From February 19 to April 4th, we hosted the "Migratory Birds" photography contest to showcase your talent in capturing migratory birds! The contest featured three categories:
“Dawn and Dusk”: Capture the serene moments of migratory birds during the golden hours of dawn and dusk.
“Urban Migrants”: This category celebrates migratory birds in urban settings, capturing how they adapt to city parks, gardens, and skyscrapers as their stopover or wintering sites.
"Interaction”: This category focuses on capturing the interaction between migratory birds and other wildlife, including humans.
Three certificates were awarded as follows:
The Black-throated Loon (Gavia arctica), also known as the Black-throated Diver in Europe, is native to Norway and spans its breeding habitat across northern Europe, Asia, and North America. This species, which can be spotted in the freshwater lakes and ponds of northern Norway during the breeding season, is distinguished by its dark throat, grey head, and patterned back. A captivating image of the Black-throated Loon, taken either at dawn or dusk, clinched the top spot in the "Dawn and Dusk" category of a photography competition. This accolade highlights the bird's remarkable beauty and emphasizes the importance of documenting nature's splendor during these magical hours. Kudos to Ketil Wardenær for this achievement!
In the vibrant urban setting of Bourgas city, the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) emerges as a stunning subject against the cityscape. Bourgas Lake, renowned as a haven for this species and other migratory birds, provides a captivating scene for this photograph. Captured in Bulgaria, at Bourgas Lake in June 2023, using a Nikon Z9 and Nikkor 800/6.3 S lens, the image beautifully illustrates the pelican's grace amidst urbanity. This exceptional portrayal won the "Urban Migrants" category in a prestigious photography contest, emphasizing the significance of capturing nature's beauty within city bounds. A heartfelt congratulations to Teodora Piralkova for this achievement, which not only showcases the pelican's striking appearance but also underscores the vital connection between urban environments and wildlife.
Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus), as migratory birds, grace the Divjaka-Karavasta National Park in Albania, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and pivotal position in bird migration routes. A photograph showcasing the grace and social behavior of these flamingos within the park secured the top prize in the "Interaction" section of a distinguished photography contest. This award underlines the park's importance as a sanctuary for flamingos and emphasizes the significance of capturing the adaptability and endurance of migratory species in their natural settings. The recognition serves as a testament to the park's ecological value and the compelling beauty of wildlife interactions. Congratulations to Granit Hyseni!
Over the span from February 19 to April 4th, our "Migratory Birds" photography contest successfully highlighted the incredible talent of photographers in capturing the essence of migratory birds. Through categories like "Dawn and Dusk," "Urban Migrants," and "Interaction," participants showcased the beauty, adaptability, and intimate moments of these birds across diverse environments. Winners Ketil Wardenær, Teodora Piralkova, and Granit Hyseni, through their exceptional photographs, not only celebrated the splendor of migratory birds but also emphasized the importance of conservation and awareness. This contest has indeed fostered a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the remarkable journeys of migratory birds.