Photographer Jack Zhi has won the coveted gold award for the Bird Photographer of the Year 2023, thanks to his incredible image capturing a female peregrine falcon striking a brown pelican. Zhi’s dedication and patience paid off, as he spent four years trying to capture this rare and captivating moment.
The stunning photograph shows the peregrine falcon with its wings spread wide, in mid-flight, about to strike its prey. The brown pelican, caught off guard, looks utterly startled. Zhi’s photograph not only captures the intensity of this predatory act but also showcases the natural beauty and power of these magnificent birds.
Another talented individual making waves in the bird photography world is German teenager Anton Trexler, who won the Young Bird Photographer of the Year award. Trexler’s winning image, titled “Blue Hour and Red Moon,” features a black bird set against an illuminated moon. The ethereal and captivating image showcases Trexler’s artistic eye and talent at such a young age.
In addition to Zhi and Trexler’s impressive achievements, several other outstanding photographs received gold, silver, or bronze awards in various categories. Henley Spiers’ image of a blue-footed booby rising with a sardine won silver in the “behavior” category, offering a glimpse into the incredible hunting skills of this particular bird.
Nicolas Reusens’ photograph of a rare green tanager took home the gold award in the “portrait” category. The image beautifully captures the vibrant colors and unique features of this elusive bird.
Rafael Armada’s gold-winning photo in the “birds in flight” category features a sword-billed hummingbird approaching a feeder. The photograph perfectly captures the agility and grace of this hummingbird species.
Meanwhile, Clรฉment Cornec’s silver-winning image in the “birds in their environment” category showcases a group of Emperor penguins on a frozen mountaintop in Antarctica. This photograph not only emphasizes the beauty of these majestic creatures but also highlights the harsh and unforgiving environment they inhabit.
The Bird Photographer of the Year awards aims to celebrate the beauty and diversity of birds, showcasing their incredible capabilities and capturing their essence through breathtaking photography. These mesmerizing images serve as a reminder of the importance of conservation and appreciation for the natural world around us. Congratulations to all winners and participants who continue to inspire and amaze us with their exceptional talent and dedication to the art of bird photography.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”