“`html
In Southern California, Jack Zhi observed a young Peregrine Falcon honing its basic hunting abilities. After a week of practice, the fledgling successfully captured a butterfly mid-air. Zhi seized the moment and took a photograph.
Category: Bird Behaviour. SILVER AWARD WINNER.
This young Peregrine Falcon had been flying for over a week, showing daily improvement in its skills. While still dependent on its parents for food, it began to practice hunting techniques. Although not yet adept at catching live birds in flight, it started by pursuing fluttering butterflies. The fledgling demonstrated remarkable speed and agility to keep up with the delicate creature. Look at that focus! Occasionally successful, it would catch the butterfly, play with it briefly before letting it go free again. Having photographed peregrines for years, this was my first encounter witnessing fledglings engaging playfully with butterflies.Credit: Jack Zhi, United States/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024
The striking image above encapsulates the intense focus of the falcon as it zeroes in on its target—the fluttering butterfly. “The fledgling was successful occasionally; after catching one, it would play with it momentarily before releasing,” Zhi remarked. This captivating photograph earned silver honors in the Bird Behaviour category at the 2024 Bird Photography of the Year competition.
This year’s contest saw over 23,000 submissions from photographers worldwide across eight categories. The coveted title of Bird Photographer of the Year was awarded to Canadian photographer Patricia Homonylo for her poignant piece titled “When Worlds Collide” (shown below). This powerful image depicts more than 4,000 deceased birds that fell victim to collisions with windows and other reflective surfaces found in urban environments.
Category: Conservation (Single Image). GOLD AWARD WINNER AND BIRD PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2024
Each spring and fall migration season sees approximately 1.3 billion birds perish due to window collisions across North America alone. A dedicated network of volunteers ventures out each morning to collect these fallen creatures’ remains—an effort led by FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program), which has been active for over three decades globally searching for bird collision victims each day after such incidents occur.
The annual ‘Bird Layout’ event honors these lost lives through an emotional display where volunteers arrange their bodies artistically while raising awareness about this critical issue affecting avian populations worldwide.Credit: Patricia Seaton Homonylo Canada/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024
Submissions are now open for photographers interested in participating in next year’s competition—the 2025 Bird Photographer of The Year . (To view images fully expanded click here.)
Category: Birds In Their Environment.SILVER AWARD WINNER.
During my visit to Falkland Islands back autumn last year I discovered an area along one beach where Gentoo Penguins surfed through waves returning from their fishing expeditions! After several attempts I finally captured exactly what I envisioned! Historically people hunted entire colonies including Gentoo Penguins primarily targeting their eggs as food sources while also valuing them due largely because they contained fat used mainly rendered oil lighting purposes.Credit : Levi Fitze , Switzerland /Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024
< figure Class = " wp - block - image Size - full " >
< img Width = " 1600 " Height = " 1067 " Loading = ' lazy ' Src = ' https : // www . popsci . com / wp - content / uploads / 2024 /10 / Gold - Birds - In - The - Environment . jpg ? strip = all & amp ; quality =85 ' Alt =" Three underwater swimming birds illuminated by sunlight above." Class =" wp-image-661198 "/>
< figcaption Class =" wp-element-caption">< strong > “IMMERSION” < br > Category : Birds In Their Environment.GOLD AWARD WINNER.< br >< br > Here we see three Northern Gannets diving into ocean waters under bright sunshine off Shetland coastlines ! As Scotland’s largest seabirds they excel remarkably well within aquatic environments capable reaching depths up-to twenty-two meters when diving downwards ! Captured during scuba dive near Noss—home UK’s seventh-largest colony estimated around twenty-five thousand individuals although sadly numbers have drastically declined following recent avian flu outbreaks leaving uncertainty regarding future recovery prospects . Dead herring sourced locally attracted these magnificent creatures towards our boat during shoot session !< em > Credit : Kat Zhou , United States/Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024
< figure Class =" wp-block-image Size-full ">
‘
< fig caption Class="' WP ELEMENT CAPTION">< strong>“OPEN DOOR”< br /> Category : Comedy Bird Photo.SILVER AWARD WINNER.
“““html
Captivating Moments in Bird Photography: A Showcase of Talent
Eastern Screech Owl: A Hidden Gem
This small owl is frequently found in the urban landscapes of Florida. On my commute to work, I noticed a dead palm tree in Clearwater with intriguing holes. Upon revisiting later that day, I discovered this owl curiously peering from its cavity. During nesting season, Eastern Screech Owls often utilize existing holes in trees for their nests.
Credit: Robert Gloeckner, United States/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024
A Nighttime Encounter with Helmetshrikes
Category: Comedy Bird Photo. BRONZE AWARD WINNER.
During a safari in Sabi Sands, South Africa, we paused on our way back to camp one chilly March evening after hearing unusual sounds overhead. As we shone our vehicle’s lamp into the darkness, we spotted these helmetshrikes clustering together as temperatures dropped—a memorable moment amidst Africa’s wildlife.
Credit: Gary Collyer, United Kingdom/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024
The Graceful Adélie Penguin
“A MODERN DANCER”
Category: Comedy Bird Photo. GOLD AWARD WINNER.
While aboard a Zodiac near Brown Bluff in Antarctica with my husband and son, we observed a group of Adélie Penguins on sea ice. As we approached quietly, one penguin began sliding across the ice as if performing an elegant dance move—an unforgettable sight!
Credit: Nadia Haq, United States/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024.
“““html
Wildlife Encounters in West Virginia
In West Virginia, a bear carcass revealed the harsh realities of nature. The animal had succumbed to mange, evident from the noticeable patches of missing fur. After receiving permission to investigate further, I set up a DSLR camera trap to capture images of various wildlife drawn to the scene for scavenging. This setup remained active for six months, and as spring approached, a Turkey Vulture became a regular visitor, often spending hours at the site.
“URBAN NESTING
Category: Urban Birds. SILVER AWARD WINNER.
A resident installed a nest box among flowerbeds on his terrace that attracted Common Kestrels seeking shelter. These birds have adapted well to urban environments due to plentiful food sources and suitable nesting sites provided by tall buildings. By adding more nest boxes like this one, we can enhance their living conditions further. Using a wide-angle lens allowed me to capture several images that I later combined into a panoramic view showcasing the urban backdrop behind these birds.Credit: Boldizsár Szűcs, Hungary/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024
“DANGEROUS CROSSING
Category: Urban Birds. GOLD AWARD WINNER.
The Goosanders breed in parks located about one kilometer from Poland’s vital River Vistula. Due to limited food and safety concerns in their breeding grounds, mothers must quickly guide their young ones towards the river using underground passages and crossing busy highways along the way. Each year volunteers step in to halt traffic during this perilous journey ensuring safe passage for these vulnerable ducklings as they make their way toward nourishment at River Vistula where they can thrive.
This image captures a mother Goosander opting not to use an intimidating underground tunnel but instead crossing over a smaller road with assistance from volunteers who stop traffic while capturing this remarkable event on camera every late April in Warsaw.Credit: Grzegorz Długosz, Poland/Bird Photographer of the Year 2024
“`
