals are killed on our roads every year and it is threatening whole species. A large number of those deaths are birds like parrots, which are often lured into danger by spilled grain along the roadsides. (Canon EOS 1DX Mark II + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 164mm, 1/30 sec, f/16, ISO 320) Western Rosella, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237708472-N7RP2BK45F43BUI3PJIR/Yellow.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Yellow by Glenn Faithfull WINNER: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS I actually took this photo mostly by chance. At the time I was hoping to photograph a catbird which had been waking me early each morning. As I waited for the catbird to fly down into the tree I was watching, this little robin just popped up onto a nearby branch. The resulting photo is a little under exposed, and if given the chance I would have exchanged the teleconverter for a wider aperture. In the short moment the robin was on the branch I got in a few handheld shots, one of which is this entry here. I love this photo because the robin is showing off their stunning yellow while looking wistfully into the distance, seemingly not bothered by my camera clicks. I never got that catbird shot in case you were wondering. (Sony A7 Mark IV + Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS + 1.4x teleconverter at 840mm, 1/2500 sec, f/9, ISO 3200) Eastern Yellow Robin, Possum Creek, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239672658-64GT2QBKOYYV565T3DBE/Australian+Wood+Duck+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Morning Serenity by Desmond Wang WINNER: YOUTH On an early autumn morning, just before sunrise, I lay down on mud at a local park, trying to photograph coots and grebes that were feeding. After a while, a group of Australian Wood Ducks decided to join them. The fog caused the camera to miss focus a couple of times, and after many attempts, I finally captured this duck landing. (Nikon D850 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200) Australian Wood Duck, Glen Waverley, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668556715866-SCLYRWU0B4MZKBEGN4OO/_1277585.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - In the eye of Pretender by Elmar Akhmetov A close up portrait of Pretender through his tail feathers. I love how he looks so peaceful and even philosophical in this photo. (Panasonic DC-S1 + Nikkor AI-S 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF and Nikon teleconverter 1.4x, 1/800 sec, f/5 , ISO 12800) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668556674453-67SJQ3QCMGN7AE1982D8/_1276522+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Cupid's arrow by Elmar Akhmetov Taken on a rainy day while Pretender was cleaning his tail feathers. Tail feathers get wet and heavy making it harder for the birds to move around, so they need to spend some time removing excessive water and cleaning. This particular view reminded me of an archer tucking an arrow. (Panasonic DC-S1 + Sigma Contemporary 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS at 197mm, 1/800 sec, f/5.6 , ISO 12800) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668556687282-G2X34K3K801R1Z9WMQB1/_1275061.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Seeing the song by Elmar Akhmetov A glance from above the steaming breath, while singing on one of the colder days. (Panasonic DC-S1 + Sigma Contemporary 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS at 400mm, 1/125 sec, f/6.3 , ISO 6400) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668556725167-F1AJ2ND977I5Y0HIF7TZ/_1288256.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Finishing touches by Elmar Akhmetov Another photo taken on a rainy day of a last moment of cleaning a filamented feather, this scene reminds me of a performer applying finishing touches on the costume just before going on stage. (Panasonic DC-S1 + Nikkor AI-S 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF, 1/800 sec, f/3.5 , ISO 12800) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668556753512-72XPIF2TYOD1V6MAAMC1/_1288471.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Centre stage among the ferns by Elmar Akhmetov Pretender performing on one of his mounds. From my perspective this captures the elusive nature of these birds pretty well as it is shot through the vegetation surrounding the birds mound. (Panasonic DC-S1 + Nikkor AI-S 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF, 1/800 sec, f/ , ISO 6400) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668556750379-BWS1YDLG59RFO7Y31I56/_1289079+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Sing, Dance, Repeat by Elmar Akhmetov Pretender at work practicing his display and dance. It takes hours upon hours of repetition for the birds to polish their performance. (Panasonic DC-S1 + Nikkor AI-S 400mm f/3.5 ED-IF, 1/800 sec, f/3.5 , ISO 6400) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668560570474-X4I6JPCH3RYKVDJ2JCHK/SuperbFairyWren.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Hiding Wren by Mitchell Roberts WINNER Most days I'm done taking photos 2 hours after sunrise but this day I went with a mate and we kept on shooting which made me change from the photos I always aim for and seeing what I can create. Knowing that light coming from singular sauces create bokeh spheres, I focused on the water which now was reflecting very strong light, I could see it dancing back and forth. Now I just needed a subject. The benefit of returning to the same locations time and time again I knew that it wouldn't take long before I would see some wrens jumping through the trees and shrubs that lined the banks. (Canon R5 + EF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/8000 sec, f/4, ISO 400) Superb Fairy-wren, Cooby Dam, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668560587468-WL8LGIJSF0P5GN70VBRG/Carpark+Curlews.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Carpark Curlews by Jane McMenamin HIGHLY COMMENDED This group of Bush-Stone Curlews awaited me early one morning as I pulled into the car park next to the botanic gardens. They looked out of place but, at the same time, confident in this environment and accepting of my presence. I was struck by their shy but slightly wicked gaze. Their feather patterning and the lines and textures of their man-made surroundings led me to render this image in black and white. (Canon R5 + Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Bush Stone-curlew, Brisbane, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1668560607528-1VZAVJYYBP3PCRAAALHS/NipNip.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - NipNip by Austin Ridley-Jarvis (youth entrant) HIGHLY COMMENDED A close up portrait of a wild Australian Boobook Owl that has taken up residence in a park opposite my home. We have named her NipNip. I am able to get incredibly close to NipNip as she peers down from her favourite tree. My reflection is visible in her eyes. (Nikon D500 + Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II, 1/1250 sec, f/4, ISO 800) Southern Boobook, Quinns Rock, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666152780678-4L2EZ6C8C4T4QS47D9ZS/_H7A7274bs.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Berries for Lunch by Cheng Kang SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR In early Winter, the ripe berries attract flocks of Silvereyes. I managed to find this gymnast gracefully hanging from an outstretched branch while snacking food-in-mouth. What a beautiful combination of colours! Silvereyes are among my favourite birds, I was so glad to capture this scene showcasing the agility and liveliness of this marvellous bird. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM at 500mm, 1/800 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Silvereye, Bendigo, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153107184-Q60S4OZQ1OCIAHIMOGGB/_DSC0834A+copy.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Feed Me Please by Cheng Kang WINNER: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I was so surprised to see a Eurasian Coot asking for food from a Little Pied Cormorant. When I first saw them getting closer with mouths gaping, I couldn't help but think - are they going to fight? In fact, the Little Pied Cormorant ended up spitting out some food for its counterpart. I was so amazed and touched to see this act of charity among birds of different species and made me think about my expectations of how nature interacts. It turns out birds not of a feather also flock together! (Sony ILCE-1 + Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 600mm, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 2500) Eurasian Coot and Little Pied Cormorant, Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153535584-4ZKI3LUR0GEOPWIVPSLQ/_26I7221galah.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Hanging Around by Shelley Pearson SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Galahs are very playful birds and first thing in the mornings they fly around making lots of noise and generally being a little crazy. I captured this Galah messing about as it suspended from a small tree branch feeding. It was very low light and difficult to photograph, but the behaviour was so funny and it was worth attempting an image. It happened very quickly, so I didn't get ideal settings but managed this shot. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II + Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 2000) Galah, Coodanup Foreshore, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153015595-B4CC2FWZNUJPMJR5JECM/A9M03116.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Hanging For Breakfast by Joel Evans SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Sometimes you come across a subject that is so focused on what they are doing, they don't really care if you are close to them. This was the case with this little Double-barred Finch which was on a mission to get to as many seeds as it could. As I lay a few meters away, it started to pull down a large grass seed head, which I captured here, then it held it down with its little foot and started eating the seeds. It was a moment I was happy to witness and showed how much character these little birds possess. (Sony A9 II + Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 600mm, 1/1600 sec, f/8, ISO 400) Double-Barred Finch, Manly, Brisbane, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666154045763-2IRJJVVEQO9XO0JFGGYG/_1276522+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Tucking a Cupid's Arrow by Elmar Akhmetov SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR This is Pretender, one of the most famous birds in all the Sherbrooke forest and one of the most friendly ones. I have spent over a hundred of hours this winter with him observing and documenting his behaviour while getting enamoured with lyrebirds in general and with him in particular. In this scene he is drying up his filamented feathers on a rainy day. As his lyrate feathers in this scene look very much like a bow, so the bird looks as if it is tucking an arrow and taking into account the importance of the visual display in the mating ritual I could not go past the reference to Cupid tucking one of his arrows. (Panasonic Lumix S1 + Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS at 197mm, 1/200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 12800) Superb Lyrebird, Sherbrooke, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153379865-M0Z8HC0KXIIZIMPSKT2S/076A9663_edited-5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Rehearsal by Ian Wilson SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Males sometimes spontaneously display away from the mound with their attention focused on an inanimate object like a stick in the ground, small piece of vegetation, or in this image, the upturned end of the perch. The display is loud and energetic with the full range of vocalisation and dance moves including the bird bouncing around the object of his attention while beating his wings in time with the ‘tuggerah-tuggerah’ call. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM at 104 mm, 1/200 sec, f/3.5, ISO 1600) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153462952-APWMKYVA91O5YF0HD1MN/076A8845_edited-4.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Serenade From Under the 'Veil' by Ian Wilson SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR When this fellow began to display on his mound, I slithered closer to a ‘window’ in the vegetation and was able to see his head under the veil of tail plumage. I opened up the aperture to f/2.8 to create an intimate, eye-level view much like a visiting female would experience. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM at 200 mm, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2500) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153289403-QKWY2T1GPG8APV30M93J/_A1_7318-Edit-1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Stars and Stripes by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR The bright, gaudy combination of red, blue and white conjures up images of Uncle Sam's top hat or "The Stars and Stripes". I am really attracted to this photo - I love the interaction between the two birds, but I think my favourite feature is the flared tail feathers. We have so many beautiful parrots in Australia, but it's hard to look past this species when it comes to beauty. (Sony Alpha 1 + Sony FE 600mm F/4 GM OSS, 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO 1250) Crimson Rosella, Lamington National Park, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666153998685-2UW5VV2UH7I4BLTABRTD/Whats+Mine+is+Yours.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - What's Mine is Yours by Rebecca Harrison SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR When summer arrives, so does the unmistakable sound of the Fairy Terns. It's amazing to watch these tiny birds dive into the water repeatedly and emerge with fish of all different kinds. I was lying on the beach watching this diving action when one suddenly flew in and paused long enough to pass a fish to its mate on the shoreline; will this sardine be the deal breaker in their courtship? (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II + Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 400) Fairy Tern, Woodman Point, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666155384365-CG8IQTYPYPXXB5LNT6R6/0A2A5531+4.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Buller's Albatross by John Harrison SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT I wanted to try something different to the usual front-lit whole-bird flight shot. So I tried for backlighting and a portrait instead. The bird was very close to me at a focal length of 300mm! (Canon EOS R3 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, 1/8000 sec, f/2.8, ISO 800) Buller's Albatross, Near Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666155483550-F9PE4SRHC3GO9L7NJEKY/_A1_7521-1-dng_DxO_DeepPRIME-Edit-1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Fearsome by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT This image was captured during the height of the territorial fighting that occurs every spring at a lake close to where I reside. This bird adopted this aggressive pose and swum around purposefully challenging any would be rivals. His posture must have be very scary to other Grebes because I didn't see any of his challengers accept his invitation for a fight. (Sony Alpha 1 + Sony FE 600mm F/4 GM OSS + Sony 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 5000) Great Crested Grebe, Perth, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666155009608-8AVSF1WE5AA4ERGECWHE/IMG_5118-2.JPG Gallery - Winners 2022 - Hokey Pokey by Danny Lee WINNER: BIRD PORTRAIT Shy Albatross are regular visitors to boats in Tasmania. They are often intrigued when I slip into the water with them, and they can get quite confident in approaching to see if my camera gear is edible or not. The conditions were perfect this day, and usually just having an Albatross so close is usually enough, but the ominous sky certainly added more drama to the shot. I never take for granted the opportunities I get to photograph these amazing sea birds, especially knowing how vulnerable Albatrosses are to some of today's fishing practices. I love to try and show off as much of these Birds as possible by using the split shot technique. I choose to shoot with a small Canon compact camera. After a lot of years of practice and a lot of patience, I find it's small size is often perfect for me, especially when the sea is calm. (Canon G7X Mark II + Inbuilt lens at 8.80mm, 1/800 sec, f/8, ISO 200) Shy Albatross, Port Sorell, Bass Strait, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666155898206-EVOLWDTAJHHFRGYJMVCS/GDSmith_02.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Kookaburra by GD Smith SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT While setting up camp late afternoon on North Stradbroke Island, this Kookaburra emerged out of the darkness and landed on my car. As it seemed to be quite comfortable with being around people, it allowed me to get fairly close to take this portrait. (Panasonic S5 + Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 6400) Laughing Kookaburra, North Stradbroke Island, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666154937495-69NSY2NB9ONGEME0XDDH/Fareasterncurlew.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Leaping Curlew by Maria Coleman SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Always an honour to spend time with the critically endangered Far Eastern Curlew. They had gathered together to form a large flock just prior to the low-pressure system which they use to their advantage when ready to migrate north to their breeding grounds. Most of the time they wade through the water but occasionally I will see them hop along to conserve energy for their long trip, and this was one of those moments that I had the pleasure capturing. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark III + Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II USM Lens + 2x teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 3200) Far Eastern Curlew, Shoalhaven, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666156035147-SML2HLSJPBTVCC32IFUF/_26I8948-master+crop.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Red-necked Stint by Shelley Pearson SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT The migratory birds begin to arrive in Mandurah, Western Australia from August, including the Red-necked Stints. This Red-necked Stint was slowly wandering around feeding, showing some remnants of breeding colour and looking beautiful in first light with the pink sky reflecting back in the water. I was laying on the sand, waiting and patience is the key for getting a shot. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II + Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200) Red-necked Stint, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666156119848-K8CKEH44YLP7GB65RFSH/Spinifex+Pigeon+Josh+Watson.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Spinifex Pigeon by Josh Watson SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Ormiston Gorge is situated in the ancient landscape of Tjoritja / West Macdonnell Ranges, which boasts spectacular rock formations, native fauna and flora. On the 8.5km walk around Ormiston Pound which meanders through the scenic gorge and large flat expanses I came across a few Spinifex Pigeons. Most were unwilling to hang around for a photo, but this one gave me enough time to crouch down and fire off a few shots. The distinctive plumage of the Spinifex Pigeon and the stunning crest makes it a perfect match for these arid landscapes. It easily blends in amongst the rocks and spinifex of central Australia. This particular shot appeals to me because the background colours perfectly reflect the colours of the Spinifex Pigeon. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 321mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 250) Spinifex Pigeon, Alice Springs, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666156218268-S51JMQMN2DVTK5DIS1J8/076A8943_edited-9.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Superb Soloist by Ian Wilson SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT When this fellow began to display on his mound, I slithered closer to a ‘window’ in the vegetation for a close encounter. I opened up the aperture to f/2.8 to create an intimate, eye-level view much like a visiting female would experience. He is shown giving a virtuoso performance less than 2 m from the camera. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM at 200 mm, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 2500) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666156307586-T5PTPZE1J2PKKQJ3FHBR/Portrait+P5190075-Edit-2+Birdlife+Australia.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - The Eyes Have It by Michelle Gardner SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT I love it when the bird looks directly at you. The eyes of the female Black-necked Stork are in a class of their own! Spectacular eyes on a spectacular bird. The colours of the feathers on their head and neck are pretty cool too! (Olympus E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS at 400mm, 1/1250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Black-necked Stork, Howard Springs, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666218939391-JKGXGT42FMFPTQI9FEW9/Cassowary+creek.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Cassowary Creek by Patrick Tomkins SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE This beautiful female cassowary visits our property. She spends a lot of time in this creek, either bathing or feeding on fallen fruit, or simply using it as a thoroughfare to move through the rainforest. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II + Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM, 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 4000) Southern Cassowary, Kuranda, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666219997001-Y8IJX1AEPTNG29EMGNH8/IMG_1516+-+Version+2.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Emu Mist by Christian Spencer SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE While walking through the spectacular sand dunes in the Eyre Peninsula a thick mist descended turning the light into a sepia colour. A small group of Emus emerged. I waited for them to pass behind the twisted and half buried trees and managed to capture this unique photograph. (Canon EOS 650D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM at 42mm, 1/640 sec, f/14, ISO 400) Emu, Coffin Bay, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666220027432-WMQEM3OCX1UKOPN4BUI2/D72D2AF8-3528-4CD9-84AA-CF42C710B739.jpeg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Laugh, Kookaburra, Laugh by Thomas McMahon SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE We watched the sun rise over the vast Blue Mountains National park with some unexpected company. We were the only ones watching from the cliff lines. I’ve always loved Kookaburras, but having one pose so gracefully amongst the backdrop of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary has been my favourite photographic experience. I spent 45 minutes trying to get the best angle, and once this image was captured the bird looked at me for a few seconds before flying into the valley below… as if it knew the job had been done. (Nikon D750 + Laowa 15mm wide angle macro (manual), 1/250 sec, f/, ISO 500) Laughing Kookaburra, Leura, Blue Mountains, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666222663300-UN1VZDTA9LKZTFEZG5FJ/Morning+sauna.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Morning Sauna by Lawrence Chan SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I was fortunate to capture this foggy scene just after the sunrise, as the fog started to rise up. It was a peaceful morning, there were very few birds around the lake and very calm without wind. The photo was taken shortly after sunrise. I liked the steamy effect, the warm sunlight and the cormorant resting among the layers of dry tree branches. I tried to share the real scene, colour and the tranquil atmosphere . (Sony A7R4 + Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS +1.4 X teleconverter at 433mm, 1/1600 sec, f/8, ISO 100) Cormorant, near Bendigo, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666222744658-YUI7OQDVUKA9PTXI18UU/ONCE+BITTERN.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Once Bittern by Warren Chad SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE With ever increasing threats from humans via habitat destruction, birds have to be adaptable. Australasian Bitterns are a threatened species who have adapted to their new human landscape and now live and nest in rice crops. In the Riverina area of NSW there are now agreements with farmers and local Landcare groups which allow these birds to successfully breed in this environment. A great success story for one of our most threatened waterbirds. Ironically these very elusive birds can now be seen and make a great contrast to the bright green of a rice crop. (Canon EOS 1D Mark IV + Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 500) Australasian Bittern, Griffith, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666222834742-SQJDKE8A7B9GG61PCQ0W/Fog.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - The Sentinel by Maria Coleman WINNER: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE The birds were hunting in the water and moving through the fog and dead trees which created a very moody scene. It was a very cold and foggy morning and I lay down on the edge of the lake watching the birds move effortlessly through the water. I noticed this lonely Pelican high up in the tree keeping an eye on those that drifted past and it reminded me of a sentinel patrolling the wetland. (Canon EOS 7D + Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/200 sec, f/4, ISO 400) Australian Pelican and Pacific Black Ducks, Riverian, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666222959362-7K3FXF4CB74IQTRLSKUT/WhatAreYouLookingAt.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - What are you looking at? by Bec Johnson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I was hiking through to the Grand Canyon in the Grampians when I came to a section that was closed for maintenance. Disappointed, I turned around about to head back the way I came, when this little White-browed Scrubwren flew right below the closed section and placed itself perfectly on the rock popping out of the middle of the little pool. The glass-like water and rust colours of the pool already drew my eye and then I just got a perfect moment. With the balance of earthy colours, it really felt like it was a great representation of the region. The title of this shot came to me while I was zoomed in editing, as I thought the black and white bit on the wing looked like it has arms and hands rested on its "waist", looking all grumpy and it gave me a bit of a laugh. (Nikon D7200 + AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR at 140mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) White-browed Scrubwren, Grampians, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666224191006-29SJ1YRXQI4228PQJ6DE/Bird+in+flight+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Cormorant Takes Flight by Emma Parker SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I had been visiting the cormorants for several years in Centennial Park, even before I picked up a camera. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I learnt about the breeding colours, where they nest and what time of year. I knew there was a colony in the park, with a perfect opportunity to photograph at dusk when activity peaks with cormorants coming to and from nest sites with food and repair items. This cormorant was about to swoop into the water to collect reeds when I captured this shot, lined up against a darkened bank. I underexposed a couple of stops so the breeding colours really stood out. It was worth the wait. (Nikon D850 + 500mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1250) Great Pied Cormorant, Centennial Park, Sydney, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666226425638-DS4LSLVPLWMDRXNUP07W/0H7A5185s.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - In the Limelight by Cheng Kang SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I was so surprised at the utter beauty of a Rainbow Bee-eater's wings as it gracefully soars against the fading light, showcasing its amazing flight and plumage, like a star performing on centre stage. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM at 363mm, 1/2500 sec, f/8, ISO 2500) Rainbow Bee-eater, Hume region, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666226730106-591LCPV5DLAGACYFUPYJ/Morning+dance.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Morning Dance by Lawrence Chan SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Grey Fantails are common birds in our city parks. Through the light, actions and back-lit wingspan, I have tried to express the beauty of this common bird. I was able to choose a darker background to highlight the wings and the beautiful dance. It was a great challenge for me to capture the fast movement. (Sony A7R4 + Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS at 346mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) Grey Fantail, Port Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666226821533-6QUI8VR6UYMMGEVFV67N/My+pearl.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - My Pearl by Lawrence Chan SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I was lucky to capture this special moment. This Red Wattlebird was drinking and splashing water. It was the optical illusion that the brightest and largest bokeh superimposed to the bird's open mouth. I positioned myself about 15 meters away facing a darker background. This helped the camera to focus and track the bird. Although wattlebirds are very commonly found in the city parks, I have tried to capture a beautiful moment from a different perspective. (Sony A7R4 + Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS +1.4 X teleconverter at 424 mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 2500) Red Wattlebird, Newport, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666226910903-Z29AZ6XBZHBJJ2M8GB5D/dsc_6211.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Nankeen Kestrel Golden Hour Flight by Martin Anderson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I got up extra early and left for the coast at 4:30am to ensure I arrived before sunrise, as I was hoping to get some interesting shots in the golden hour. On arrival I checked a few know perching spots in hope that one of the local raptors was utilising one. This beautiful Nankeen Kestrel was perched on the jagged cliffs. As the sun came up it illuminated the bird and its perch but didn't carry through to the cliffs behind the bird, creating golden glow on the subject against the dark background. I watched and photographed the bird as it warmed in the first light, paying close attention to the bird's behaviour. When it showed signs it was about to take off I held down the shutter and captured the Kestrel dropping into a dive from its perch. Thankfully the bird was still illuminated by the golden light through the entire sequence. (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 900) Nankeen Kestrel, Long Reef Headlands, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666226966500-026CQ2LOFLE641PI3B3W/_MGL1112+Entry.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Tranquil Touchdown by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT It was a cool April morning. The harbour was still with not a breath of breeze. A light mist added some atmosphere. As a majestic Great Egret flew in and gently touched down in the still shallows, it barely caused a ripple, the motion of its wings only faintly breaking the silence for a moment. (Canon EOS 1DX Mark II + Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO 1600) Great Egret, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227021325-OO3F3D7X6KPBLIPCZ41E/Flight+P6090427-Edit-Edit-Edit+Birdlife+Australia.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Wedge-tailed Eagle by Michelle Gardner SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I drive my husband nuts when travelling as he is forced to stop at EVERY Wedge-tailed Eagle spied, usually for no reward. This one was on the roadside feasting on some roadkill. As we approached, I could see the bird was preparing to take off. I quickly got out of the car and got down low just in time to capture him taking flight. I cropped the photo closely to focus on the wings as I love the way their fingers curl up in flight. (Olympus E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS at 400mm, 1/4000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Wedge-tailed Eagle, Hawker, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227088135-06MRDY8RL1MH45TQO2BJ/0A2A9606+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - White-faced Storm Petrel by John Harrison WINNER: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Storm petrels regularly exhibit this water-skiing behaviour whilst searching for food on the water's surface, but I have never seen such a perfectly timed photo of the moment of impact. (Canon EOS R3 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x teleconverter III, 1/5000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) White-faced Storm-Petrel, Near Eaglehawk Neck, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227483525-348LKZN5CI1YQL5NXZ1H/Crested+Pigeon+on+farming+implement.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Crested Pigeon on Farming Implement by Stuart Cox SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS We were on a family holiday and I had hired a telephoto lens for the week so I was out using it as much as possible. There were many birds around the farm and plenty of interesting props and backgrounds to capture them. I love rusty farming implements as it reminds me of one of my favourite painter's works which also incorporate birds. This is one of my favourite photos from that trip and needless to say I didn't want to return the hire lens and was searching to buy my own. (Nikon Z6 + Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/500 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) Crested Pigeon, Boonah, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227562533-GHIREDZCWFVZLLFAJP0V/220102_0038_Jpeg+Entry.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Daylight Robbery by Warren Wilson SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Each afternoon this Bowerbird watches in anticipation as I feed my dog in the backyard. It skulks around until it sees an opportunity rush in and steal a kibble or two from the bowl before my elderly dog can respond to this classic case of daylight robbery. (Nikon D500 + AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR, 1/1250 sec, f/5, ISO 1250) Satin Bowerbird, Woollamia, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227738698-2WLWYMJBP7TPCM8XFSUD/Double-barred+Finches+in+the+backyard.JPG Gallery - Winners 2022 - Double-barred Finches in the Backyard by Janet Poczwa SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Living on the edge of a rural Queensland town ensures I regularly see several bird species visit the back garden, including a flock of Double-barred Finches. They visit a bird feeder in one of the large backyard trees, every morning. It is wonderful to see so many wild finches all at once, sometimes up to 30 individuals every morning! I created this image of two of the finches sharing a moment together, when they found themselves separated from the rest of the flock. (Canon EOS 6D + Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM at 300mm, 1/320 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1600) Double-barred Finch, Laidley, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227664159-2PO058CHWICHE0NS3WK7/Buff-rumped+Thornbill_19-02-24_21+crop.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Good to be Alive! by Patrick Kavanagh SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Our backyard birdbath attracts many species of woodland birds, but Thornbills rule the roost. And they seem to get so much more soaked than other birds. Their voluble chatter as they splash around may well have other meanings, but it sounds to me like a true expression of delight. No matter how many times I see them or how many photos I have of them, when I hear their calls I just have to go and watch them. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1250) Buff-rumped Thornbill, Strangways, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227835743-OEBP2J4H3OQ869AF9AL2/Leaning+In.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Leaning In by Rebecca Harrison WINNER: BACKYARD BIRDS The Aussie in me calls Galahs 'Pinks'; they are always a wonderful sight to see ambling along median strips nibbling on flowers, or screeching at each other over the best position on tree branches. This clever female Galah had worked out how to get to the tasty grass seeds by climbing up the side fence and leaning out as far as she could to grab them swaying in the breeze. (Canon EOS 1Dx Mark II + Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1000) Galah, Coogee, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227910129-V2LSLCU07HKNBE6FIT6L/On+The+Fence.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - On the Fence by Christina McIlroy SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS After mowing I sat out on the patio with a coffee and to my surprise an old mate dropped in to grab a snack. I jumped out of my chair to get my camera from inside the house, hoping he would stay on the fence. As I got through the door he was still there but only for a few moments. I managed to set up my camera and got some shots of this magnificent guy perched on the Fence. I love to watch bird life in my backyard. (Canon EOS 90D + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM at 135mm, 1/125 sec, f/7.1, ISO 250) Laughing Kookaburra, Cooloola Cove, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666227980789-902Y7P6QXZQSNBKATZBQ/Rainy+Day+Blues.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Rainy Day Blues by Jane McMenamin SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS It was raining heavily and this Brush Turkey stood on our back fence with the rain dripping off it, looking miserable! Every now and then it would give a vigorous shake with feathers and water droplets going in all directions. The light was low and to keep the shutter speed up I had to work with a high ISO, causing noise which I reduced in post. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM at 324mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 12800) Australian Brush-turkey, Brisbane, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666228047661-6F1HTH2G242CTG34NRUG/DSC_4791-studioBGHX5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Reflection by Patricia Sweet SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS This "predator in training" landed on my balcony one summer evening in an attempt to make a meal of my pet Budgie (who was inside). Hearing the kerfuffle, I grabbed my nearby camera and was able to take a few photos before we were able to guide it to an easy escape and back to its scolding parent in a nearby tree. No birds were injured - only the dented pride of the young Juvenile Brown Goshawk. (Nikon D500 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 290mm, 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 12800) Brown Goshawk (juv), Koolewong, Darkinjung Country, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231138026-KZENT7VMVZYZW9M5G4NS/Flightless.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Flightless by Jake Wilton SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Upon entering one of Western Australia's premier wildlife locations in the hope of photographing some of its rare and endangered species, I discovered my first bird species - a sub-adult Emu lay dead after becoming one of Australia's countless road kill victims. This unfortunate bird, lying headless on the road, was a stark reminder that even in our nature reserves, where they should be safe, human impact is still widely felt by our wildlife. (Nikon Z7-II + AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 E ED VR at 24mm, 1/100 sec, f/22, ISO 320) Emu, Perup Nature Reserve, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231140406-MTVCW01GXWAH9KPKYBWX/human-impact-1-5.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Industrial Tranquility by Diana Andersen SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT It was just before dawn, and the light was beautiful. There were Great Egrets fishing in the estuary, and I was annoyed that the smoke rising from the industrial area behind was spoiling an otherwise beautiful scene, but that represents what is happening to many habitats. Seeing these beautiful birds in tranquil surroundings with plumes of smoke from industry rising behind them seems such a conflict. (Canon EOS R5 + Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + 1.4 teleconverter, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500) Great Egrets, Coodanup Foreshore, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231166231-ZSE7XN1G0SXVVPFX9CKS/0F1A5977+Last+Supper.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Last Supper by Devon Bull SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Here we see a Wedge-tailed Eagle cleaning up a kangaroo carcass which is one of around 10 million animals hit on our roads each year, according to the University of Melbourne researchers. A Wedge-tailed Eagle can eat up to 400g of meat per day and this one was determined that nothing was going to prevent it from the "last supper" that this unlucky kangaroo had provided. For me this image not only displays the sheer power and determination of the Wedge-tailed Eagle but also their important role in assisting in the breakdown and removal of roadkill which can potentially lead to the spread of diseases. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM + 1.4x teleconverter III at 280mm, 1/1600 sec, f/8, ISO 640) Wedge-tailed Eagle, Between Birdsville & Mt Isa, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231170234-5DC03HQ6SXUYJFYRCPML/_O4I2751+Entry.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Over the Rainbow by Nathan Watson WINNER: HUMAN IMPACT The wheels of a car speed past the lifeless body of a beautiful Western Rosella, victim of a car strike. For all the impact us humans have on birds, road mortality is perhaps the most overlooked. In Australia it is estimated around 10 million animals are killed on our roads every year and it is threatening whole species. A large number of those deaths are birds like parrots, which are often lured into danger by spilled grain along the roadsides. (Canon EOS 1DX Mark II + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 164mm, 1/30 sec, f/16, ISO 320) Western Rosella, Albany, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231174824-DI00UM7OR5S7L73ECUY6/IMG_8047.JPG Gallery - Winners 2022 - Take offence by Simon Cherriman SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Wire fences gridlock the Australian landscape and impact wildlife species on a scale I believe has not yet been properly documented or publicised. They constrain the natural movements of terrestrial species, or, when these animals try to hop or jump over them, often see creatures caught, hung up with their limbs broken and a slow, painful death. Barbed varieties of such fences present an extra hazard to those species that might have the ability to fly over them, but not to see the dangerous mesh in a rural jungle of trees and shrubs. I fought back tears as I wrapped this poor owl in my shirt and cut the mesh. It gazed at me with stricken eyes, unaware that the damage to its patagium was too severe for successful rehabilitation and that is fate of humane euthanasia was sealed the moment it hit the wire. In the 21st century, there is no excuse for such senseless (and useless) structures in our landscape. (Canon EOS 600D + Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Southern Boobook, Perth Hills, Noongar Country, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231196424-8KD37X2OMZHGWXST9TLF/DSC_2957-Edit-Edit.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - The Tightening Braid by Janette Rodgers SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT This Striated Heron had become entangled in a fisherman's braided line. Each time he lifted his legs to try and get away from the line, it tightened. Eventually this would have caused either infection and/or severe tightening of the braid causing amputation of the feet. Luckily in this case, the local wildlife rescue team - Wild Bird Rescues Gold Coast - were contacted and were able to catch the little heron and remove the braid before any lasting damage was done. (Nikon D500 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/2500 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Striated Heron, Gold Coast, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231204667-8X4SE24CEI5604FDBZTF/Walking+On+Eggshells.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Walking On Eggshells by Sue Joy SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT I was enjoying breakfast on the verandah in the sun, when I noticed the little Superb Fairy-wrens jumping about the bushes near the edge of the verandah. They quite often build their nest in these bushes, and it is a joy to watch. I went inside to get my camera, with the hope that I will be able to photograph some of them posing on the tops of the bushes like they quite often do. When I came back outside with my gear, I noticed they were jumping on the table and around the remains of my breakfast. I was lucky enough to get a few images to choose from, but this was the only one where he decided to jump on the eggshell for a split second. (Nikon D500 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 250mm, 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 4000) Superb Fairy-wren, Glendon Brook, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231216246-3V8R1ZE3PR7H18QBKO9X/Whitton_water_rising.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Water Rising by Chris Whitton SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Australian Pied Oystercatcher settling down for the night on Corio Bay, backed by the oil refinery. Wildlife is already struggling to cope with the immediate effects of human activity such as noise, light pollution and habitat destruction, but the greater threat of fossil fuel-induced climate change looms ominously over this beautiful creature as it makes the best of its circumstances. (Canon EOS R6 + Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500mm , sec, f/, ISO) Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Geelong, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666231220437-UWHJV0ZYYE6PN8RHRWFZ/DSC04668+3.JPG Gallery - Winners 2022 - You Had Me at Hello by Suzanne Bray SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT This unplanned photo was taken while visiting a friend who volunteers with wildlife rescue. Four tiny babies were rescued after Mumma was attacked by a feral cat …. all four babies were found wet and shaking in nearby grass beside the road at Hay Point. "Spike" was the smallest of the four and needed assistance with feeding. Sadly, little Spike being already frail was attacked by his larger bossier brothers and did not survive to be released into the wild. (Sony SLT-A77 + Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM DT at 55mm, 1/40 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) Radjah Shelduck, Mackay, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237565719-4F2K38HKLDZAMO1MZL6Z/Yellow+robin+portrait-5869.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Alight by Alex France SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS This Eastern Yellow Robin watched me curiously for a brief second while I took this shot. It was perched on a delicate tongue of curled and flaking Angophora bark, seeming to defy gravity, its toes curled around one thin sheet and an out-stretched claw connecting it to the next, with just enough tension to provide magisterial posture control on this flimsiest of platforms. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM + 1.4 teleconverter at 560 mm, 1/350 sec, f/8, ISO 12800) Eastern Yellow Robin, One Mile, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237571021-P9A9DW37PR8S4BUVVQEP/female+flame.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Female Flame by Reeni Martinez SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS I hope the viewer of this image enjoys the muted winter colours and the textures of the ominous spikes and prickles that this delicate, beautiful little bird finds safety in. The subtle bokeh and glistening morning dew add a contrast of softness to the image which brings a nice balance. (Canon EOS 80D + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 2500) Flame Robin, Bicentenial Trail to Red Rock Gorge, Canberra, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237605271-N6JTS7HT7QGFRDSR8MFG/Aust+Robins3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Flame Robin by Deepak Kumar SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS Flame Robin on a torch lily. The Robin would take off, pounce on insects and returns to this flower. I loved the colours of the bird and the flower. It looked like the Flame Robin was the part of the flower. (Nikon D850 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f4 FL ED VR + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 280) Flame Robin, Beech Forest, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237624450-C4AQXQVN632IL25R2R9E/Theme-Robins-TWalker-FlameRobin.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Flame Robin Landing by Terry Walker SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS One of the sites where I monitor water quality in southern Tasmania contains areas of remnant eucalypt vegetation which supports a rich birdlife community. To document this, and out of personal interest, several bird surveys were undertaken. The current photo was taken during one of these surveys. The robin attracted our attention initially from its calls and then the red coloration flitting through the scrub, albeit often in the shade. I was tracking it with the camera and was fortunate to get several shots as it finally landed on the end of a branch in bright sunlight, relatively close by. Luckily, this one caught the wings fully unfolded. (Nikon D850 + Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 640) Flame Robin, Copping, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237645680-3V64BDTHWUAAAG871DNZ/_DSC1444_E_E.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Jewel Beetles for Dinner by Kevin Huang SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS I spotted this Flame Robin near the cliffs of Cape Bruny. This is one of the most southerly places where this species can be found. I came across the bird whilst trying to photograph an echidna which had wandered across an open patch of grass into a thick patch of bush. I heard the robin's trill behind from behind me and couldn't resist photographing my favourite bird species. I knew that this bird would dive down amongst the bushes to catch insects and return to perch on high branches not far from where it started. In order not to scare the robin, I resolved to stay low and crouched behind some nearby vegetation, popping up from time to time to capture some photographs. It was overcast and late afternoon, providing pleasant, diffused light. Over the next half hour, I observed the robin and waited for it to come close with something interesting in its mouth. This mouth full of jewel beetles was its best catch! (Sony A7R Mark IV + Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 600 mm, 1/320 sec, f/6.3, ISO 800) Flame Robin, Cape Bruny, Tas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237658843-T1MD04GJEJD22ZYJGR9E/Pale+Yellow+Robin.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Pale Yellow by Danny McCreadie SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS I had spent some time in the rainforest at Crater Lakes National Park, North Queensland, trying photograph this Pale Yellow Robin. The poor light inside the forest and the tendency for this small Robin to keep moving from tree to tree made it a challenging task. Eventually I was rewarded with this image. The lichens on the branch add to the interest of the photograph and give a clue to its rainforest setting. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II + Canon 500 mm f/4L IS II USM, 1/160 sec, f/4, ISO 800) Pale-yellow Robin, Crater Lakes, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237674864-VOMNZKAPAJYF7D1MGWH2/PinkRobin.JPG Gallery - Winners 2022 - Pink Robin by Ravi Arora SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS I had this image in mind way before I actually took it, I always imagined how this pretty bird would look on a flower and what would catch the eye: the flower or this bird and hands down it is always the bird. I knew this bird’s spot, and I knew that if I waited patiently nearby it would eventually come down. This took almost around 6 months for this to happen and I was lucky I had almost the perfect flower in place when God smiled upon me. (Nikon D500 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 380mm, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Pink Robin, Otways, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237691242-JWNHR1XW4IS4QEZ2WZV0/P1200336adj.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Re-capped Robin by Steve Barnes SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS A Red-capped Robin showing off his red cap to best advantage. Taken in Walyunga National Park in the Perth Hills on a cloudy winter morning. He popped up on a branch in front of me and I had to be quick. (Lumix G85 + M.Zuiko ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS + 1.4 x teleconverter at 560mm, 1/500 sec, f/9, ISO 3200) Red-capped Robin, Walyunga National Park, Perth Hills, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237702840-YB5AFW9HB1X94I6SMJUB/The+Worm+Offering.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - The Worm Offering by Rebecca HarrisoN SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS Red Capped Robins are my favourite! This male was busy feeding his persistent offspring, which was taking advantage of the free food, even though it had been catching bugs itself. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Red-capped Robin, Guildford, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666237708472-N7RP2BK45F43BUI3PJIR/Yellow.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Yellow by Glenn Faithfull WINNER: SPECIAL THEME: AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS I actually took this photo mostly by chance. At the time I was hoping to photograph a catbird which had been waking me early each morning. As I waited for the catbird to fly down into the tree I was watching, this little robin just popped up onto a nearby branch. The resulting photo is a little under exposed, and if given the chance I would have exchanged the teleconverter for a wider aperture. In the short moment the robin was on the branch I got in a few handheld shots, one of which is this entry here. I love this photo because the robin is showing off their stunning yellow while looking wistfully into the distance, seemingly not bothered by my camera clicks. I never got that catbird shot in case you were wondering. (Sony A7 Mark IV + Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS + 1.4x teleconverter at 840mm, 1/2500 sec, f/9, ISO 3200) Eastern Yellow Robin, Possum Creek, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239590290-59KOF3FOD46KINWH9JIT/At+Rest.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - At Rest by Mckinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH Camouflaged and laying prone on the sand for the afternoon meant that the shorebirds were not threatened by my presence and they continued their activities around me. As the clock ticked on into Golden Hour, the birds came closer and closer. This Red-capped Plover eventually chose to rest right in front of me, taking advantage of the protection provided by a small mound of sand on this cold and windy winter afternoon. I liked this particular photo because it shows the harsh, desolate landscape blurring into the horizon, with the small sticks and dried seaweed giving scale to the size of this tiny bird. (Sony SLT-A57 + Tamron SP AF 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 Di LD at 500mm, 1/1000 sec, f/11, ISO 400) Red-capped Plover, The Shoalhaven, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239598408-9BALKPTW3BYQ6O9CLYRE/nankeen+kestrel+comp.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Backlight Soaring by Pablo Ducarme SHORTLIST: YOUTH Standing upon the high cliffs of Wybung Head, the sun slowly falling behind the surrounding headland, this Nankeen Kestrel came out of nowhere and began diving into the surrounding low-lying shrubs that cascaded over the coastline. A strong easterly breeze meant the Kestrel effortlessly soared above me, looking down at the shrubs for large insects to feed upon. Every few minutes it would dive at astonishing speeds, its fast and agile actions proved hard to photograph but I remained patient, sitting behind the shrubs and timing the shot as it flew towards me once more. Back button focus and a burst of shots for a sunset, back-lit shot of my first encounter with this magnificent bird. (Canon EOS 7D Mark II + Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Nankeen Kestrel, Wybung Head, Lake Munmorah Conservation Area, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239606545-98R0PE6GYUQ5PUXAQEZF/850_8910_filtered.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Choking on Food by Desmond Wang SHORTLIST: YOUTH While at the beach in an early morning, I noticed a Buff-banded Rail feeding near me. I lay down and photographed it feeding, as it was slowly moving closer and closer towards me. This bird was fearless, and it was definitely my best encounter with this species. In this photo, the rail had just caught a tiny crab, but moments later decided to spit it out. (Nikon D850 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 220) Buff-banded Rail, Point Wilson, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239621803-22NBX1SCYFEFHS3I6CDA/Contemplating.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Contemplating... by Jacob Dedman SHORTLIST: YOUTH The Australian Pelican is such a elegant bird... maybe not so much when landing and taking off, but still it's a good looking bird really. I took this shot at Lake Victoria in Shepparton, about 20kms from where I live in Tatura. The birdlife is quite plentiful there, and makes for some great bird photography. I like the lighting in the shot, with the dark background making the bird stand out nicely, as well as some subtle highlights around the head. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 at 200mm, 1/6400 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100) Australian Pelican, Shepparton, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239639362-3AXGAQXKGY78EUEVWBZF/Darkness.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Darkness by Jacob Dedman SHORTLIST: YOUTH The humble Crested Pigeon is actually quite a nice looking bird! It was an overcast day when I took this shot of the pigeon sitting on an old Sunshine gate at Pental Island near Swan Hill in Northern Victoria... meaning a slow shutter speed. But luckily, the bird cooperated with me! I like the lighting in the shot, with the shadows in the background allowing me to use my brush tool in Lightroom Classic to darken those areas using the blacks, highlights & exposure sliders. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV + Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L, 1/320 sec, f/5.6, ISO 800) Crested Pigeon, Swan Hill, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239653847-1WVUZ531V4BDFSKU0PCV/Grebe+Baby.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Grebe, Baby! by Mckinley Moens SHORTLIST: YOUTH We stopped at Lake Wallace for dinner on our way back from the Capertee. As we ate, we enjoyed watching the antics of this young Great Crested Grebe. I took this image in one of its brief quiet moments before it continued to harass its parent for food. (Sony SLT-A57 + Tamron SP AF 200-500mm f/5.0-6.3 Di LD at 500mm, 1/800 sec, f/6.3, ISO 250) Great Crested Grebe, Lake Wallace, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239672658-64GT2QBKOYYV565T3DBE/Australian+Wood+Duck+1.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Morning Serenity by Desmond Wang WINNER: YOUTH On an early autumn morning, just before sunrise, I lay down on mud at a local park, trying to photograph coots and grebes that were feeding. After a while, a group of Australian Wood Ducks decided to join them. The fog caused the camera to miss focus a couple of times, and after many attempts, I finally captured this duck landing. (Nikon D850 + AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200) Australian Wood Duck, Glen Waverley, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239679407-N59RIL3KT6QOJO1EF8AF/44A1H0560-3.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Pair of Bee-eaters with Prey by Finn Cupper SHORTLIST: YOUTH In November 2021, west of Mildura, this pair of Rainbow Bee-eaters both landed on their favourite perch with insects they had caught. (Canon EOS 1D Mark III + Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L, 1/3200 sec, f/9, ISO 640) Rainbow Bee-eater, West of Mildura, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239683648-LGI3TPN6IZ3ERNNYPKAN/juletedited.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Romeo & Juliet by Ellis Cummins SHORTLIST: YOUTH I was able to take this shot when a flock of Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos decided to tear apart my neighbour's sunflower garden. They would grab large chunks of the sunflower and then perch on the electric wire which luckily was level with the balcony I was watching them from. It was here I was able to catch a close up shot of these 2 cockatoos seemingly sharing a piece of the flower. (Nikon D5500 + AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 at 300mm, 1/1500 sec, f/9.5, ISO 1600) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Shellharbour, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239692343-7W3IC5ZSK7K9HW6I3287/DSC_0612.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Salute to the Sun by Finnian Bissell SHORTLIST: YOUTH I was almost late to leave for the airport because of this bird. I waited in the same spot for close to 40 minutes, watching for the sunbirds to land on this particularly tasty-looking Red Powderpuff Flower. Considering this was my last time leaving my grandma's home of 50 years in Cairns, I was more than happy to wait. The Olive-Backed Sunbird has been one of my Grandma’s favourite birds, one that she will miss dearly when she moves to the Gold Coast. I felt the need to take these photos as salute to Grandma’s home, as It felt like 50 years of memories were all disappearing so fast. Her home has been host to some crazy and wonderful flora and fauna over the years. From massive diamond pythons slithering through the roof, to green tree frogs on the toilet, this place was like my own David Attenborough documentary. So many amazing things to see and hear about. That's why this photo means a lot. Never once did I not see something that amazed me at my grandma's house, even up until the last minute. (Nikon D3500 + AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 G at 300mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 560) Olive-backed Sunbird, Edge Hill, Cairns, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1666239708979-RK9KP321TPM0VSU0MOO6/Superb+Fairy+Wren+on+a+canvas+of+brown.jpg Gallery - Winners 2022 - Superb Fairy Wren on a Canvas of Brown by Jacob Dedman SHORTLIST: YOUTH The Superb Fairy Wren... such a nice bird. The females of this species seem to get forgotten by most photographers when there’s a colourful male around, so this photo shows the beauty of the dull ones. I like how the warm tones in the shot make the bird pop. The side lighting really makes it look nice too to me. (Canon EOS R5 + Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport at 600mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 800) Superb Fairy-wren, Shepparton, Vic https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2023 daily 0.75 2024-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699513047252-UYVMR7UD7SQAFKRDLBDI/Nikki+Kenwrick+Song+of+the+Superb.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Song of the Superb by Nikki Kenwrick WINNER: BACKYARD BIRDS There are several families of Superb Blue Wrens living at my mother's place, and I often sit and watch them popping around her garden. They are such happy little birds. (Sony Alpha 1 with Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 449mm + 1.4X Teleconverter, 1/1000 sec, f/11, ISO 1600) Superb Fairy-wren, Tamworth, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512864042-IX9AB0YGJWA7YOVAQO0Y/Guy+Draper+Pollen+Shower.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Pollen Shower by Guy Draper WINNER: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I had spent several weeks returning to the same area of the park, watching and photographing a wide variety of native birds feeding on the Grass Trees. After taking a lot of front lit shots, I set myself the challenge of getting some "last light" backlit shots, capturing some behaviour with warmer light. I knew the instant I checked the back of the camera with this image that I'd captured a special moment, as the Yellow-faced Honeyeater showered itself in pollen as it plucked the flower from the stem! (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS + Canon EF 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, SA @guydraperphotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512917370-0QAP0I55N84K8935JPC0/Piercing+by+Colin+Driscoll.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Piercing by Colin Driscoll WINNER: BIRD PORTRAIT Just on sunset a female Australasian Darter looks up from preening after her final successful fishing session for the day. These birds are so angular it is difficult to get an interesting composition. This shot captures what these birds do under water. One can imagine this is the last thing a fish sees as the long neck launches that bill piercing it like a spear fisher would. (Canon 1D X Mark III with Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + Canon EF 1.4x III teleconverter 840 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) Australasian Darter, Lake Macquarie, NSW @bush_tracker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512850637-1G49B6FTA7TMZAY52H2I/Fingertips+by+Kate+Burgess.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Fingertips by Kate Burgess WINNER: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Being able to capture both the 'fingertips' of the feathers in flight and the cockatoo's head and feet in the background makes this a magical image for me. Shooting in burst mode enabled me to capture just the right composition. (iPhone 11 Pro at 26mm, 1/3509 sec, f/1.8, ISO 32) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Wentworth Falls, NSW @buzzystar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512888396-B1WU5LUEO3ZEHHBKHIRZ/Morning%21+Time+to+get+moving+by+Veronica+McPhail.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Morning! Time to get moving by Veronica McPhail WINNER: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE Early morning movement from all residents along the south Perth foreshore. The swans awake and swim across the lake, looking for food. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, 1/400 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320) Black Swan, South Perth, WA @veronicamcphail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512862474-5ZH6GN7ZZUK20CORWA2Y/Curlew+construction+consideration+by+Gregory+Abbott.jpeg 2023 Winners Gallery - Curlew construction consideration by Gregory Abbott WINNER: HUMAN IMPACT One night in April I went down to pick up a passenger off the late ferry. The Macleay Island jetty (then still under major reconstruction) was deserted except for myself and this attentive Bush Stone-Curlew. Both of us waiting. The Curlew just stood there as if the construction, signs, lights and dead machinery had stumped it. I slowly walked to within a few metres and took the shot with my phone, then retreated a little. I too was somewhat stunned at the implications for wildlife of the multi-million dollar upgrade to jetty and the extended parking areas. I stood with the Curlew for a while. Then quietly I retreated to take a fenced in, man-made detour to the jetty proper. The concrete concentrations. Mine. The curlew's... where will it go? (iPhone 8S) Bush Stone-curlew, Macleay Island Jetty, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512895081-UGSAT16QNM2GQOGGZ95T/Jambalaya+on+the+Bayou+by+Jason+Moore.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Jambalaya on the Bayou by Jason Moore WINNER: SPECIAL THEME The somewhat messy, but beautifully coloured background inspired the title of this image. For those of you that don't know, The Carpenters released a hit song in the 70's called Jambalaya on the Bayou. It was a happy song with a tuneful beat, and it spoke of life on the Bayou... my thoughts of a Bayou include water everywhere, flooded cypress trees with Spanish Moss hanging from their branches, and swampland with wading birds... (Sony Alpha 1 with Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS, 1/80 sec, f/4, ISO 10000) White-faced Heron, Perth, WA @jasonmoore151 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699512923867-MV09M76JF346N7DZUH0C/Wings+spread+by+Tai+M+Photography.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Wings spread by Tai M WINNER: YOUTH During a walk along the Victoria Quay I was shooting some photos of the seagulls flying around me, I noticed there were moments where they would fly directly above me. I tried for a shot like this one a few times but failed until I eventually captured one of the birds scratching itself mid flight. (Canon 1D Mark IV with Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 200mm, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Silver Gull, Fremantle, WA @taimphotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699577582297-XOHNEPUAVUCVAV40GDG0/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson+1.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson WINNER: PORTFOLIO PRIZE (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 140) Spotted Harrier and Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699577577203-O9X0UJILRQVSGU9IWXYT/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson+2.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson WINNER: PORTFOLIO PRIZE (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 140) Spotted Harrier and Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699577582169-SOR8S3DIJ1TVQESD1XO8/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson+3.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson WINNER: PORTFOLIO PRIZE (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 140) Spotted Harrier and Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699577589733-M3HEZSCT98QA869KEZ5V/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson+4.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson WINNER: PORTFOLIO PRIZE (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 140) Spotted Harrier and Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699577593352-01RYHR121MVDQ1RP2Q01/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson+5.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson WINNER: PORTFOLIO PRIZE (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 140) Spotted Harrier and Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1699577596160-EFA4PNO2DIIRK7RJP7UZ/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson+6.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson WINNER: PORTFOLIO PRIZE (Nikon D500 + Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 140) Spotted Harrier and Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698031942256-PPHC5L2DNPRXWYCJSLNR/S%C3%B6ren+Salvatore+Far+far+away.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Far far away by Sören Salvatore SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Just like me, this bird is far far away from home. Or is it? This particular Blackbird most definitely doesn't even know that Tasmania is not where it belongs. At most maybe something doesn't feel quite right to this bird and everything seems a bit different than it should be. But at the end of the day it is just a bird in a backyard bird environment doing bird things. Don't get me wrong, I do agree that the Common Blackbird doesn't really belong here but again it is European settlers that are to blame and not the bird itself. Although I sometimes feel the blackbirds here are quite a bit more skittish than back home in Europe, they do sometimes stop for a pose. Their abundance and frequent visits to the backyard make it possible to portrait them in different ways than your "usual" bird pictures. (Sony Alpha 7IV with Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM + 1.4x teleconverter at 540mm, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 1600) Common Blackbird, Lenah Valley, Tas @wildwithsoren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698032247263-JXUM91K6Z7G740VZ8BDG/Nathan+Watson+Garden+serenade.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Garden serenade by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS Almost every evening New Holland Honeyeaters perch in our cottage garden, singing and feeding on the flowers or hunting flying insects. They give me lots of opportunities to experiment with exposures, compositions and lighting techniques. On this evening at sunset as a honeyeater sang from one of its regular perches, I composed an image through three foreground layers of rose stems. This created a somewhat abstract effect to the photo as the leaves and stems created patterns in the golden bokeh shining through the background foliage. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) New Holland Honeyeater, Albany, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698032337409-1BV3V0GHUG1SQGWHD89E/Michelle+Gardner+Into+the+light.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Into the light by Michelle Gardner SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS We have a lot of New Holland Honeyeaters in our garden and this branch is one of their favourites to land on. However, this branch is in shadow for the majority of the day with the sun shining on it for only about half an hour. With the background still being in shadow, I waited for the sun to hit the branch then underexposed in camera. I changed the photograph to black and white to add more drama to the shot. (Olympus OM-1 with Olympus ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS at 800mm, 1/3200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1250) New Holland Honeyeater, Mallala, SA @michellegardnerphotography66 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698032533582-OUMS28G2DVCZHF6CR2MS/Nathan+Watson+Petals+of+light.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Petals of light by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS We have a small Lilac Tree in the garden that grows in front of our living room window. Its branches are favourite perches for our resident New Holland Honeyeaters. In the evening they come and go from the perch, and I noticed our dining room feature light was visible through the window behind them. Knowing their perching habits gave me an opportunity to compose a portrait late in the evening with the light as a feature of the photo. The out-of-focus light resembles the form of a flower, creating a unique but appropriate backdrop for this nectar-loving bird. (Canon 1DX MK II with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II, 1/1600 sec, f/4, ISO 1600) New Holland Honeyeater, Albany, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698032639665-Y6YZQYQSL2EBGDT4WHWO/Shirley+Hitschmann+Seeing+Double.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Seeing double by Shirley Hitschmann SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS A pair of Scaly-breasted Lorikeets discovered their reflection in the door. We later found out that they thought the wood of the door was a good chewing post. (Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 123mm, 1/400 sec, f/2.8, ISO 125) Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Agnes Water, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698032656971-C9WJL3Y6GEUZ06EWI91X/Nikki+Kenwrick+Song+of+the+Superb.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Song of the Superb by Nikki Kenwrick SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS There are several families of Superb Blue Wrens living at my mother's place, and I often sit and watch them popping around her garden. They are such happy little birds. (Sony Alpha 1 with Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 449mm + 1.4X Teleconverter, 1/1000 sec, f/11, ISO 1600) Superb Fairy-wren, Tamworth, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698032663203-C73K4K2Q8HAAX5VE8WF6/Stephen+Spence+Urban+Sentinel.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Urban sentinel by Stephen Spence SHORTLIST: BACKYARD BIRDS A White-faced Heron stands on the roof gutter of a house near the beach, its presence capturing the essence of the coastal surroundings. The black and white contrast adds depth to this urban encounter with nature. The image also captures the Heron's elegant presence, symbolising an urban sentinel amid the coastal landscape. (Sony Alpha 7IV with Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 at 500mm, 1/2000 sec, f/6.7, ISO 250) White-faced Heron, Wickham Point, Kings Beach, Qld @spenceyphoto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033445590-8UZNPCCUF3QL52U1A7AE/Cheng+Kang+Bloomsome.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Bloomsome by Cheng Kang SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR White-plumed Honeyeaters are extremely fast flying birds and excellent divers but are very timid and unapproachable. I often see them diving into water holes or wetlands to wash their plumage, however I found catching the moment that Honeyeaters dive to be very challenging especially given how alert and cautious they are of humans. It was so thrilling to capture this spectacular scene after many attempts and a lot of patience. (Sony Alpha 7R Mk 4 with Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS, 1/3200 sec, f/2.8, ISO 500) White-plumed Honeyeater, Bundoora, Vic @cheng_2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033529283-5XGI02M7QPA853OWOG6R/Jake+Wilton+Clash+of+Feathers.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Clash of feathers by Jake Wilton SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I had been dreaming to see the Cape Barren Goose for many years and read that Flinders Chase National Park is one of the best places to see them. Ten minutes after arriving into the park I was delighted to discover a goose just off the road in the bush. After parking and slowly following it around for a while in the rain I was just about to turn and head back to the car when another male came flying through the bush and immediately began its attack. I managed to capture this shot as the dominant male pinned the invader to the ground during the melee. Once the losing male left I noticed further into the bush was a female sitting on a nest so I decided to leave them be. (Nikon Z7 II with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm F4G ED VR at 200mm, 1/1600 sec, f/4, ISO 1000) Cape Barren Goose, Flinders Chase National Park, SA @jakewiltonphoto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033420657-HK1CWSC9O47TWV9J21RJ/Ben+Harvey+Gang+Gang+Jibber+Jabber.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Gang-gang jibber jabber by Ben Harvey SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I was running back inside to avoid the incoming rain when I came across these Gang Gangs who were investigating a possible future nesting hollow. A Currawong swooped by which sent these usually quiet birds into a flurry of raucous screeching, the rain adding to the craziness! I love their alert crests, adding to the character of the birds, and the falling rain catching the backlight against the trees. I got a little drenched, but the results were worth it! (Canon R7 with Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS at 600mm, 1/800 sec, f/6.3, ISO 6400) Gang-gang Cockatoo, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, ACT @benji_not https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033547446-A1GJN4SSLK6TIJD3BI47/Kim+Wormald+Gone+Fishing.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Gone fishing by Kim Wormald SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Each time this Australasian Darter dived I had no idea where it would briefly resurface, sometimes without food, sometimes swallowing it quickly and just this once tossing a Common Galaxias into the air to ensure it went down head first. The way the darter is rising from the water, with duck weed clinging to its feathers, reminds me of a sculpture emerging from its plinth. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/1000 sec, f/4.5, ISO 400) Australasian Darter, Braeside Park, Vic @kimwormaldlirralirra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033477555-XYERCBHCM2SEFX4GW8XH/Franciscus+Scheelings+Have+you+heard+the+one+about....jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Have you heard the one about... by Franciscus Scheelings SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR While doing a bit of birding at the La Trobe University wetlands I noticed a large flock of Little Corellas on one of the ovals with several pairs rolling around in the grass. I got down as low as I could to fire off some shots and managed to get this photo of what looks like a couple of old friends sharing an hilarious joke. Sony Alpha 9 with Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 600mm, 1/800 sec, f/9, ISO 500 Little Corella, La Trobe University, Vic @fswildvet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033333065-EP589G8PY3BC5DS710IG/Aaron+Diss+High+key+catch.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - High key catch by Aaron Diss SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I was lying on the shoreline watching the Egret fish early on a cloudy morning and captured this photo by over-exposing to achieve a high key effect. The original photo included the whole Little Egret, but I decided to crop to enhance the main three parts that stand out to me, the position of the fish, the yellow of the Egret, and the neat feathers on bottom left of photo. I only got one other photo with the fish in this position, I liked the sharp curves in the neck and the fact the Egret was looking in the down direction in this photo. (Canon 90D with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM at 360mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) Little Egret, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033442451-NA8JD4XWAKL80RWI8Z8L/Elmar+Akhmetov+Poetry+in+motion.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Poetry in motion by Elmar Akhmetov SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR This is a long exposure of a male Superb Lyrebird during one of his morning mating calls. For some time now I have been fascinated by the elaborate movement of the bird's tail during its dance and experimenting how to depict it in a photo. Short exposures allow for the crisp detail, but completely lack the sensation of fluidity that one can witness while watching the dance. After some consideration I have taken a risk and opted for a longer than usual shutter speed, which allowed me to depict the beauty of the bird's movement and still allow for some sharp detail which complements the blur nicely. (Panasonic S1 with Nikon 400mm f/3.5, 1/25 sec, f/3.5, ISO 200) Superb Lyrebird, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Vic @akdelmar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033470904-8S418MOBU1Z1FGIAF2YD/Guy+Draper+Pollen+Shower.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Pollen shower by Guy Draper SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR I had spent several weeks returning to the same area of the park, watching and photographing a wide variety of native birds feeding on the Grass Trees. After taking a lot of front lit shots, I set myself the challenge of getting some "last light" backlit shots, capturing some behaviour with warmer light. I knew the instant I checked the back of the camera with this image that I'd captured a special moment, as the Yellow-faced Honeyeater showered itself in pollen as it plucked the flower from the stem! (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS + Canon EF 1.4x teleconverter, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, SA @guydraperphotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033497908-VDW3QDUDSPDO1F4VI5F0/Joel+Evans+Spaghetti.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Spaghetti by Joel Evans SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR A Masked Lapwing in a full stretch-yank with worm. This worm wasn't going to let go easily, and I was able to get nice and low as the Lapwing leaned back pulling the worm out of its sandy home. (Nikon Z6 II with Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR, 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 280) Masked Lapwing, Bribie Island, Qld @joel.e.foto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698033561103-WQ6GQNCW3EVSAK4NVA2C/Lawrence+Chan+The+morning+dance.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - The morning dance by Lawrence Chan SHORTLIST: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Grey fantails are restless birds and they hardly stop moving. I have long admired their beauty and aerial skill. I have observed the behavior captured in this shot for many years in our local park . After many failed attempts, I eventually caught this bird's mid-air action catching mosquitos. I think the backlit bird against a dark background really highlight the bird's beautiful wings. (Sony Alpha 7R Mk 4 with Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS at 333mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 640) Grey Fantail, Port Melbourne, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034591510-D2ETWIXHVIU48OWZYYJI/Casso-unwary+by+Gail+Yager.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Casso-unwary by Gail Yager SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT We were driving in Tully Gorge NP and pulled off the road. To our surprise, this young Southern Cassowary was standing there. He was as curious about us as we were about him - whilst maintaining a safe distance! I love the tilt of his head and the way his casque looks like a cap, which I have emphasised with the way I have cropped the photo. (Olympus OM1 with Olympus 300mm f/4 IS + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/160 sec, f/5.6, ISO 640) Southern Cassowary, Tully Gorge National Park, Qld @yagergail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034617842-H41R7GQFLL8JWB9738LM/Caught+in+the+rain+by+Jacqui+Davey.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Caught in the rain by Jacqui Davey SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT The image was taken just as it was getting dark. I had been cycling home when the rain started, and it was getting quite heavy. Nor did I have a rain jacket. However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take some photographs when I saw this characterful Pied Cormorant, stoic, dejected, and resigned to the conditions. I hadn't taken I tripod so I had to use a reasonably fast shutter speed despite the low light conditions and hold a plastic bag over my camera to try to keep it dry. I liked the mood created by the low light which assisted me to capture the bright white breast feathers that had clumped together. Had the light been brighter it might have been difficult to prevent them being "blown out" whilst still getting detail in the black feathers. The exposure when taking an image of a black and white bird is often not easy. The bird was defiantly fighting a losing battle to dry off , shaking every so often before it appeared to give ups and look to the heavens for divine assistance. (Sony Alpha 7 Mk 4 with Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 541mm, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 8000) Little Pied Cormorant, Burradoo, NSW @daveyjacqui https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034602911-9JFRRJO12PGEPGFLEBLQ/Cityslicker+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Cityslicker by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT On this trip to my capital city I wanted to get some creative bird photos using city lights as a backdrop. After scouting some locations the evening before, I arrived an hour before sunrise and got into a position for the compositions I wanted. Some obliging birds gave me a few opportunities but handholding my 500mm lens at low shutter speeds, acquiring focus manually and pushing my exposure settings made getting a shot really difficult. Eventually this Pied Oyster Catcher posed in the perfect position long enough to hold focus and capture a silhouette portrait that's bursting in colour from the city lights. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II, 1/60 sec, f/4, ISO 10000) Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Perth, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034608223-05W0NUR5N2YNUXENOB1K/Cockatoo+close-up+by+Kate+Burgess.jpeg 2023 Winners Gallery - Cockatoo close-up by Kate Burgess SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT The specific focus of this shot on the eyes and surrounding eyelash feathers, along with the adorable stray feather on the right hand side of the image give this a unique perspective, with unfocused elements in front (the beak) and the back (the bush). This was taken using the iPhone portrait mode. (iPhone 11 Pro at 26mm, 1/1007 sec, f/1.8, ISO 32) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Wentworth Falls, NSW @buzzystar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034634486-XDSF6DZF9GYI4J56KTD7/Piercing+by+Colin+Driscoll.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Piercing by Colin Driscoll SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT Just on sunset a female Australasian Darter looks up from preening after her final successful fishing session for the day. These birds are so angular it is difficult to get an interesting composition. This shot captures what these birds do under water. One can imagine this is the last thing a fish sees as the long neck launches that bill piercing it like a spear fisher would. (Canon 1D X Mark III with Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + Canon EF 1.4x III teleconverter 840 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) Australasian Darter, Lake Macquarie, NSW @bush_tracker https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034669977-495D7XLHHYX4O57PS1K9/The+Boss+by+Teresa+Veal.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - The Boss by Teresa Veal SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT The Emu's facial profile is always so filled with character and is impossible not to fall in love with. In this shot I have specifically aimed to get as much of a profile/portrait shot as possible and being mindful not to invade its space. This particular Emu was one of a small group and appeared to be the Boss, hence the title. (Canon 90D with Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM II at 400mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320) Emu, Winton, Qld @Teresa Veal Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698034672912-6SXHBQYVOWVD79MW1KKO/Yin+and+Yang+by+James+Bowden.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Yin and Yang by James Bowden SHORTLIST: BIRD PORTRAIT This Magpie is actually a dear friend of mine and often visits me at the backdoor of my Mum's place. We play a game where we bob our heads from side to side, either side of an upright post. One day, I thought I'd take my camera out with me, and this was the photo that resulted. Despite his friendly and playful nature, he looks classically evil. For me, the black and white feathers of the Magpie represent the Yin and Yang. The concept that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites. We wouldn't know light without dark, happiness without sadness, life without death. When it comes to Magpies, despite their intelligence in interacting with humans, and beautiful song, they're mostly known for their aggressive swooping during breeding season. Though if we look beyond their aggression, we realise they're just protecting their family. They swoop with courage. They swoop with love. But they also swoop with fear. And this reminds us of the inextricable link between love and fear, Yin and Yang. (Canon 80D with Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS at 435mm, 1/640 sec, f/13, ISO 640) Australian Magpie, Mt Macedon, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035466921-PJ7AAREN0Y98AQ3I7YY0/Airborne+Grebe+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Airborne Grebe by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Great Crested Grebes are most frequently seen in the water, snoozing, diving, courting, or with cute fluffy chicks on their backs. So I was thrilled to see one airborne and capture it in flight when I least expected. Visiting an urban lake that is well known for these grebes, I chose a position to use the shadows and light, hoping to capture something backlit. I saw two birds flying towards me from the far side of the lake and locking onto one, I tracked it as it flew past and captured it as it banked and its wings caught the morning light. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1250) Great Crested Grebe, Perth, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035468395-YEWFRBECT2IETYHQOUPM/Fingertips+by+Kate+Burgess.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Fingertips by Kate Burgess SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Being able to capture both the 'fingertips' of the feathers in flight and the cockatoo's head and feet in the background makes this a magical image for me. Shooting in burst mode enabled me to capture just the right composition. (iPhone 11 Pro at 26mm, 1/3509 sec, f/1.8, ISO 32) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Wentworth Falls, NSW @buzzystar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035577458-2D2HBM4I15Z4BFB9OHLK/Galah+and+the+lagoon+by+Mitchell+Roberts.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Galah and the lagoon by Mitchell Roberts SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Sitting and watching the sunset over a lagoon in outback Queensland, this Galah flew down for its afternoon drink while being bathed in a golden glow. Seeing and understanding typical behaviours helped me achieve this shot, allowing myself to position around where the light on the subject and background would be. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 640) Galah, Currawinya National Park, Qld @EscapeStudy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035516961-KV5OYVZSY2FAFOFTZKVV/Leapfrog+by+Jason+Moore.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Leapfrog by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT The classical flight shot of the Rainbow Bee-eater is the front on, wings spread "portrait". I thought this side on perspective offered the viewer something a little unusual. I'm fond of the lighting in this image. The subject and perch are shrouded in shadow, but the distant background is being lit by sunlight, which has created a contrast between cool and warm colours which I find quite attractive. (Sony Alpha 1 with Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/4000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) Rainbow Bee-eater, Perth, WA @jasonmoore151 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035529083-GPFB6Q374AAVDMWAQSHE/Shrieking+Carnaby+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Shrieking Carnaby by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT For the past three years I've been visiting a location where endangered Carnaby's Cockatoos flock in their hundreds for six weeks or so. They are drawn in by seasonal grasses that provide a rich source of food. From my repeated visits I've come to better understand their habits and the different lighting opportunities in the area. This past year I could only find time to do one shoot with these Cockatoos, but the knowledge I'd gained from previous years allowed me to plan and take full advantage of my morning with them. Standing beside a roadside fence where the Cockatoos will often perch, I captured a beautiful backlit shot of this female Carnaby's letting out a distinctive shriek as she flew in to land. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II, 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO 1250) Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, Narrikup, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035576604-XNLR4ABPHAOMJ8C9Z6IO/Sibling+rivalry+by+Emma+Parker.jpeg 2023 Winners Gallery - Sibling rivalry by Emma Parker SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT I travel to Lord Howe Island twice a year, once to see the mating rituals of birds and then later to photograph the fledglings learning new behaviours that will help with survival. Having observed them over a few years, I've learnt that if I dig a hole in the sand and partially bury myself the young Noddys ignore me and go about their natural behaviour. This photo was taken 5 days into a trip in Lord Howe Island with challenging weather conditions including wind, rain and thick fog - I was fortunate this cleared on the last day and I was able to get a few behavioural shots. This was one of my favourite as it was a glimpse into how they hunt as adults - hovering just above the ground or sea and skimming for food. (Nikon D850 with Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2000) Common Noddy, Lord Howe Island, NSW @worldwildlife_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035582174-KUEPVWTNVWWMCMQVMTDT/The+Hover+in+black+%26+white+by+Michelle+Gardner.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - The Hover in black & white by Michelle Gardner SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Hovering! It's what these birds do so well. I was trying to capture the movement in the wings so I lowered the shutter speed and used the side of the car to steady as I took the photo, hoping to keep a good focus on the eye. I find these birds contradictory in that as a bird of prey, they have a certain softness to them. I think this photo shows that as well. (Olympus OM-1 with Olympus ED 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS at 522mm, 1/15 sec, f/14, ISO 80) Black-shouldered Kite, Barabba, SA @michellegardnerphotography66 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698035591498-2FUS36PVWFC4W436KQOU/Where+there+is+smoke+there+is+fire+by+Martin+Anderson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Where there is smoke there is fire by Martin Anderson SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN FLIGHT While pulled over on the side of the road, I was very lucky to witness this epic fight between a Spotted Harrier and a Brown Falcon. The Spotted Harrier was flying slowly across the field, trying to conceal a Golden-headed Cisticola it had just captured, when a Brown Falcon showed up with thievery in mind. (Nikon D500 with Nikon AF-S 600mm f/4 FL ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/4, ISO 160) Spotted Harrier, Brown Falcon, Richmond, NSW @martins_nature_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036005659-9ARTN3VQ9M4KOXM7HSOJ/Caped+Crusader+by+Veronica+McPhail.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Caped Crusader by Veronica McPhail SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE The Darters jostle for a perch on the jetty - this one got lucky and stayed around long enough for me to crouch down low for this photo. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM at 24mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 200) Australasian Darter, South Perth Jetty, WA @veronicamcphail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036056019-2ABJ10NR6EXWXTTL6UZ9/Morning+awakening+by+Khoi+Bui.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Morning awakening by Khoi Bui SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE Early morning walks reveal remarkable but momentary combinations of light, atmosphere, and fauna that are challenging to capture as images. This photo shows the antics of local waterbird species, cavorting on the water, as foggy shafts of light pierce the morning. This image caught what was the only time I have seen the atmospheric effects enclosing a normally wide aspect into an intimate theatre. Australian Wood Ducks and Chestnut Teals breed here every year, and animate our lake with cycles of feeding, breeding, and fledging. (Nikon D3100 with Nikon AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR at 62mm, 1/250 sec, f/8, ISO 100) Chestnut Teal, Healesville, Vic @dr_khoi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036131112-HPR24WGL3GBJJARHXIOU/Morning+mist+by+Lawrence+Chan.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Morning mist by Lawrence Chan SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE It was a sunrise moment of pure serendipity . As the sun was slowing rising, the Darter rested on a tree stump drying its wings. I waited for a short moment until the mist moved upward to the 'ideal' position. The original scene has the golden glow of sunrise but little other colour so I have converted the photo to black and white. (Sony Alpha 7R Mk 4 with Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS + 1.4x teleconverter at 505mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 160) Australasian Darter, near Bendigo, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036220835-GC8DY1VUBXQX6VDZOKGK/Morning%21+Time+to+get+moving+by+Veronica+McPhail.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Morning! Time to get moving by Veronica McPhail SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE Early morning movement from all residents along the south Perth foreshore. The swans awake and swim across the lake, looking for food. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, 1/400 sec, f/6.3, ISO 320) Black Swan, South Perth, WA @veronicamcphail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036330907-0S5X3ZCQ1EMYYR5EZW01/New+Holland+Honeyeater+-+wetland+setting+by+Daniel+Cavell.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - New Holland Honeyeater - wetland setting by Daniel Cavell SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I like shots that show birds in their wider environment. I noticed this honeyeater clinging to a reed, swamped with buzzing mosquitoes and think it has made an interesting shot. (Nikon D850 with Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600) New Holland Honeyeater, Balyang Sanctuary, Geelong, Vic @dc_birdscapes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036380643-RE5EZ2ABAC4JICXD3X1C/Pied+Oystercatcher+and+mangroves+by+David+Stowe.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Pied Oystercatcher and mangroves by David Stowe SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE A leucistic Australian Pied Oystercatcher catches the last light as it retreats to the mangroves. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/6400 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1250) Australian Pied Oystercatcher, Cairns, Qld @david_stowe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036549680-2PUKGF9W6PMDLPIQFH4D/Rainbow+Bee-eaters+by+Jason+Moore.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Rainbow Bee-eaters by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE A small group of Rainbow Bee-eaters were using this branch as a perch to launch feeding sorties. Their target was dragonflies, and two of the birds in this image can be seen with prey in their bills. Rainbow Bee-eaters make attractive backlit subjects because of their elegant lines and transparent flight feathers. In this instance, I felt the silhouetted subjects and delicate finger-like twigs combine nicely to present an image that offers a similar style to a Chinese painting. Sony Alpha 1 with Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/4000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400 Rainbow Bee-eater, Perth, WA @jasonmoore151 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036580435-QOSVJD0WBHBKQG9229Y0/Royal+Spoonbill+reflection+by+Nigel+Sethack.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Royal Spoonbill reflection by Nigel Sethack SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE Royal Spoonbill amongst the reeds. (Sony Alpha 9 MkII with Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS at 300mm, 1/1000 sec, f/9, ISO 1000) Royal Spoonbill, Orange, NT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036614166-VXFO162YDD8UE7VBGO2P/Waiting+for+Uber+delivery+by+Veronica+McPhail.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Waiting for Uber delivery by Veronica McPhail SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I saw something moving from inside the car, spontaneously I decided to stop and get out and take a look. The Nankeen Night Heron was highlighted from the headlights. I had perhaps only a few seconds before it flew off but managed to get this shot. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM, 1/100 sec, f/1.2, ISO 160) Nankeen Night-Heron, South Perth, WA @veronicamcphail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698036667174-SQ0TJ2M565S71ZA5LSBQ/Wetlands+dawn+by+Diana+Andersen.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Wetlands dawn by Diana Andersen SHORTLIST: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE It was a magically still and misty morning on the lake with a flock of Pelicans and a couple of Pied Stilts waiting for the rising sun. I liked the changing light on the birds from left to right in relation to the rising sun. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM at 42mm, 1/800 sec, f/13, ISO 640) Australian Pelican, Alcoa Wetlands, Wellard, WA @diana_andersen_images https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040054057-YA8IPPMPUIONAZCYEBPT/Big+Chief+by+Michael+Toms.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Big Chief by Michael Toms SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME I love the head dress yellow brow and red eye - definitely the chief of his brood. This photo was taken from a ground pod, down low in the water, where I was getting chewed on by large March flies. I captured many photos that day and a very rewarding day it was. (Canon 1DX with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/5000 sec, f/8, ISO 800) Royal Spoonbill, Lake Wollumboola, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040123283-QYGQ3SKI84CMVAA1OWWO/David+%26+Goliath+by+David+Stowe.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - David & Goliath by David Stowe SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME A Black-necked Stork keeps a watchful eye on an Egret who has caught a fish and is rapidly walking away. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 3200) Black-necked Stork, Great Egret, Cairns, Qld @david_stowe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040194477-HPB8FUBGRBUQDKYRQ9YA/Jambalaya+on+the+Bayou+by+Jason+Moore.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Jambalaya on the Bayou by Jason Moore SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME The somewhat messy, but beautifully coloured background inspired the title of this image. For those of you that don't know, The Carpenters released a hit song in the 70's called Jambalaya on the Bayou. It was a happy song with a tuneful beat, and it spoke of life on the Bayou... my thoughts of a Bayou include water everywhere, flooded cypress trees with Spanish Moss hanging from their branches, and swampland with wading birds... (Sony Alpha 1 with Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS, 1/80 sec, f/4, ISO 10000) White-faced Heron, Perth, WA @jasonmoore151 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040211243-C6R3RSGJCE4VYF0S90LG/Silhouetted+Stilt+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Silhouetted Stilt by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME Over summer I camped out at a receding salt-lake where several species of shorebirds were gathering as other lakes in the district dried up. Lying on the shoreline in late afternoon 38-degree heat was incredibly uncomfortable, but I waited patiently for some golden light. A large flock of Pied Stilts were most active, feeding and squabbling. One Stilt was particularly dominant and cranky, so I kept my lens on it hoping to capture some action. As the sun dropped low on the horizon, it picked another fight then landed right in front of some reflected light (perfect for a rim-lit silhouette) and let out a territorial call before resuming feeding. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/4000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 250) Pied Stilt, Wagin, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040241944-K1343V8DJO49XU9IY16A/Spear+Fishing+by+David+Stowe.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Spear Fishing by David Stowe SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME A Great Egret raises its catch and walks away to avoid being challenged by other egrets, revealing it's spear-like neck and bill. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 1250) Great Egret, Condobolin, NSW @david_stowe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040693664-LZ9O0CCFV8800GTOC3UE/Volitation+into+violet+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Volitation into violet by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME With a long band of thick sea fog enshrouding the harbour's horizon, I instinctively picked up my 70-200mm lens to capture a wider composition and include the stunning layers of dawn sky, mist, reflections and contrasting tones. Setting my camera for a silhouette of one of the Great Egrets fishing in the shallows, I focussed on a subject and was lucky to pick the moment. As I fired off a burst of shots, it launched into flight through the mist. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM at 120mm, 1/320 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400) Great Egret, Albany, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698040795893-ORPE6WQAH7F0RB6IWOY4/Water+trails+by+Rebecca+Harrison.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Water trails by Rebecca Harrison SHORTLIST: SPECIAL THEME A Little Egret takes off gracefully, leaving a sparkle of water droplets in its wake. (Canon 1DX Mk II with Canon EF 500mm f/4 L IS II + Canon EF 1.4x Mk III teleconverter, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 640) Little Egret, Mandurah, WA @rebecca____harrison https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041186313-5CXYU9JQL3Y7J9HC3NNY/Close+but+not+quite+by+D%27Artagnan+Sprengel.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Close but not quite by D'Artagnan Sprengel SHORTLIST: YOUTH My mum found this Tawny Frogmouth trying to blend in with the tree, sitting above the path. I positioned myself to take the photo so I was facing the frogmouth front on as I wanted to show the bird's awesome camouflage. Except when I looked back at my images, I noticed the bird wasn't quite blending in, as though it had picked the wrong tree to sleep in for the day. (Nikon D500 with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2 at 460mm, 1/400 sec, f/6.3, ISO 2000) Tawny Frogmouth, Herdsman Lake, WA @dartagnansprengel_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041353433-BY4UKB4R22NMTXANOU11/Dexterous+by+D%27Artagnan+Sprengel.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Dexterous by D'Artagnan Sprengel SHORTLIST: YOUTH I found a pair of Purple Swamphen feeding along the edge of the lake. They were picking up, what seemed to be, little sticks or roots in their feet and then nibbling at them. I kneeled down on the path for a lower angle and focused on the birds head, then whenever it bent down to eat, I took a burst of photos until I got a sharp one. (Nikon D500 with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2 at 600mm, 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 4000) Purple Swamphen, Lake Leschenaultia, WA @dartagnansprengel_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041605843-XKHANSF90U8AFXHN0AQZ/Manmade+sunrise+by+Caleb+Robins.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Manmade sunrise by Caleb Robins SHORTLIST: YOUTH As I was up early ready for sunrise, the clouds began to roll in and it was dark. The driveway of the accommodation I was staying at in the mountains was lined with rounded, warm, streetlamps but it was too dark to start shooting effectively. I noticed some small birds coming down to the birdbath and perching on overhanging sticks that had been placed there for birds. I lined up one of the perches with a nearby streetlamp and underexposed my settings to capture maximum detail. Sometimes in photography you have to think outside the box and be creative by using your surroundings to your advantage, even if its as simple as streetlamp. (Canon 450D with Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary at 355mm, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Eastern Spinebill, Merrijig, Vic @calebrobinswildlife https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041674494-I8C5EHTR6Y6SMK04W4X7/Please+%27Stand+UP+4+Nature%27+by+Spencer+Hitchen.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Please 'Stand UP 4 Nature' by Spencer Hitchen I first saw this beautiful Barn Owl on the UniSC campus as it flew to get away from a mob of about 20 birds chasing it. In its panic, the Barn Owl flew into a barbed wire fence. I knew that if I did not help the Owl immediately it would either be killed by the other birds or severely injure itself trying to free itself. I quickly moved closer to the fence and calmly put my hand up towards the Owl to persuade it to fly off backwards so it could be free from the barbs, which it soon did flying off towards some trees. It sat there for a moment before the mob of birds started attacking again. This is a direct impact of habitat loss. The Owl would usually be hiding in the daytime in a safe tree hollow. I sent a report of this to the UniSC and now they are going to remove all of the barbed wire. How fantastic is that! It just proves that small things make a difference and that we can all 'Stand UP 4 Nature' together. (Sony Alpha 7R MkIII with Sony FE 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G OSS at 157mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2500) Barn Owl, Sunshine Coast University, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041771318-C69I5JJRHTCA8TJQT4FK/Rim-lit+Robin+by+D%27Artagnan+Sprengel.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Rim-lit Robin by D'Artagnan Sprengel SHORTLIST: YOUTH Walking around the lake at sunrise, I came across this Scarlet Robin flitting around in the trees. I positioned myself so the bird lined up with a tree in the background as I didn't want a silhouette, and I under exposed the image a little. Which allowed me to retain detail in the brighter parts of the photo, and avoid blowing out the beautiful rim lighting around the bird and the sun filtering through the trees. (Nikon D500 with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2 at 600mm, 1/250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 4000) Scarlet Robin, Lake Leschenaultia, WA @dartagnansprengel_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041856652-BE4J5AMXC5PPBP7T7041/Sugar+addict+by+D%27Artagnan+Sprengel.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Sugar addict by D'Artagnan Sprengel SHORTLIST: YOUTH Sitting down to eat lunch at Yanchep National Park, we were soon joined by this Australian Ringneck Parrot. Whenever other people had finished eating and got up to leave, this Parrot would fly down onto the table, grab the sugar sachet the people had left behind, then expertly rip into the bag and lick the sugar out. The bird did this repeatedly, with many different tables, so I took the opportunity to capture a couple of portraits of the bird. This image highlights a problem, but with a quite simple fix, that instead of giving everyone a sugar with their coffee or tea, just ask if they want one when ordering, then there wouldn't be any lying around for the wildlife to get. Nikon D500 with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2 at 600mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200 Australian Ringneck, Yanchep National Park, WA @dartagnansprengel_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698041941259-3TDYT370KI867TLPEGFZ/The+stare+by+Spencer+Hitchen.jpeg 2023 Winners Gallery - The stare by Spencer Hitchen I was doing a shorebird survey with my friend Microlight Milly when I found this beautiful Beach Stone-curlew family sheltering in the Grey Mangroves. I decided to lay down in the wet sand & wait to see if they would come out. It was incredible - the whole family came out and started to wander around me. I noticed the dad staring intently at the only Goat's Foot flower out in the sand dunes. He just sat down and stared. I wondered what he was thinking as I took his photograph. After a while the family went down to look for food along the water's edge. It was such an amazing encounter. (Sony Alpha 7R MkIII with Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5 - 5.6 OSS at 300mm, 1/6400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1000) Beach Stone-curlew, Sunshine Coast, Qld @savesunriseglossies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698042061244-WANYLWIZJ2S11IF7KJ2S/Two%27s+company+by+D%27Artagnan+Sprengel.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Two's company by D'Artagnan Sprengel SHORTLIST: YOUTH Walking back to the car along the Coodanup Foreshore, I came across a large flock of what I believe were Little Corellas. They were feeding on the ground around the carpark. I saw these two perched together on an open branch and thought it would make a cute photo. I composed the image in portrait orientation and chose to over expose the image to get a nice, clean, white background. (Nikon D500 with Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DI VC USD G2 at 600mm, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 2000) Little Corella, Coodanup Foreshore Reserve, WA @dartagnansprengel_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698042153112-3236W6MWRWOWBRN1SMQ2/Warbling+by+Austin+Ridley-Jarvis.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Warbling by Austin Ridley-Jarvis SHORTLIST: YOUTH Walking along the shore of Lake Gwelup in the morning, the light was amazing, soft and pastel. Dad and I spotted a small bird popping up in the reeds, calling and scurrying back down the reeds again only to repeat this in another spot. We sat and waited with camera focused. This time it popped up and called for longer, allowing me to capture a series of photos. This one being my favourite. I love the glow of the morning light around the bird, his beak open, calling and the way the reeds fall in and out of focus giving a sense of the bird's habitat and the gentle colours. The photo is barely edited, just very minor tweak to make it sing. (Nikon D500 with Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8 VRII, 1/2500 sec, f/4, ISO 800) Australian Reed Warbler, Lake Gwelup, WA @birdswithaus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698042217989-MX30Z0TCE6LGC299S9YS/Wings+spread+by+Tai+M+Photography.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Wings spread by Tai M SHORTLIST: YOUTH During a walk along the Victoria Quay I was shooting some photos of the seagulls flying around me, I noticed there were moments where they would fly directly above me. I tried for a shot like this one a few times but failed until I eventually captured one of the birds scratching itself mid flight. (Canon 1D Mark IV with Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 200mm, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400) Silver Gull, Fremantle, WA @taimphotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039104705-PCC80G544PR0O3MWVGQ5/Anguish+by+Kim+Wormald.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Anguish by Kim Wormald SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT This was such a heart-wrenching situation, not only the adult's anguish at being entangled in nylon filament but also the juvenile's desperation as it tries to free its parent. I called a specialist rescue service that was unable to save this bird. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, 1/1000 sec, f/4, ISO 1000) Little Pied Cormorant, Braeside Park, Vic @kimwormaldlirralirra https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039096129-OO7N38S4KCE2FDYIGK39/Big+City+life+by+Joel+Evans.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Big City life by Joel Evans SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT A Peregrine Falcon keeps a watchful eye from its concrete vantage point. As the scenery and landscape change, trees get replaced by skyscrapers and meadows with houses, some of our wildlife adapt. Generally preferring cliffs or open woodland it can be quite common to find pairs of peregrines nesting high up on buildings in cities. (Nikon D7200 with Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/1600 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1000) Peregrine Falcon, Maroochydore, Qld @joel.e.foto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039106751-JYPUPN96R03TSBP31VRO/Crime+scene+by+Katherine+Firth.jpeg 2023 Winners Gallery - Crime scene by Katherine Firth SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Sometimes a tragedy needs to be shared. I came across this beautiful Barn Owl dead at the side of the main road through Finley, where the speed zone is 40kph. My daughter and I stared at it for a long while before I took this photograph, feeling moved by the intensity of its gaze, fixed in death. I hope that the image of this crime scene serves as a reminder to watch for wildlife and to slow down. (iPhone 11 Pro at 26mm, 1/546 sec, f/1.8, ISO 32) Barn Owl, Finley, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039122481-599T8HHZXRSKZXFDJREB/Curlew+construction+consideration+by+Gregory+Abbott.jpeg 2023 Winners Gallery - Curlew construction consideration by Gregory Abbott SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT One night in April I went down to pick up a passenger off the late ferry. The Macleay Island jetty (then still under major reconstruction) was deserted except for myself and this attentive Bush Stone-Curlew. Both of us waiting. The Curlew just stood there as if the construction, signs, lights and dead machinery had stumped it. I slowly walked to within a few metres and took the shot with my phone, then retreated a little. I too was somewhat stunned at the implications for wildlife of the multi-million dollar upgrade to jetty and the extended parking areas. I stood with the Curlew for a while. Then quietly I retreated to take a fenced in, man-made detour to the jetty proper. The concrete concentrations. Mine. The curlew's... where will it go? (iPhone 8S) Bush Stone-curlew, Macleay Island Jetty, Qld https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039110330-595T6S8KBVK0MYODG2BR/Escaping+the+skyscrapers+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Escaping the skyscrapers by Nathan Watson SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Urban wetlands and estuaries are becoming sanctuaries for dwindling populations of wading waterbird species as they learn to adapt to developed landscapes. Pied Stilts are among a number of species that can be found in a handful of locations along the Swan River, despite the prevalence of walkers, cyclists, dogs, boats, light pollution and other disturbances. I captured this image of a Stilt taking off high above Perth's skyline as a metaphor for the urban encroachment onto critical wetland habitats that are forcing shorebirds, many endangered, to find refuge elsewhere. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS II at 200mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 640) Pied Stilt, Perth, WA @nathan_watson_photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039123256-UHB4IM0F7JVGSJ6XNI5Y/Helpless+by+Bruno+Urquhart.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Helpless by Bruno Urquhart SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT A victim of urbanization. I opted for a low angle on this shot to emphasize the drastic nature of this scene; the claws clinging onto the wire, stiff and cold, blood lining the beak, the shoulders on each wing rubbed raw. It should serve as a sombre reminder of the challenges faced by our native Australian wildlife, as the urban sprawl continues to affect every facet of their existence. (Nikon D500 with Nikon AF-S 50MM f/1.8G, 1/1600 sec, f/1.8, ISO 800) Tawny Frogmouth, Stawell, Vic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039136517-NPO3ZG4NXZ19H2GW09JY/Hitting+a+wall+by+S%C3%B6ren+Salvatore.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Hitting a wall by Sören Salvatore SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT I wonder frequently if the Hobart CBD Kelp Gulls think about moving out of the busy city. Or maybe they enjoy the loud concrete jungles? I took this picture from our home in the middle of a busy intersection. I do sometimes stare at the grey walls and wish I could move closer to nature. Did this particular Kelp Gull have the same thoughts? Urban birds have always had a special place in my birder heart. Their adaptation and resilience are fascinating and their presence make me think about how many other species of birds we could coexist with in cities with more space for nature. During the shorter winter days I find it sometimes challenging to photograph birds as much as I would like to. It's dark when you leave the house for work and it's dark when you get back. The last couple of months I often found myself on the rooftop of our apartment building during lunch breaks to get at least a few minutes of bird photography in per day. I didn't expect to get much out these short photography sessions but soon realised that the same Kelp Gulls are sitting on the same building day in day out. After a couple of sessions I finally made out a particular building and frame that I deemed interesting enough to photograph. With a bit of patience the resident bird finally landed in one of its favourite spots and let me take this picture. (Sony Alpha 7 Mk 4 with Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS, 1/1250 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200) Kelp Gull, Hobart CBD, Tas @wildwithsoren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039130618-10JU9NAJYNICF87DQPQG/Industrialised+by+Joel+Evans.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Industrialised by Joel Evans SHORTLIST: HUMAN IMPACT Nothing stands in the way of progress, especially wildlife. A Little Penguin peers out from under a barrier, cut from an old growth tree that forms the edge of a parking area within the grounds of a busy wharf. To avoid putting the penguin under any undue stress, I took this without a flash, under a streetlight and with the aid of the weak light from my phone shining along the foreground. (Sony Alpha 9 MkII with Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Mk 2 at 70mm, 1/80 sec, f/2.8, ISO 10000) Little Penguin, North West coast, Tas @joel.e.foto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1698039150658-MZMV4F80GL1982U88VV1/Mystical+Encounter+White-faced+Heron+perched+amidst+fog+on+transformed+farmland+of+Tamar+Island+Wetlands+by+Michael+Eleveld.jpg 2023 Winners Gallery - Mystical Encounter: White-faced Heron perched amidst fog on transformed farmland of Tamar Island Wetlands by Michael Eleveld On a mystical fog-laden morning on one of my favourite walks, a White-faced Heron perches gracefully upon the remnants of once-abandoned farmland, now transformed into a vital part of the Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve. This captivating scene serves as a powerful reminder of the restorative power of human intervention, where the discarded remnants of the past become the foundation for a thriving habitat that is home to nearly 60 species of birds. Amidst the fog's embrace, the Heron stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. This encounter evokes a profound sense of wonder, urging us to cherish and protect our natural heritage. (Nikon Z6 with Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S at 400mm, 1/400 sec, f /5.6, ISO 180) White-faced Heron, Tamar Island, Tas https://www.birdlifephotoaward.org.au/gallery-winners-2024 daily 0.75 2025-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/d391cf07-dddc-4d56-a870-458a814ca10a/Welcome+Swallow+feeding+young+by+Richard+Arculus+%28winner+Bird+Behaviour%29.jpg 2024 gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/081a8cd5-bdc5-40d0-96ca-27a46b5c5cf6/Thirst+by+Charlotte+Scavarda+%28winner+Backyard+Birds%29.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out Thirst by Charlotte Scavarda WINNER: BACKYARD BIRDS During the Dry Season in the East Kimberley, birds will gather around any source of water as it becomes scarce. I was living near the Bungle Bungle National Park, and lorikeets and rosellas were often seen around taps or sprinkler systems in the early morning. One day I found this Northern Rosella drinking tiny droplets from a leaking tap. As they positioned themselves on the tap, I captured this moment – the rosella appears to be turning on the tap to retrieve water. Although it’s just an impression, I like the ingeniosity of this scene, and the connection it creates between the bird and our use of water. (Nikon D5600 with Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD at 380mm, 1/640 sec, f/6.3, ISO 400) Northern Rosella, East Kimberley, WA @charlottenaturephotos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731344920506-NYHV6DMQVLLO2R6NOXCY/Curious+Pose+by+Heather+Thorning.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out Curious pose by Heather Thorning WINNER: BIRD PORTRAIT I spent almost a week driving out to this location every morning well before sunrise. There was lots of birdlife, but for me it was a joy to see a small flock of these Cockatiels come to this quiet spot to feed on grass seeds. I spooked this one, not realising it was in the grass below. It flew up to this knotty tree trunk. I walked backwards as I was too close to get a clear shot. Luckily the bird didn’t fly off but looked very curious as to what I was doing. I didn’t get many photos but I'm happy with this pose. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + teleconverter 1.4x III, 1/3200 sec, f/7.1, ISO 10000) Cockatiel, Derby, WA Instagram: @heather_thorning Facebook: Heather Thorning Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/d391cf07-dddc-4d56-a870-458a814ca10a/Welcome+Swallow+feeding+young+by+Richard+Arculus+%28winner+Bird+Behaviour%29.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out Welcome Swallow feeding young by Richard Arculus WINNER: BIRD BEHAVIOUR With the speed and manoeuvrability in flight, swallows are a photographic challenge. I knew that Welcome Swallows were feeding their young at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands in Canberra and had tried with a Canon R5 and RF100-500 lens to photograph the bird's activities – but my reaction time and tracking abilities were not up to the task. So I used an 800mm prime with the R5, cable release, tripod and gimbal and tried again on another day. On this occasion, I could watch the whole scene and not just what was shown in the viewfinder, and could release the shutter as the parent swallow approached the post. This photo is one of the successful captures. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM , 1/5000 sec, f/11, ISO 1600) Welcome Swallows, Jerrabomberra Wetlands, ACT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731345564133-I7U27ACTQGW5XPHE386F/Early+morning+fishing+by+Sharon+Jones.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out Early morning fishing by Sharon Jones WINNER: BIRDS IN FLIGHT A Pied Heron skims the surface of a dwindling waterhole fishing on the wing (although unsuccessfully on this occasion). I only observed this behaviour for a couple of weeks at the end of Darwin’s dry season as the waterhole started to dry up, concentrating fish and attracting large numbers of waterbirds, but was not sufficiently shallow in its centre for the birds to stand. This morning there was one small patch of golden light reflecting the rising sun, which the birds appeared to studiously avoid! However, watching and waiting patience finally paid off as this bird entered the golden zone. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, 1/3200 sec, f/2.8, ISO 400) Pied Heron, Knuckey Lagoon, NT Instagram: @sharonjones_wildlifephoto Facebook: Sharon Jones Wildlife Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731373524805-SZ0NR2645WQ8EQBNQ2NN/Spoonbill+on+a+Foggy+Morning+by+Kelly+Asmus+Albornoz.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out Spoonbill on a Foggy Morning by Kelly Asmus Albornoz WINNER: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE I was up earlier than everyone else in our camp, just as the sun started getting ready to peek over the horizon. It was quiet and a little chilly due to the thick fog blanketing the lake and once the sun came up above the horizon, the fog started to glow. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM at 47mm, 1/125 sec, f/4, ISO 100) Royal Spoonbill, Lake Broadwater, QLD Instagram: @albatross_photography_design Facebook: Albatross Photography and Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732087471372-FIUKVC0F7QCVGAXCGU3K/The+Nibbler+by+Maria+Coleman.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out The nibbler by Maria Coleman WINNER: SPECIAL THEME (LAND OF THE PARROTS) The Ground Parrot loves feeding on fresh grass seeds and watching it feed was very interesting. The bird would grab and pull down the stem of the grass with its foot, then nibble the seeds in a row like people eating a cob of corn. I spent a time observing this behaviour and as the sun was getting low on the horizon it positioned itself in a clear position, enabling the capture of this image. Then it walked off and climbed into some native ferns before disappearing. (Canon 1DX Mark III with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + teleconverter 1.4x III at 700mm, 1/1250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200) Eastern Ground Parrot, Shoalhaven, NSW Instagram: @meadowbellphotography Facebook: Meadow Bell Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732152684524-EH3OVQGJFVJZHPD6FBKI/One+man%27s+trash%E2%80%A6+by+Jennifer+Noble.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out One man's trash… by Jennifer Noble WINNER: HUMAN IMPACT I have been photographing this male Western Bowerbird for a long time now, having built his bower close to our shack in the Goldfields of WA. He is endlessly fascinating and I am so lucky to observe his many behaviours and to listen to his perfect mimicry of other birds. Unfortunately, a mining company has moved in very close to us, and there is constant blasting and the invasive noise of huge machinery devouring the earth. However, he goes about his business trying to attract a female. I never want to see the day when his bower has only man-made rubbish decorating it and the sounds that he mimics are those of the very machinery destroying his natural habitat. (Nikon D500 with AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED VR at 270mm, 1/1250 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250) Western Bowerbird, Northern Goldfields, WA Instagram: @theshack.photography Facebook: The Shack Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732089124197-OBAQOFZ95GLL1350P0FE/Canopy+Dance+by+Matthew+Wu.jpg 2024 gallery - Make it stand out Canopy dance by Matthew Wu WINNER: YOUTH Aged 15 After waiting in the rainforest to capture the Paradise Riflebirds displaying, a female hopped on the branch and I was able to capture the male displaying to her. I really liked the behaviour captured in this shot and I was quite happy to get this photo after the many hours I spent waiting. (Nikon D7100 with AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR at 500mm, 1/640 sec, f/5.6, ISO 8063) Paradise Riflebirds, Mt Glorious, QLD @mwu_photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158564499-2HPVL4W8AFQU8552VQ7O/_53A0027_Portfolio_Jabiru_1.jpg 2024 gallery - The ’Jabirus’ of Corroboree by Nathan Watson (Copy) WINNER: PORTFOLIO Black-necked Stork, Corroboree Billabong, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158566963-7ZOJSNOJR0RH01XTUG6E/_53A0034-2_Portfolio_Jabiru_8.jpg 2024 gallery - The ’Jabirus’ of Corroboree by Nathan Watson (Copy) WINNER: PORTFOLIO Black-necked Stork, Corroboree Billabong, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158573928-605I78SNNOXBL78YKFEX/_53A3293_Portfolio_Jabiru_6.jpg 2024 gallery - The ’Jabirus’ of Corroboree by Nathan Watson (Copy) WINNER: PORTFOLIO Black-necked Stork, Corroboree Billabong, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158573855-0328Y4CCGGLIQK0P1UKF/_53A6584+2_Portfolio_Jabiru_7.jpg 2024 gallery - The ’Jabirus’ of Corroboree by Nathan Watson (Copy) WINNER: PORTFOLIO Black-necked Stork, Corroboree Billabong, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732159054560-6CRI7GSJ2DOJDDF4F6SZ/_53A7306_Portfolio_Jabiru_4.jpg 2024 gallery - The ’Jabirus’ of Corroboree by Nathan Watson (Copy) WINNER: PORTFOLIO Black-necked Stork, Corroboree Billabong, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732159055202-K5FZGN4DZHFFU4IJFJAW/_53A6766_Portfolio_Jabiru_2.jpg 2024 gallery - The ’Jabirus’ of Corroboree by Nathan Watson (Copy) WINNER: PORTFOLIO Black-necked Stork, Corroboree Billabong, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731340626332-HK403W8Y58K5G2DAJ5BX/Blow+Me+Down+if+it%E2%80%99s+not+a+Regent+Honeyeater+by+David+Ongley.jpg 2024 gallery - Blow me down if it’s not a Regent Honeyeater by David Ongley HIGHLY COMMENDED: BACKYARD BIRDS Regent Honeyeater feeding in suburbia. This bird (there were two in total) turned up in a front yard at Emu Heights, western Sydney in January 2024, just 10 minutes from my home. If the owner had not been a birder, I wonder if they would even have been noticed? This bird was much photographed by many photographers. Late in the day, one bird fed for about 30 minutes in this one grevillea close and low to the ground. The even green background is a Colorbond fence and I have used a wider crop to include the fencepost at the far left. It is subtle but provides context to an unusual event. (Canon R3 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/320 sec, f/7.1, ISO 5000) Regent Honeyeater, Emu Heights, NSW @davidongley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731341339842-TUFE5H7ZLERQX98T8JEB/Checking+In+by+Joanne+Bishop.jpg 2024 gallery - Checking in by Joanne Bishop HIGHLY COMMENDED: BACKYARD BIRDS A juvenile Collared Sparrowhawk came to my daughter’s bedroom window while she was ill at home. My daughter called for me to come and see the bird. I went into her room and saw the little bird at the window, it appeared the little bird was checking in to see how she was coping. My daughter moved down to the window and it was a beautiful moment as she reached out to the bird. I took a single photo with my phone to capture the moment and to share with my parents, who love birds. I was hoping to get enough detail to help identify the bird's species, and was really happy with the way the moment was captured in the photo. (iPhone 14 with integrated lens 4mm, 1/40 sec, f/1.8, ISO 25) Collared Sparrowhawk, Whyalla, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731339480154-ZZMNYFKC7X2EEZSK3KMB/Tasty+Sunflower+by+Warren+Lloyd.jpg 2024 gallery - Tasty sunflower by Warren Lloyd HIGHLY COMMENDED: BACKYARD BIRDS My wife’s sunflowers attract several species of parrots, and this male Australian King Parrot was enjoying a meal whilst paying little attention to me. I took many good shots, but in this image I particularly loved the combination of colours, the food in the beak, and the eye contact it had with me. I also liked the way a single petal was missing after being plucked by the bird. Due to the darkish background I underexposed by 1/3 of a stop so as not to overexpose the subject. (Nikon D7500 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 550mm, 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 2000) Australian King Parrot, Bathurst, NSW Instagram: @warrenlloydphotography Facebook: Warren Lloyd https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731341142352-3UDC6UKQ0GKAR3KEQD1Y/Dawn+Chorus+by+Sue+Harper.jpg 2024 gallery - Dawn chorus by Sue Harper HIGHLY COMMENDED: BACKYARD BIRDS A Brown Honeyeater welcomes the day with its sweet song. It takes centre stage on my front garden fence and is illuminated with dappled dawn light behind and bright yellow native flowers in front. A soft sparkle of bokeh from the dew-soaked flowers adds to this light-filled frame. I wanted to create an artistic and joyful image that accentuated the beauty of this regular little visitor, small in size but mighty in voice! By shooting through the mass of flowers and lining up the honeyeater in the soft light behind, a dramatic stage is set worthy of its musical performance. I awoke before dawn for several days waiting for the honeyeater to alight on this particular spot, having planted a native garden to attract, feed and photograph backyard birds from my patio. I was shooting in manual mode to adjust for the rapidly changing light conditions and to create a beautiful image. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/3200 sec, f/8, ISO 2500) Brown Honeyeater, Mount Pleasant, WA @wildlifewithsue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731340023797-3QL3TIFRPJEWEBTP22SN/Once+Their+Backyard+by+Jessica+Hartley.jpg 2024 gallery - Once their backyard by Jessica Hartley HIGHLY COMMENDED: BACKYARD BIRDS These birds face significant habitat loss with the construction of our backyards. They are in a desperate state to find food and water in what was once their backyard. The Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos come down in the hundreds to drink from bird baths in local suburbs. Whilst it’s a privilege to be so close to these birds, it’s a sad thought they sometimes don’t have a choice where to find watering points. (Nikon D850 with AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 2500) Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Yanchep, WA @jesshart_ley_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731340937542-4CQYLH0XDIHACTG14ZMX/Carry+your+soul+to+heaven+by+Jen+Tom.jpg 2024 gallery - Carry your soul to heaven by Jen Tom HIGHLY COMMENDED: BACKYARD BIRDS I took this photo on an early morning visit to the Cobram Cemetery. The cemetery is on a sand hill and is home to many birds like Rainbow Bee-eaters, thornbills, Superb Fairy-wrens and other species. Under the Murray pines at the top of the hill is the only place in the district I have found Red-capped robins. The tombstones and grave monuments allow the robins to perch and pounce and watching them bobbing up and down as they feed is a delight. On this day in September, I was standing nearby when the male Red-capped Robin perched on a beautiful wrought iron grave. It was a split second of looking at each other, one click of the camera and he flew off on a busy morning feeding. The symmetry of the circles of the wrought iron with the bird perched in between was something I tried to frame in the shot but mostly, I was trying to focus on the beautiful bird itself. The background of sand and stone almost look like snow, matching the remnants of paint on the aged iron. It has been said that the role of a robin in a cemetery is to carry souls to Heaven . I know that seeing a robin in a cemetery can lift your spirits. (Nikon Z7 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/5000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200) Red-capped Robin, Cobram East, VIC @jennywren142 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731342241421-NTVBZR842UAMWJZ5DRJ1/It%27s+the+little+things+that+annoy+by+Stuart+Blackwell.jpg 2024 gallery - It's the little things that annoy by Stuart Blackwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Over a six year period I have been privileged to have been able to observe this female Peregrine Falcon going about her life on our property in the Barossa Valley. Over these six years, she became very comfortable with my presence and allowed me to photograph her almost daily. She nearly always appeared to be in control ”calm and collected”. This image captures her in a rare moment of aggression and annoyance as a bee disturbed her afternoon rest time. (Nikon D850 with AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4 + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500) Peregrine Falcon, Tanunda, SA @stuart_blackwell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731341794240-2ZPH93WV64IKV1J35DLH/Pied+Herons+by+Kyffin+Lewis.jpg 2024 gallery - Pied Herons in turf dispute by Kyffin Lewis HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD BEHAVIOUR For approximately two months of the year in the wet season, the Fogg Dam dam wall in NT overflows and attracts many birds who come to feed. Whilst photographing Pied Herons feeding on fish trapped on dam wall overflow, two Pied Herons came too close to eachother – resulting in them both launching themselves straight up in mid-air in order to challenge eachother on who had the right to the land-based fishing spot . As this action is very unpredictable when they will launch, and usually only occurs for two seconds at best, it's very much a matter of being lucky enough to be in the right place at right time in order to capture this action. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 600mm f/4L IS USM , 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 500) Pied Herons, Fogg Dam overflow, NT @photoman_from_oz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731343181303-8FWUIYLNDVDP98ZZ7EQB/Striated+Heron+V+Dragonfly+1+by+David+Stowe.jpg 2024 gallery - Striated Heron v dragonfly 1 by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD BEHAVIOUR On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see the herons shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! This is a behaviour I had not seen previously nor could have imagined. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + teleconverter 1.4x III, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 6400) Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731343178896-3VZXD5J66U9UUR5KIKAY/Striated+Heron+V+Dragonfly+2+by+David+Stowe.jpg 2024 gallery - Striated Heron v dragonfly 2 by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD BEHAVIOUR On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see the herons shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! This is a behaviour I had not seen previously nor could have imagined. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + teleconverter 1.4x III, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 6400) Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731342018776-G6JBUSBFT2HT97UNIRUB/Three+is+a+crowd+by+Harry+van+der+Zon.jpg 2024 gallery - Three is a crowd by Harry van der Zon HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD BEHAVIOUR Before breeding season starts, the male Red-rumped Parrots fight to get the attention of a female. I was fortunate to capture two males and one female at the moment they appear to be in a huddle – the spreading of the male's tail feathers and full spread of the female's wings above the perch made for an exciting behaviour action shot. (Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S + 1.4 teleconverter III, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 2800) Red-rumped Parrots, Braeside Park, VIC @harryvanderzon1957 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731342520267-OA3ULEOJY7Y0NPT6YJ9X/The+Cuckoo%27s+Deception+by+Cheng+Kang.jpg 2024 gallery - The cuckoo's deception by Cheng Kang HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD BEHAVIOUR This photograph captures the deceptive relationship between a juvenile cuckoo and its unsuspecting host bird. Despite its smaller size, the adult host, a White-browed Scrubwren, feeds the juvenile cuckoo, unaware it’s not its own. This behaviour exemplifies nest parasitism, one of the most notorious survival strategies in birds. Witnessing this made me ponder animal interdependence in nature. (Sony ILCE-7RM4A with Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS at 600mm, 1/400 sec, f/6.3, ISO 3200) Fan-tailed Cuckoo and White-browed Scrubwren, South Morang, VIC @cheng_2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731343556255-64WXOPXEOK0UO89IV4FR/I+am+all+shook+up+by+Harry+van+der+Zon.jpg 2024 gallery - I am all shook up by Harry van der Zon HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT Frequently, the Great Crested Grebe would dive for food. After coming up from an unsuccessful dive, it momentarily shook its head. The side light provided a rim light around the birds head and illuminated the water droplets. The selected shutter speed reflects the motion of the head plumage and movement of the water droplets. (Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, 1/2000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 1100) Great Crested Grebe, Lysterfield Park Lake, VIC @harryvanderzon1957 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731345021136-U63FWWD9SQXUPQMR7K75/The+Halo+by+Cherilyn+Corker.jpg 2024 gallery - The halo by Cherilyn Corker HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT In September 2023 I was monitoring the egrets on the island in Erskine Lakes at the request of researcher Marcus Singor. I was taking photographs for Marcus to record the activities of the Little Egrets, Cattle Egrets and Great Egrets that nest on the island. The birds arrived looking resplendent in their breeding plumage. This Little Egret was perched atop a bush, and the breeze lifted the plumage in a very appealing way. The egret appeared to be a new arrival that had not commenced nesting. Because I was photographing across the water I had to apply a substantial crop to the image. I really like the way the plumage is fanned around the bird, which is why I named the image "The halo’’. (Canon 7D Mark II with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 160) Little Egret, Mandurah, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731344748637-Z6E7DRP8W39VHD2KZ40I/Master+of+disguise+by+Sputnik.jpg 2024 gallery - Master of disguise by Sputnik Sputnik HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT Tawny Frogmouths can be super difficult to spot in the wild because of their chameleon-like ability to blend into the trees they’re perched in. On this particular day I was fortunate enough to spot a family of four – all perched in the same tree and all doing their best to act like a branch – except for this one. While the others kept their eyes closed and did great branch impersonations, this one’s curiosity got the better of it as it eyeballed me. Thanks to shooting on a really long focal length, I was able to get a great eye-to-eye angle, and this photo still makes me laugh. Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to spot a Tawny Frogmouth in the wild will surely appreciate the personality of this bird. (Sony A7R4 with Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3G OSS + 2x teleconverter at 1200mm, 1/400 sec, f/13, ISO 5000) Tawny Frogmouth, Adelaide, SA Instagram: @theswashbuckler Facebook: Sputnik https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731343777485-0WJQDGTCTGCIO9XR9VOH/Thick-knee+portrait+by+Raoul+Slater.jpg 2024 gallery - Thick-knee portrait by Raoul Slater HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT Bush Thick-knees have very expressive eyes. You can tell when a photographer has pushed them too hard and they feel uncomfortable. I’ve spent many afternoons with this bird and its mate, so it is relaxed when I approach with a camera, even as close as this. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM, 1/500th sec, f/3.2, ISO 400) Bush Stone-curlew, Stradbroke Island, QLD @raoulslater https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731343989761-DX4QQWHYJFR22EYKIOTZ/Sitting+pretty+by+Sandy+Horne.jpg 2024 gallery - Sitting pretty by Sandy Horne HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT Like an ornament on a Christmas tree, I saw this Black-shouldered Kite sitting atop a Norfolk Island pine at the Goolwa Barrage. It seemed very relaxed as it preened in the early morning light. (Canon R6 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/8, ISO 1250) Black-shouldered Kite, Goolwa, SA @sandyhorne4093 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731344464480-QGM1DSDP6ZWZJ63I5KZZ/King+of+the+Coral+Tree+by+Hollie+%26+Travis+Rose.jpg 2024 gallery - King of the Coral Tree by Hollie and Travis Rose HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT An Olive-backed Sunbird appearing as king of the nectar, perched on the flower of the coral tree. The coral tree is not native to Australia, though it was being thoroughly enjoyed by many native animal species that were drawn to its nectar in a region that has been drastically cleared of its native vegetation. We were fortunate to have many opportunities to capture this individual as it kept returning throughout the day. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 at 800mm, 1/2000 sec, f/9, ISO 4000) Olive-backed Sunbird, Atherton, QLD @feathersoftheforest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731344254674-O4OCR5VGVGX5K3KX4ATK/Ibis+in+moonlight+by+Tim+Van+Leeuwen.jpg 2024 gallery - Ibis in moonlight by Tim Van Leeuwen HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRD PORTRAIT An ibis in a tree backlit by a full moon are the two ingredients for one of my favourite images of the year. I love the unique view of the ibis and how the use of strong backlight can create such an attractive image. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/1000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 3200) Australian White Ibis, Hahndorf, SA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731345817441-QIBTB39D24FKTJ6LYNRP/Fifty+Shades+of+Grey+by+Christopher+Young.jpg 2024 gallery - Fifty shades of grey by Christopher Young HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Weighing in around 35 grams, the Grey-backed Storm-Petrel is the smallest seabird of the southern oceans. This one whizzed past the boat a couple of times on our way out to the continental shelf. Rarely do you see this species with clean, fresh plumage and it really caught my eye despite the greyness of the day. These birds are dainty and fast, and on a moving boat in heavy seas they are difficult to photograph. As the bird turned to make another pass of our boat, I was very keen to get an image. I managed to see it through my viewfinder just before it disappeared behind another wave. Anticipating its reappearance and armed with a fast shutter speed, I managed to briefly connect with this tiny stunner before it disappeared again. I watched admiringly as it sped away from the boat, hopeful that I’d managed to capture this striking and gutsy little seabird. (Canon R3 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/3200 sec, f/8, ISO 2000) Grey-backed Storm-Petrel, off Tasman Island, TAS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731346414833-ZXLRCVVETU6IG95NTFD2/Kite+Airways+%E2%80%93+the+only+way+to+fly+by+Cameron+Tyrrell.jpg 2024 gallery - Kite Airways – the only way to fly by Cameron Tyrrell HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN FLIGHT While surveying Little Penguins on Montague Island, I was carrying my big zoom lens with me and starting to regret my decision, when I spied a Black-shouldered Kite hunting for lunch. I pulled out my camera as I saw it make its attack and was able to identify what it was feeding on as a white's skink. (Sony A7IV with Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3G OSS at 553mm, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1000) Black-shouldered Kite, Montague Island, NSW @ctwildlifephotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731345662656-R73H0DDZD5GJ628BYSP5/Quick+sip+by+Samuel+Correll.jpg 2024 gallery - Quick sip by Samuel Correll HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN FLIGHT After being mesmerised by Welcome Swallows coming in to drink so many times, I had to try and get a photo of the moment one touches the water. After trying so many times and having so many problems, I finally landed this shot thanks to the swallows gliding in much slower than usual, possibly due to the lack of headwind to fly into. (Canon R7 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/2000 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1250) Welcome Swallow, Kangaroo Island, SA @samcorrellphotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731346519899-5WEALQY45B8PJ1L6RMTY/Sea+spray+by+Claire+Greenwell.jpg 2024 gallery - Sea spray by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN FLIGHT The Common Noddy, named for its conspicuous nodding behaviour during courtship, is a broadly distributed pantropical tropical seabird that can be found in Australia during their breeding season. The species usually breeds on islands, rocky islets and stacks, precipitous cliffs, or on cays of coral or sand. On Christmas Island, many nests are established on cliff ledges providing an opportunity to capture some artistic shots – backgrounds of turquoise-coloured waters, sea spray, backlighting and shadows. This image was captured by shooting towards the light as the bird flew in front of a cliff face with crashing waves below. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/8000 sec, f/6.3, ISO) Common Noddy, Christmas Island @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1731346105902-W9WY9CWP89GHBQMGM06K/The+Hawker+by+Claire+Greenwell.jpg 2024 gallery - The hawker by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN FLIGHT Whiskered Terns are a marsh species that feed on a wide range of aquatic invertebrates, fish and tadpoles. Insects and gambusia – a noxious fish pest – appeared to be the prey of choice at my local wetland where this image was taken. Whiskered Terns are incredibly acrobatic, twisting and turning sharply upon spying the movement of their prey in the water below. This image was captured late afternoon, shooting into the sun as the tern hawked, swooped and dipped across the wetland. The shaded water in the background provided a dark canvas, with the sunlight highlighting the white bird and water droplets as it emerged from the shallow water with its prey. (Canon 1DX Mark II with Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x teleconverter, 1/2500 sec, f/7.1, ISO 800) Whiskered Tern, Bibra Lake, WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732084365541-038CTPP9JKKB4B8Q2ZSE/Corellas+and+a+frosty+dawn+by+Brendan+Sydes.jpg 2024 gallery - Corellas and a frosty dawn by Brendan Sydes HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE Long-billed and Little Corellas in old dead red gums on a colourful, frosty dawn. I arrived at the Joyces Creek arm of Lake Cairn Curran early, hoping to photograph some pelicans backlit by the rising sun. However, it turned out that the best scene was behind me to the west, as the sky turned shades of blue, pink and purple and roosting corellas began to stir. The corellas are mostly Long-billed (cacatua tenuirostris) but there were also Little Corellas (cacatua sanguinea) present. (Olympus OM1 with M.Zuiko ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25X IS PRO at 150mm, 1/100 sec, f/4.5, ISO 320) Long Billed and Little Corellas, Joyces Creek, VIC @muckleford.nature.photos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732084750489-TKH8BJEJ5UPFQLDU2U66/Dawn+in+the+top+end+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2024 gallery - Dawn in the Top End by Nathan Watson HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE This image is a quintessential example of what comes to mind when I think about the Northern Territory’s landscape and abundant birdlife. Set against a typically vibrant dawn sky, a pair of sea-eagles are silhouetted at the top of a tall tree overlooking the expansive floodplain as a flock of Magpie Geese fly in formation across the background sky. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 100-400 F4.5-5.6 L IS II at 100mm, 1/640 sec, f/5, ISO 2000) White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Magpie Geese, Mary River, NT Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732085078231-12FLZKPFQR0S9VVSFROU/Heavenly+harbour+by+Nathan+Watson.jpg 2024 gallery - Heavenly harbour by Nathan Watson HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE My local harbour is a magical place at sunrise, and in autumn it can be particularly breathtaking. On the morning I took this photo a sea fog was filtering the rising sun and casting a heavenly-like glow as a Great Egret waded across the misty shallows. (Canon R3 with Canon EF 70-200 F2.8 L IS III at 115mm, 1/1600 sec, f/2.8, ISO 200) Great Egret, Albany, WA Instagram: @nathan_watson_photography Facebook: Nathan Watson Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732085317789-2M8OIK9QIYSL2EASQFYI/The+Meeting+Place+by+Paul+Jarvis.jpg 2024 gallery - The meeting place by Paul Jarvis HIGHLY COMMENDED: BIRDS IN THE LANDSCAPE The sun dips below the horizon in the west, a golden glow remains in the evening sky as the flock arrives at the meeting place. A place where generational knowledge changes hands, bonds are forged, disagreements are handled, where respects are paid. Red tail feathers catch the late glow, lighting up like fiery embers before a fading scene of silhouettes as day turns to night. (Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, 1/2000 sec, f/4, ISO 250) Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, Karara Rangelands, WA @pauljarvisphoto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732085938027-OH68VQCYYF6FBJR438KE/A+splash+of+Colour+by+Bruce+Millar.jpg 2024 gallery - A splash of colour by Bruce Millar HIGHLY COMMENDED: SPECIAL THEME I captured an image of a male Red-capped Parrot as it feasted on a marri nut. The scene drew my attention due to the striking contrast between the parrot’s vibrant colors and the sun-dried, muted hues of the surrounding vegetation. I was also fascinated by how skillfully the bird used its feet to hold the nut, showcasing its dexterity. Because it was a cloudy morning and the light was still low on the horizon, I decided to use a slow shutter speed. This technique allowed me to highlight the intricate details of the parrot while also capturing the soft, diffused lighting, resulting in an image that beautifully emphasized the dynamic relationship between the colourful bird and its more subdued natural setting. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 1/320 sec, f/7.1, ISO 1600) Red-capped Parrot, Waroona, WA @bruce.millar.121 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732087089754-R2I0OW2I0F9D19YYJC1I/Beauty+in+flight+by+Tim+Van+Leeuwen.jpg 2024 gallery - Beauty in flight by Tim Van Leeuwen HIGHLY COMMENDED: SPECIAL THEME O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park QLD is a reliable place to photograph King Parrots. This is where I captured this image of a King Parrot in flight showing its stunning colours. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM at 400mm, 1/3200 sec, f/8, ISO 1000) Australian King Parrot, Lamington National Park, QLD @timvanleeuwenbirdphotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732087438129-8J9ULNXRC2PRDOJ8RW03/Contemplating+by+Rob+Drummond.jpg 2024 gallery - Contemplating by Rob Drummond HIGHLY COMMENDED: SPECIAL THEME Varied Lorikeets, friarbirds and a variety of honeyeaters were feeding on the blossom. We were able to move to eye level with the birds because of the terrain's slope. This individual is contemplating whether to inspect the adjacent blossom. Despite looking very bare, it did lean across and briefly feed. (Canon R5 with Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM + teleconverter 1.4x III, 1/640 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Varied Lorikeet, Lake Moondarra, Mt Isa, QLD @robdrummond56 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732087581504-EPN2BK9E8RYFJL9TD8LN/It%E2%80%99s+a+living+by+David+Simon.jpg 2024 gallery - It’s a living by David Simon HIGHLY COMMENDED: SPECIAL THEME I’ve seen the question asked: what do birds do when it rains? The simple answer is what they always do, but wetter. Birds don’t get days off. As humans we often anthropomorphise parrots as cheerful or cheeky because their beaks make them look like they’re constantly smiling, but this doesn’t reflect their actual mood on any given day. They can be angry, sad, lonely, bored, or just cold wet and miserable, but they still 'look' happy to us because they have resting grin faces. This often leads to people misunderstanding or even mistreating these vulnerable creatures. It’s important that we learn to love birds for what they are – beautiful and intelligent creatures who, like us, are just trying to get through one day at a time. They’re not here for us – they have their own lives to live. That we can enjoy them at all is a tremendous privilege that we shouldn’t take for granted. (Canon R5 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 500) Crimson Rosella, Mt Tomah, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732089097976-ZX5THOPJ3XUISN5WTZ6Z/Air+brakes+by+Raz+Brewer.jpg 2024 gallery - Air brakes by Raz Brewer HIGHLY COMMENDED: YOUTH Aged 16 As this Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo came into land, he deployed his air brakes to slow himself down before landing in a tree. (Canon R7 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/2000 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Lake Argyle, WA Instagram: @raz_brewer_photography Facebook: Raz Brewer Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732089161882-2KPR14LA579LR4AS30U1/Rose+Robin+by+Raz+Brewer.jpg 2024 gallery - Rose Robin by Raz Brewer HIGHLY COMMENDED: YOUTH Aged 16 After bathing in a small pool of water, this Rose Robin briefly perched on a stick above the water before heading off into the forest. (Canon R7 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/320 sec, f/8, ISO 3200) Rose Robin, Portland, VIC Instagram: @raz_brewer_photography Facebook: Raz Brewer Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732089171608-78MMJGQMMFL9RO7V9UO4/Stillness+by+Jessica+Filippello.jpg 2024 gallery - Stillness by Jessica Filippello HIGHLY COMMENDED: YOUTH Aged 17 With gorgeous golden light glistening through the prism of colours within their magnificent bills, these Australian Pelicans offered endless photographic opportunities. Despite only spending a few minutes with these pelicans, it presented peace and stillness and helped me better understand and appreciate the intricacies of their unique appearance – as well as their quirks and relationships with one another. This moment stuck with me, as I recognised how Australia’s only species of pelican is often overlooked and underappreciated. (Canon R5 with Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM at 500 mm, 36526 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640) Australian Pelican, Wyong, NSW https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732089207855-0XD6XUC0UUMYW0O7P3H6/The+mohawk+pigeon+by+Raz+Brewer.jpg 2024 gallery - The mohawk pigeon by Raz Brewer HIGHLY COMMENDED: YOUTH Aged 16 During a two-month trip through the outback, we spent a few days at Kings Canyon where I was hoping to see and photograph the Spinifex Pigeon. On one of these days, I found this individual sitting on a rock in the shade under a tree, escaping the heat. (Canon R7 with Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary F5-6.3 DG OS HSM at 600mm, 1/1000 sec, f/8, ISO 1600) Spinifex Pigeon, Kings Canyon, NT Instagram: @raz_brewer_photography Facebook: Raz Brewer Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732152675186-N99E2R9EBZHFUNMEG6RZ/A+rock+and+a+hard+place+by+Cameron+Tyrrell.jpg 2024 gallery - A rock and a hard place by Cameron Tyrrell HIGHLY COMMENDED: HUMAN IMPACT While studying Little Penguins on Montague Island, we noticed this old fishing buoy caught in the rocks. On closer examination, we noticed this little guy caught between the rope, the buoy and the rock. I quickly snapped some shots before we removed the buoy, and the bird was in good condition with no obvious injuries. However, it was truly disheartening to see first-hand the effects that human waste has on this already struggling penguin population. (Sony A7 Mark IV with Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3G OSS at 200mm, 1/400 sec, f/5.6, ISO 8000) Little Penguin, Montague Island, NSW @ctwildlifephotography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732152644709-J38H8DNI378GKU6QYQ3X/Far+from+home+by+Jessica+Hartley.jpg 2024 gallery - Far from home by Jessica Hartley HIGHLY COMMENDED: HUMAN IMPACT This image of a Critically Endangered Eastern Curlew against the backdrop of a container shipping yard highlights the contrast between the bird’s natural habitat and the impinging industrial landscape. Once a safe haven, their homes are overshadowed by development. These wetlands are crucial for the survival of the Eastern Curlew, as they provide essential food and habitat for around 75% of the world’s population. The continued threat of development and clearing of habitat endangers this priority species, emphasising the urgent need to protect their habitat before we lose them forever. (Nikon D850 with AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, 1/4000 sec, f/10, ISO 1600) Eastern Curlew, Nudgee Beach, QLD @jesshart_ley_ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732152690106-FAE4BDHUFV3HWD3MURIA/Fish+out+of+water+by+Cheng+Kang.jpg 2024 gallery - Fish out of water by Cheng Kang HIGHLY COMMENDED: HUMAN IMPACT Australian Pelicans search for prey by submerging their bills underwater and dragging fish up to the surface. I was so surprised when I saw that this pelican had uncovered a discarded plastic water bottle instead. Luckily, in this case, the pelican had the good sense to recognise this was not the fish it was looking for. I fear what would have been the outcome had this not been the case. (Sony ILCE-7RM5 with Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS + 1.4x teleconverter, 1/1250 sec, f/4, ISO 320) Australian Pelican, Point Wilson, VIC @cheng_2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732152723453-1XGU4ZK6ZY75SSM07Z5C/Sharing+by+Erkin+Kalayci.jpg 2024 gallery - Sharing by Erkin Kalayci HIGHLY COMMENDED: HUMAN IMPACT My focus is on the relationship between nature and animals. When I captured this frame, I was photographing Melbourne CBD streets when I came across the man sharing food with his urban avian neighbours. I captured the moment and added more structure and contrast in post-production to create more drama and reveal more detail. (Canon 5D Mark II with Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM at 200mm, 1/500 sec, f/2.8, ISO 100) Rock Dove, Melbourne CBD, VIC Instagram: @erkinkalayci Facebook: Erkin Kalayci Independent Photographer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158458787-63C2DGHPEJFKF9IAW4EC/White-tailed+Tropicbird+Claire+Greenwell.jpg 2024 gallery - Eastern Indian Ocean seabirds by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, located in the tropical eastern Indian Ocean, are a bird lover’s paradise. These remote oceanic islands are of international conservation significance and important breeding sites for 14 breeding seabird species – four boobies, three frigatebirds, three noddies, two tropicbirds, and one tern and shearwater species. Two species, the Christmas Island Frigatebird and Abbott’s Booby, and a further two subspecies, the Great Frigatebird and White-tailed Tropicbird (known locally as the Golden Bosunbird) breed nowhere else on the planet. This series of images showcases the tropicbirds and noddies of Australia’s Indian Ocean Territory. White-tailed Tropicbird, Christmas Island, off WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158454517-VG0BA6QA01RTKQ3TV2VC/White-tailed+Tropicbird+Claire+Greenwell+4.jpg 2024 gallery - Eastern Indian Ocean seabirds by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE Among my personal favourites is the Golden Bosun. It’s not hard to see why – their exquisite golden plumage and long trailing tail (often seen against a turquoise sea), coupled with spectacular courtship flights, is a sight to behold. The Golden Bosun images were captured in two different cliffside locations on Christmas Island as the birds engaged in aerial displays and appeared to be prospecting for a nesting site. White-tailed Tropicbird, Christmas Island, off WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158450670-P959VBBR57IPJI3OY0YW/White-tailed+Tropicbird+Claire+Greenwell+2.jpg 2024 gallery - Eastern Indian Ocean seabirds by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE Characterised by long red tail streamers, iridescent white plumage and a black crescent around the eye, the majestic Red-tailed Tropicbird is a common sight on Christmas Island. Watching their aerial displays as they returned to their cliffside nest sites was a truly wonderful pastime. Their courtship displays consist of flying backwards, vertical displays and circling one another whilst vocalising a guttural croak and cackle. Red-tailed Tropicbird, Christmas Island, off WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158466943-MN5T5OETGKFESDV22JCL/White-tailed+Tropicbird+Claire+Greenwell+3.jpg 2024 gallery - Eastern Indian Ocean seabirds by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE Characterised by long red tail streamers, iridescent white plumage and a black crescent around the eye, the majestic Red-tailed Tropicbird is a common sight on Christmas Island. Watching their aerial displays as they returned to their cliffside nest sites was a truly wonderful pastime. Their courtship displays consist of flying backwards, vertical displays and circling one another whilst vocalising a guttural croak and cackle. Red-tailed Tropicbird, Christmas Island, off WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158448603-VTG40X1XFPMJ1ZKXXBW3/Common+Noddy+by+Claire+Greenwell.jpg 2024 gallery - Eastern Indian Ocean seabirds by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE The Common Noddy is named for its characteristic nodding behaviour during courtship. There are some great spots to watch these birds as they return to their seaside nest sites. Depending on the time of day, photographers can capture some artistic shots – background of turquoise-coloured water, sea spray, backlighting and shadowing. Common Noddy, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island, off WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732158447576-7GIXDQ3VIMRDAOBDFGSY/White+Tern+Claire+Greenwell.jpg 2024 gallery - Eastern Indian Ocean seabirds by Claire Greenwell HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE The ethereal White Tern (or White Noddy) is a breeding resident on several islands within the Cocos (Keeling) group. They nest in trees, laying a single egg directly onto a bare branch, in a depression or fork, or mid-rib of a palm frond. Their white plumage contrasting a striking blue bill and their fish carrying courtship behaviour makes for a particularly pleasing subject. White Tern, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, off WA @fairy.tern https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732161494589-PZV32GA2WAX3GHBMUJ36/Striated+Heron-1.jpg 2024 gallery - Heron v dragonfly by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud waiting as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see them shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! A behaviour I had never seen and certainly wasn’t expecting. Their adaptability, flexibility and skill was amazing to watch. Like most photographers I wished for more/better light, however it is a session I will never forget. A rare privilege to be accepted into their world and capture incredible behaviour. Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732161494782-WQB4J9R1SZE9BMDGTCC7/Striated+Heron-2.jpg 2024 gallery - Heron v dragonfly by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud waiting as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see them shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! A behaviour I had never seen and certainly wasn’t expecting. Their adaptability, flexibility and skill was amazing to watch. Like most photographers I wished for more/better light, however it is a session I will never forget. A rare privilege to be accepted into their world and capture incredible behaviour. Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732161496716-HVVGH943HL03GKORK5UO/Striated+Heron-3.jpg 2024 gallery - Heron v dragonfly by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud waiting as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see them shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! A behaviour I had never seen and certainly wasn’t expecting. Their adaptability, flexibility and skill was amazing to watch. Like most photographers I wished for more/better light, however it is a session I will never forget. A rare privilege to be accepted into their world and capture incredible behaviour. Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732161499819-1GNSLPD937LRC28T55IK/Striated+Heron-4.jpg 2024 gallery - Heron v dragonfly by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud waiting as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see them shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! A behaviour I had never seen and certainly wasn’t expecting. Their adaptability, flexibility and skill was amazing to watch. Like most photographers I wished for more/better light, however it is a session I will never forget. A rare privilege to be accepted into their world and capture incredible behaviour. Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732161499608-VXMV7LM8SJA4EW5TLRFI/Striated+Heron-5.jpg 2024 gallery - Heron v dragonfly by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud waiting as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see them shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! A behaviour I had never seen and certainly wasn’t expecting. Their adaptability, flexibility and skill was amazing to watch. Like most photographers I wished for more/better light, however it is a session I will never forget. A rare privilege to be accepted into their world and capture incredible behaviour. Striated Heron, Broome, WA Instagram: @david_stowe Facebook: David Stowe Photography https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a31e876268b96a68b19278a/1732161501366-CFI26IP3KYKZP6JUY6PP/Striated+Heron-6.jpg 2024 gallery - Heron v dragonfly by David Stowe HIGHLY COMMENDED: PORTFOLIO PRIZE On a recent visit to Broome Bird Observatory, I was keen to photograph Striated Herons catching mudskippers. Whilst patiently lying in the mud waiting as the light started to fade, I was amazed to see them shift their focus from the ground to the sky and leap into the air to repeatedly catch passing dragonflies! A behaviour I had never seen and certainly wasn’t expecting. Their adaptability, flexibility and skill was amazing to watch. Like most photographers I wished for more/better light, however it is a session I will never forget. A rare privilege to be accepted into their world and capture incredible behaviour. 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