Bird Photographer of the Year winners announced
ALEJANDRO Prieto Rojas from Mexico has been declared this year’s Bird Photographer of the Year. His stunning image, of American Flamingos (above) beat off some stiff competition from photographers around the world who entered the competition, which is now in its third year. He took home the top cash prize of £5,000.
The awards were judged by a large panel of expert judges, led by Chris Packham. The competition is a venture between Nature Photographers Ltd and the British Trust for Ornithology. Open to both professionals and amateurs, the selection of shortlisted and winning images will be featured in a coffee-table book and a touring exhibition. Entries were received from around the world.
One of the aims of the competition is to help support the British Trust for Ornithology, with a percentage of the entry fees and competition profits going directly to the charity. The overall winning image was taken at Río Lagartos, Mexico.
The winner of Young Bird Photographer of the Year was Ondrˇej Pelánek from the Czech Republic, for his image of a Whiskered Tern. A series of images taken by Markus Varesvuo took home the Best Portfolio prize.
Head judge Chris Packham said, ‘ The standard of photography was extremely high, and congratulations must go to Alejandro Prieto Rojas for his sublime image, an incredible balance of colour, composition and emotion.’
Already open for entries, the 2018 competition includes categories such as ‘Birds in the Environment’ and ‘Bird Behaviour’. Entries must be received by 30 November 2017, with entry prices starting at £6. The book Bird Photographer of the Year is available now (£19.99). For more information and to see this year’s winning images, visit birdpoty.co.uk.