AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC Nature Photographer of the Year

AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC’s 2017 Nature Photographer of the Year competition is a spectacular celebration of our rich and rare wild beauty.

Kung Foo Fighting Swamphens

Purple swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio

Shelley Pearson, Western Australia

Two cute purple swamphen chicks emerged out of the reeds, falling over each other chasing after the parent. Every now and then the parent stopped to nudge them gently. It was a beautiful interaction to witness and this moment showed the cuteness and clumsiness of the chicks.

South Perth, Western Australia

Canon 1DX, Canon 500 f/4L IS II, 1/2700, f/7.1, ISO 640, handheld

Animal Behaviour Shortlisted image