Trending Now - 45+ Best Bird Photos Of 2017
Birds are a secretive and mysterious species, which makes them one of the hardest to photograph. The British Trust for Ornithology, however, is taking time to appreciate photographers around the world who have mastered the art of capturing the quiet, gentle beauty of birds, and they’ve just announced their winners for 2017.
The Bird Photographer of the Year competition was initiated in 2015, and reportedly received a flood of entries right away. According to BTO Chief Executive Andy Clements, its aim is “to celebrate the artistry of bird photography and aid conservation by supporting the valuable work carried out by the BTO.” A cash prize of £5,000 (~$6,500 USD) is awarded to the top entry, with smaller amounts of cash, equipment, and merchandise being doled out to the others. This year’s victor? Alejandro Prieto Rojas from Mexico, who submitted a stunning portrait of flamingo feeding their young.
A selection of the winning and short-listed entries are also chosen by the BTO to feature in a special large-format photobook. The 2017 edition is available now, and partial profits from its sales will directly support the BTO’s bird conservation efforts. Scroll down to see some of the most incredible bird photos you might ever lay eyes on, and share this post with the bird-lover in your life.
More info: Bird Photographer of the Year Awards, BTO
Coots fighting by Andrew Parkinson, Derbyshire, UK. Gold award winner in the bird behaviour category
Image credits: Andrew Parkinson / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Calling for the Sun by Ondrej Pelanek, Czech Republic. Gold award winner in Young Bird Photographer of the Year category
Image credits: Ondrej Pelanek / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Catch of the day by Vince Burton, UK. Winner of the Nature Photographers Ltd people’s choice award category
Image credits: Vince Burton / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Camouflage by Daniel Stenberg, Sweden. Honourable mention in birds in the environment category
Image credits: Daniel Stenberg / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Goosander and brood by Jonathan Gaunt, UK. bird behaviour category
Image credits: Jonathan Gaunt / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Daily basket by Ionel Onofras, Romania. best portrait category
Image credits: Ionel Onofras / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
The battle by Jose Garcia, US. bird behaviour category
Image credits: Jose Garcia / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Grey heron, Ahmad Al-essa, Kuwait. Silver award winner in the attention to detail category
Image credits: Ahmad Al-essa/2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Full speed by Faisal Alnomas, Kuwait. bird behaviour category
Image credits: Faisal ALnomas / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Barn owl hovering by Roy Rimmer, UK. bird behaviour category
Image credits: Roy Rimmer / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Pelican portrait by Anna-mart Kruger, Namibia. Best portrait category
Image credits: Anna-mart Kruger / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Pink flamingo feeding their young by Alejandro Prieto Rojas, Mexico. Gold award and Bird Photographer of the Year 2017 winner in the best portrait category
Image credits: Alejandro Prieto Rojas / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Bravery, Pied crow and white-backed vulture by Bence Máté, Hungary. Bird behaviour category
Image credits: Bence Máté / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Orhard nuthatch by Charles Tyler, United Kingdom. Birds in the garden category
Image credits: Charles Tyler / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
David versus goliath by Bruno de Lorenzo, Hungary. Bird behaviour category
Image credits: Bruno de Lorenzo / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Breakfast, Great Egret by Cheryl Schneider, USA. Attention to detail category
Image credits: Cheryl Schneider / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
A perfect landing, australian pelican by Bret Charman, Australia. Gold award winner in birds in flight category
Image credits: Bret Charman / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
All in yellow, blue-headed wagtail by Robert Szafranek, Poland. Birds in the environment category
Image credits: Robert Szafranek / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
I lost my mom, common kingfisher by Fahad Al-enezi, Spain. Bird Behaviour category
Image credits: Fahad Al-enezi / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Wide-angle kite, red kite by Jamie Hall, United Kingdom. Birds in flight category
Image credits: Jamie Hall / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Bearded sunset by Markus Varesvuo, Helsinki, Finland. Winner in best portfolio category and honourable mention for best portrait category
Image credits: Markus Varesvuo / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Twilight by Markus Varesvuo, Kuusamo, Finland. Best portfolio winner in the creative imagery category
Image credits: Markus Varesvuo / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Barn owl hunting by house by Jamie Hall, Suffolk, England. Gold award winner in the birds in the garden category
Image credits: Jamie Hall / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Andean condor in flight over mountain peaks by Ben Hall, UK. Gold award winner in the birds in the environment category
Image credits: Ben Hall / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
Wing Formation by Tom Hines, UK. Gold award winner in the attention to detail category
Image credits: Tom Hines / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
The speculum by Georgina Steytler. Australia. Gold award winner in the creative imagery category
Image credits: Georgina Steytler / 2017 Bird Photographer of the Year Awards
