WHAT THE JUDGES SAID ABOUT OUR WINNER

‘The softness of the berries and their beautiful colour complement the bird’s plumage and contrast with the harshness of the wood. An outstanding photograph.’ ‘This is a brilliant shot. Birds in flight are notoriously difficult to photograph well so having it sitting in a tree with its head turned towards the photographer gives you the opportunity to see all its beautiful plumage against the red hawthorn berries.’ ‘It’s the combination of textures and colours that sets this photograph apart – the feathers, the berries, the wood. They’re all so different and yet they somehow complement one another.’ ‘This is also a celebration of the fact that the red kite, endangered for some years, is now making something of a comeback. And the eye contact gives such a powerful connection.’ ‘This was taken in the rain; just look at the bird’s feathers. But I like the overall slightly soft quality the moisture lends to the picture. It ticks all the boxes of what you want in a wildlife photograph, a study of a beautiful bird trying to survive in the wild.’ ‘I don’t quite know how the photographer has achieved this but the colour of the berries doesn’t swamp the study of the bird, it sets it off. And I like the fact the kite looks a bit dishevelled, a real bird going about its business.’ ‘I think the bird has just heard the photographer, which is why its head is turned back. Ian’s exquisitely caught a moment in time.’