Christopher’s wait for kingfisher nets reward

A WICKLOW photographer scooped a top prize in the 11th annual Biodiversity Photographer of the Year competition.

Christopher Howes who is originally from Wicklow town but now lives in Arklow got second prize in the competition for his photographer of a Kingfisher entitled Beauty in Flight.

Christopher said the prize-winning photograph was taken just outside Tinahely.

‘I was told by my friend that there were sightings of a pair of Kingfishers seen in the area so all it took was time and patience.

I nearly gave up after two and a half hours and I just caught a quick glance of one just flying by so I just fired off a few shots hoping to get at least one shot which I was happy with.’

Christopher who is the son of John and Sadie Howes said he took up photography in recent years after his wife bought him a camera.

He came third in the same competition last year so was delighted to improve in this year’s competition.

Christopher is also a member of the Wicklow Town Photography club and was delighted with the outcome. ‘I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all of their support especially my family, friends, club members and The Irish Environmental Network(IEN) staff and also judge Frank Miller.

An exhibition of the winning photographs will be held at the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun in July and the winning photographers will be presented with their prizes by the competition judge and former photo editor at the Irish Times Frank Miller.