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The winners of Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 have been revealed! This year, over 23,000 photos were entered from photographers all over the world, showing the beauty and challenges of birds. The winning images capture everything from amazing moments of birds in flight to important messages about conservation.

These photos not only celebrate birds but also help raise awareness about the need to protect them. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or new to bird photography, these winning shots are sure to impress. Let’s take a look at the incredible winners of this year’s competition!

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#1

Comedy Bird Photo, Highly Commended: "Emperor Spy" By Thomas Vijayan

Penguin with a camera on snowy terrain, representing best avian photography.

© Thomas Vijayan / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

Final score:
28points
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ppepworth avatar
Peppy
Peppy
Community Member
1 year ago

I stuck my beak in and all I see is snow

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    #2

    Black And White, Highly Commended: "Flying At The Right Angle" By Eden Davies

    Unique avian photo featuring a bird in mid-flight, showcasing striking wing symmetry against a plain background.

    © Eden Davies / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    25points
    POST
    angelab_1 avatar
    Angela B
    Angela B
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Hey fighter jet! Can you do...... this? Huh? Can ya? Huh?

    8
    8points
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    #3

    Comedy Bird Photo, Silver: "Open Door" By Robert Gloeckner

    Owl blending into a tree trunk, showcasing expert camouflage in bird photography.

    © Robert Gloeckne / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    24points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    That's exactly how I look when I wake up.

    6
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    #4

    Comedy Bird Photo, Bronze: "Helmetshrikes Preparing To Sleep" By Gary Collyer

    Group of small birds perched on a wire at night, showcasing avian photography from the 2024 awards.

    © Gary Collyer / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    23points
    POST
    meowpoint1 avatar
    meow point1
    meow point1
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    They look like schoolchildren.

    5
    5points
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    #5

    Best Portrait. Silver: "Swanception" By Samual Stone

    Two swans gracefully captured, with one framed by the elegant curve of the other's neck, showcasing avian photography artistry.

    © Samual Stone / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Stunning beauty and grace

    2
    2points
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    #6

    Bird Behaviour, Highly Commended: "Hammer Slam" By Alan Murphy

    Two birds in a dramatic mid-air encounter on snowy ground, highlighting avian photography excellence.

    © Alan Murphy / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    laurieharoldsen avatar
    Laurie Haroldsen
    Laurie Haroldsen
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Nobody puts Baby in the corner

    4
    4points
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    #7

    Birds In Flight, Silver: "Heavenly Elegant Flight" By Nicolas Groffal

    A vibrant bird in flight between two teasels, captured by Bird Photographer of the Year winner, 2024.

    © Nicolas Groffal / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    I love the rainbow-coloured aura around the bird.

    6
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    #8

    Urban Birds, Gold: "Treacherous Journey" By Grzegorz Długosz

    Duck leading ducklings across a road, guided by a traffic officer as part of an award-winning avian photo.

    © Grzegorz Długosz / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The Canada Geese have lost so much habitat in our Alaskan City and many people don’t even slow their cars down to save the lives of the birds trying to live near busy roadways. I wish we had crossing guards for them. 😔

    4
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    #9

    Comedy Bird Photo, Gold: "A Modern Dancer" By Nadia Haq

    Penguin sliding on snow, representing avian photography excellence at the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

    © Nadia Haq / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    22points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    At least s/he pulled it off with a smooth flourish at the end.

    4
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    #10

    Best Portrait, Gold: "Winter Pink" By Alan Murphy

    A bird perched on a snow-covered branch, showcasing a top entry from the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

    © Alan Murphy / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    hannahtaylor_2 avatar
    BrownEyedPanda
    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    💖💕💖

    0
    0points
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    #11

    Best Portrait, Highly Commended: "The Sicklebill's Yawn" By Pablo Andrés Ortega

    A striking bird with a curved beak on a branch, highlighted in avian photography awards.

    © Pablo Andrés Ortega / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    20points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    I admit I have never seen a photo of a sicklebill yawning.

    4
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    #12

    Birds In Flight, Gold: "Dawn's Whispers" By Hermis Haridas

    Avian photo of a bird in flight silhouetted against a golden sunset.

    © Hermis Haridas / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    steveclemens avatar
    IguanaStampede
    IguanaStampede
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Could have called that "Flight of the Phoenix"

    6
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    #13

    Birds In Flight, Highly Commended: "Long Eared Owl Dive" By Daniel Dietrich

    Majestic owl in flight, showcasing one of the best avian photos from Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 Awards.

    © Daniel Dietrich / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    19points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Love those fluffy legs.

    4
    4points
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    #14

    Best Portrait, Highly Commended: "Waterproof" By Christopher Baker

    Close-up of a vibrant mallard duck, showcasing stunning avian photography with water droplets on its feathers.

    © Christopher Baker / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    A perfect demonstration.

    3
    3points
    reply
    #15

    Urban Birds, Highly Commended: "Blood Pheasants And Buddhist Nuns" By Zhengze Xu

    Monks walking in snow with two pheasants, highlighting avian photography with birds in winter scenery.

    © Zhengze Xu / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    18points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Again, what lovely birds.

    3
    3points
    reply

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    Birds In The Environment, Gold: "Immersion" By Kat Zhou

    Underwater shot of three birds swimming gracefully, showcasing award-winning avian photography.

    © Kat Zhou / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    markglass avatar
    Lotekguy
    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    This picture required significant effort.

    4
    4points
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    #17

    Birds In The Environment, Silver: "Surfing On The Other Side" By Levi Fitze

    Avian photo of a bird elegantly gliding through a turquoise wave at the Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024 Awards.

    © Levi Fitze / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    hannahtaylor_2 avatar
    BrownEyedPanda
    BrownEyedPanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The judges' final scores are: 10, 10, 9.5, 10, 10, 10.

    0
    0points
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    #18

    Bird Behaviour, Silver: "Playful Fledgling" By Jack Zhi

    Bird in flight with wings spread wide, capturing a moment of nature's wonder, Bird Photographer of the Year 2024.

    © Jack Zhi / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    #19

    Birds In Flight, Highly Commended: "Purple Heron" By Chen Ein-Dor

    A heron gracefully flying over water, showcasing avian photography excellence.

    © Chen Ein-Dor / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    debandeowyn avatar
    Deborah
    Deborah
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    When I moved to Silver Spring, MD, it was the first time I saw a great blue heron anywhere other than the Eastern Shore. I didn't know they lived this far west.

    3
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    #20

    15-17 Years, Bronze: "Ruby In The Mouth" By Daniel Martínez

    Colorful bird with a dragonfly, illustrating top avian photography in Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024 Awards.

    © Daniel Martínez / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    17points
    POST
    wookiee74 avatar
    Chewie Baron
    Chewie Baron
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    I love Bee Eaters. Especially as I sent a pencil drawing of one to Tony Hart and it was shown in The Gallery! One of the best days of my life.

    3
    3points
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    #21

    Bird Behaviour, Highly Commended: "I Also Want To Eat" By Zhikai Wu

    Avian photography: a bird with its chicks in a serene water setting, capturing a tender family moment.

    © Zhikai Wu / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Oh snap! I LOVE this!

    2
    2points
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    #22

    Black And White, Silver: "Eclipse" By William Steel

    Silhouette of a bird against a full moon in an award-winning avian photo.

    © William Steel / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    16points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Perfect!

    4
    4points
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    #23

    Bird Behaviour, Gold: "Scavenger" By Nathaniel Peck

    Vulture in forest setting next to boar skull, highlighting best avian photography from Bird Photographer of the Year awards.

    © Nathaniel Peck / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    aureliakitchens avatar
    OzymandiasTheManokit They/Them
    OzymandiasTheManokit They/Them
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    ooooooooo that's a nice bear skull!! would be perfect for my collection hehe (context: I collect bones because anatomy is fun and to apparently cast spells according to my neighbor)

    -1
    -1point
    reply
    #24

    Urban Birds, Highly Commended: "Do You Know Where Your Cat Is?" By Linda Dalton Walker

    Duck and ducklings swimming in a pond with a cat observing from the background. Avian photography winner.

    © Linda Dalton Walker / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Lucky for them cats detest getting wet!

    2
    2points
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    #25

    Comedy Bird Photo, Highly Commended: "Hello Down There" By Emma Healey

    Close-up of a bird with white feathers and orange eyes, captured for Bird Photographer of the Year 2024.

    © Emma Healey / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    I didn’t know Phyllis Diller was still alive!

    4
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    #26

    Comedy Bird Photo, Highly Commended: "Opera Owl" By Lorraine Snipper

    Yawning owl perched among branches, showcasing its feathers. Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 entry.

    © Lorraine Snipper / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    15points
    POST
    kaatsje avatar
    Catharina Geerts
    Catharina Geerts
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Looks like he (or she) is yawning

    0
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    #27

    Best Portrait, Highly Commended: "Common Eider Portrait" By Kim Jannike Dahlberg

    Close-up of a striking bird, showcasing its unique markings and symmetry, featured in avian photography awards.

    © Kim Jannike Dahlberg / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    14points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Who says I’m common?!

    3
    3points
    reply
    #28

    Birds In The Environment, Bronze: "Feeding Frenzy" By Jonas Beyer

    Seabird photographed in clear blue water, exemplifying top avian photography from the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

    © Jonas Beyer / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    13points
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    #29

    11 And Under, Gold: "Turbulent Fish Hunt" By Julian Mendla

    A bird with wet plumage gracefully dips its beak into the water, captured in an award-winning avian photograph.

    © Julian Mendla / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    11points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Gorgeous

    2
    2points
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    #30

    Young Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024; 12-14 Years, Gold: "Perspective" By Andrés Luis Domínguez Blanco

    A bird perched on a mossy tree trunk, showcasing vivid avian photography under sunlight.

    © Andrés Luis Domínguez Blanco / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    8points
    POST
    melindaraymer avatar
    Melinda Raymer
    Melinda Raymer
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    The branches parted perfectly to reveal this bird. Beautiful photo!

    2
    2points
    reply
    #31

    Best Portrait, Bronze: "Black Grouse" By Markus Varesvuo

    Majestic bird on snowy ground exhaling visible breath, captured in Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 Awards.

    © Markus Varesvuo / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    7points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Gorgeous!

    1
    1point
    reply
    #32

    Urban Birds, Silver: "Apartment" By Boldizsár Szűcs

    Bird chicks in a nest on a building, cityscape view; award-winning avian photography.

    © Boldizsár Szűcs / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    7points
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    #33

    11 And Under, Bronze: "Common Kingfisher" By Julian Mendla

    A vibrant kingfisher in flight over water, captured in the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

    © Julian Mendla / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    7points
    POST
    ppepworth avatar
    Peppy
    Peppy
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Beautiful birds

    2
    2points
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    #34

    11 And Under, Silver: "Beauty In The Pasture" By Alberto Román Gómez

    Bird perched on a mossy rock, highlighted by sunlight in an award-winning avian photo.

    © Alberto Román Gómez / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    7points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    That is a very pretty bird.

    2
    2points
    reply
    #35

    Birds In The Environment, Highly Commended: "Shoebill" By Ilse Koks

    A shoebill standing among green reeds and purple water lilies, showcasing avian photography.

    © Ilse Koks / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
    POST
    #36

    Black And White, Highly Commended: "Dignified Pretzel" By Julian Łoziński

    A swan gracefully silhouetted on water, showcasing avian beauty from Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 Awards.

    © Julian Łoziński / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #37

    Black And White, Highly Commended: "Art Of Freedom" By Gabor Baross

    Two black and white birds in flight against a plain background, showcasing avian photography excellence.

    © Gabor Baross / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #38

    Urban Birds, Bronze: "Crows Watching TV" By Tomáš Grim

    Silhouetted birds perched on branches with a glowing structure in the background, showcasing avian beauty.

    © Tomáš Grim / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
    POST
    debandeowyn avatar
    Deborah
    Deborah
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    Which show was it?

    0
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    #39

    Urban Birds, Highly Commended: "Key West's Wild Chickens & Roosters" By Bill Klipp

    Roosters crossing a street in an urban setting, featured in Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024 Awards.

    © Bill Klipp / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
    POST
    #40

    Conservation (Single Image), Highly Commended: "Testing Pupillary Light Reflex" By Michael Eastwell

    A bird wrapped in a towel, having its eye examined with a flashlight in dramatic lighting.

    © Michael Eastwell / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
    POST
    angelab_1 avatar
    Angela B
    Angela B
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    You are so gonna lose fingers when I get out of this towel dude.

    2
    2points
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    #41

    15-17 Years, Gold: "Human And Nature" By Emil Wagner

    A bird on a sandy beach with a blurred person and dog in the background, showcasing avian photography excellence.

    © Emil Wagner / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #42

    15-17 Years, Silver: "Great Reed Warbler" By Iga Linka

    Silhouette of a bird perched on a branch against an orange sunset, featured in Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 Awards.

    © Iga Linka / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    6points
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    #43

    Birds In The Environment, Highly Commended: "Burnt Offerings" By David Jackson

    Bird flying over a blazing wildfire, capturing dramatic avian photography.

    © David Jackson / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    5points
    POST
    #44

    Birds In Flight, Highly Commended: "Bramblings" By Mateusz Piesiak

    Flock of birds in flight against a snowy sky, showcasing award-winning avian photography.

    © Mateusz Piesiak / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    5points
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    #45

    Conservation (Single Image), Highly Commended: "Swabbing For Bird Flu" By Glenn Welch

    Person in protective gear tending to albatrosses, exemplifying avian photography excellence.

    © Glenn Welch / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    5points
    POST
    wookiee74 avatar
    Chewie Baron
    Chewie Baron
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Albatross!

    0
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    #46

    12-14 Years, Silver: "Sunset Cockatoo" By Matthew Wu

    Silhouette of a bird in profile, showcasing elegant curves against a dark background, captured for Avian Photo Awards.

    © Matthew Wu / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    5points
    POST
    #47

    Birds In Flight, Bronze: "Water Take-Off" By Suliman Alatiqi

    Avian photo capturing birds underwater, showcasing their elegance and motion, part of Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

    © Suliman Alatiqi / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    4points
    POST
    #48

    Black And White, Bronze: "Snow Turkeys" By Sparky Stensaas

    Birds silhouetted in a snowy forest, showcasing award-winning avian photography from 2024.

    © Sparky Stensaas / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #49

    Conservation (Single Image), Highly Commended: "Trapped" By Yann Bigant

    Hand holding a camouflaged bird cage with a bird inside, capturing avian photography essence in an outdoor setting.

    © Yann Bigant / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    4points
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    #50

    12-14 Years, Bronze: "Aves vs. Arthropoda" By Markus Duhme

    Avian photo featuring a bird pecking at pebbles, highlighted in the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 awards.

    © Markus Duhme / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    4points
    POST
    #51

    Overall Winner And Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024; Conservation (Single Image), Gold: "When Worlds Collide" By Patricia Homonylo

    Aerial view of avian photos arranged in concentric circles for Bird Photographer of the Year 2024.

    © Patricia Homonylo / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    3points
    POST
    #52

    Birds In The Environment, Highly Commended: "Iceberg" By Basileo Stanislao

    Bird flying over icebergs at sunset, showcasing award-winning avian photography.

    © Basileo Stanislao / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    3points
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    #53

    Bird Behaviour, Bronze: "The Attack" By Tom Schandy

    Penguin swimming in turquoise ocean, showcasing avian photography from Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024 Awards.

    © Tom Schandy / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    3points
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    #54

    Bird Behaviour, Highly Commended: "Shearwater At Lunch" By Henley Spiers

    Spectacular avian photo of a bird diving through a dense school of fish underwater, showcasing a dynamic scene.

    © Henley Spiers / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    3points
    POST
    #55

    Black And White, Gold: "Hippo Impression" By David Stowe

    Abstract capture of a bird swimming with wings spread on rippling water, highlighting avian beauty.

    © David Stowe / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    2points
    POST
    #56

    Conservation (Single Image), Silver: "Inmates" By Cheng Kang

    Two colorful birds in separate cages, highlighting avian beauty from the Bird Photographer Of The Year 2024 Awards.

    © Cheng Kang / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    2points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    Poor things.

    3
    3points
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    #57

    Conservation (Single Image), Bronze: "Postmortem" By Joshua Galicki

    White birds perched on a dark rocky cliff, showcasing award-winning avian photography.

    © Joshua Galicki / Bird Photographer of the Year Report

    Final score:
    1point
    POST
    odonnellandco avatar
    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium     1 year ago

    😢

    2
    2points
    reply
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