(Coot, Fulica atra) Derbyshire, England
These fantastically charismatic birds are a joy to work with. They are feisty for 12 months of the year, but this behaviour usually peaks at the beginning of the breeding season when territories are being established.
Clockwise from top left: Nikon D3s, 600mm f/4, 1/600 sec, f/6.3, ISO800; Nikon D3s, 600mm f/4, 1/500 sec, f/4, ISO400; Nikon D2x, 500mm f/4, 1/6000 sec, f/4, ISO400; Nikon D300, 200-400mm f/4, 1/400 sec, f/4, ISO500
The British Wildlife Photography Awards are open to both professional and amateur photographers from any country, and the 15 categories include a film category and two junior ones for young photographers. There is a book and touring exhibition of each year’s shortlisted entries. Next year’s contest opens in February 2017. For details, please visit www.bwpawards.co.uk