Kelley Luikey is an award-winning fine art photographer celebrated for her ethereal, painterly bird imagery. Based in South Carolina, she has developed a distinctive soft, dreamy style that captures the intimate beauty of her subjects with uncommon artistry. Her photographs have earned top recognition in national and international competitions, including the National Audubon Society and the North American Nature Photographers Association. Through her work, instruction, and conservation efforts, Kelley inspires others to see and protect the extraordinary world of birds.

We’re excited to share a collection of captivating photographs captured by Luikey. Scroll down to explore her work and learn more about the photographer behind these remarkable images.

More info: KelleyLuikey.com | Instagram | Facebook

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#1

Ballerina Bird

Pink bird preening feathers with soft reflection on calm water in stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer.

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When asked about her first bird love, or “spark bird,” Kelley said: “For me, the bird that started it all – and still is my favorite subject – was the Roseate Spoonbill! Why? Because they are pink! If I heard there were some Roseate Spoonbills hanging out in an area when my kids were little, I would bribe them $10 each to come with me to photograph them. I am not sure what kind of parent that makes me, but hopefully they have fond memories of searching for the pink birds.”
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    #2

    Rufous Tail

    Stunning bird photo of a vibrant green and orange hummingbird approaching a red flower in soft natural light.

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    Final score:
    34points
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    arkangl60 avatar
    Gabby M
    Gabby M
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now is the time for their migration.

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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Feeding from an abutilon flower

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    #3

    Feels So Good

    Small shorebird stretching its wings on a sandy beach in stunning bird photos captured by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    33points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A young plover. Not sure which type

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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Youngster - a type of plover I think

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    Kelley’s work also has a strong conservation message. “Our birds are under more pressure than ever as habitat loss and climate change continue to take shape. My hope is that my images inspire others to care about the birds in their backyard and beyond. Nothing makes me happier than when someone tells me that my images got them hooked on birds! I give back to my local birds by donating 2% of my sales and 100% of my speaking fees to Audubon South Carolina.”
    #4

    In The Rain

    Colorful hummingbird perched on a vibrant tropical flower, captured in stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    33points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Velvet purple hummingbird on a heliconia flower

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    rickermarlene55 avatar
    Marlene Ricker
    Marlene Ricker
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This bird knows how to pose to his best advantage!

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    #5

    Sitting Pretty

    Colorful bird perched on sunflower stem in soft yellow background, a stunning bird photo captured by award-winning photographer.

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    Final score:
    33points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gorgeous like a piece of enamelled jewellery.

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    emilu avatar
    Emilu
    Emilu
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What type of bird is this? It's beautiful ❤️ (I know my pet birds, but I'm clueless with non-pet ones, sadly.)

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    #6

    Forest Flame

    Small bird peeking from hollow in a tree trunk, captured in stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    31points
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    #7

    Ondis Play

    Great egret displaying stunning feathers perched on branches in vibrant nature bird photo by Kelley Luikey.

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    Final score:
    31points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great egret. Nearly lost to the world as their fancy feathers were used to adorn hats

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    #8

    Puff In Moon

    Puffin standing on a rock at night with a large glowing moon in the background, stunning bird photo by Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    31points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saw some last year on Skomer Island. Surprised at how small they were

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    #9

    Ruffled

    Pink bird standing in shallow water with soft pastel background in stunning bird photo by award-winning photographer.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    31points
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    elizabethilling_1 avatar
    Elizabeth ILLING
    Elizabeth ILLING
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect muted background for this femine bird.

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    #10

    Camargue Magic

    Flamingo standing in water with glowing golden bokeh, a stunning bird photo captured by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    30points
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    arkangl60 avatar
    Gabby M
    Gabby M
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just adore Flamingos!!! So pretty in pink.

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    #11

    Enchanted Oak

    Owl perched on moss-covered tree branch in serene forest, showcasing stunning bird photos captured by award-winning photographer.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    30points
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    #12

    Skimmer

    Bird in flight over blurred flock with vibrant sunset background, from stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    30points
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    #13

    Pair Of Pink

    Two flamingos standing and feeding in shallow water, captured in a stunning bird photo by award-winning photographer.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    29points
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    arkangl60 avatar
    Gabby M
    Gabby M
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

     (¯`◕​‿◕´¯) 

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    #14

    A Little Floof

    Roseate spoonbill standing in shallow water at sunrise, a stunning bird photo captured by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    28points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful roseate spoonbill.

    5
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    ginaoxford avatar
    Oxford Ranch
    Oxford Ranch
    Community Member
    Premium     2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love Spoonbill’s!!! So cool!!

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    #15

    Hummingbird perched on a green leaf with soft background, showcasing stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    ceecee_2 avatar
    Cee Cee
    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Andean emerald humming bird.

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    #16

    Summer Boy

    Bright red bird perched on a vibrant sunflower in a field, showcasing stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    26points
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    swade715 avatar
    nomnomborkbork
    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have so many cardinals in my yard. I love their bright flashes of red in the trees.

    2
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    #17

    Ibis And The Fairy Bugs

    White bird perched on a branch with red autumn leaves during snowfall, showcasing stunning bird photography.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    25points
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    #18

    Seaside Smooch

    Two white birds touching beaks in shallow water with pastel sunset background, captured in stunning bird photos by Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    24points
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    #19

    Amidst The Giants

    Blue bird perched on a sunflower bud surrounded by bright yellow sunflowers in stunning bird photos by Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    alexia_1 avatar
    Alexia
    Alexia
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Blue bird of happiness

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    #20

    Nesting Spot

    Great blue heron perched on a tree branch captured in stunning bird photos by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    23points
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    ginaoxford avatar
    Oxford Ranch
    Oxford Ranch
    Community Member
    Premium     2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have one as a resident of my horse pond. He knows I have big fish in there. Couple years ago I seen him eat a 12” Koi. (Was huge). My horses sometimes harass the Heron., but normally he just hangs out waiting for a fish.

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    #21

    August Morning

    White egret standing in shallow water surrounded by green reeds, a stunning bird photo captured by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    22points
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    #22

    Southern Soul

    Owl perched on a tree branch surrounded by hanging moss and green foliage in stunning bird photos by Kelley Luikey.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    22points
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    swade715 avatar
    nomnomborkbork
    nomnomborkbork
    Community Member
    2 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A little annoyed at having his photo taken.

    3
    3points
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    #23

    Spoon Feeding

    Two stunning bird photos of roseate spoonbills captured by award-winning photographer Kelley Luikey at soft pastel sunrise.

    naturemuseimagery Report

    Final score:
    22points
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