This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you'll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/2026-audubon-photography-awards-honorable-mentionsand if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us [ad_1] Coastal Birds, Chile: Marcelo Cárcamo Vera Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Red-legged Cormorant Location: Pilolcura, Los Ríos, ChileCamera: Canon EOS R5 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens at 267mm; 1/1000 second at f/5.6; ISO 1250Behind the Shot: I ceaselessly go to this space and had all the time needed to seize a picture of the Red-legged Cormorant in flight, framed by the pure arch shaped by the rocks and bathed within the sundown gentle. However, I had but to attain that excellent shot regardless of earlier makes an attempt. On this event, the night gentle was magnificent. After a number of tries I lastly caught this cormorant in beautiful element—wings absolutely unfold, head tilted upward—set towards the rolling waves, which added an additional contact as the sunshine filtered by way of the water. Bird Lore: Primarily birds of chilly nearshore waters, Red-legged Cormorants happen alongside the Pacific Coast of South America as far north as northern Peru, the place the cool, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current retains the ocean temperature low. On the Atlantic facet, they're restricted to southern Argentina. These cormorants construct nests of seaweed and particles on ledges of rocky islands or mainland cliffs, and infrequently disperse very removed from their nesting colonies. Some populations have declined severely in recent times, and the species is now categorized as close to threatened. Judge’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): The rocky arch frames the sun-drenched waves at sundown, whereas a solitary cormorant spreads its wings, about to land. Light and composition dance on this distinctive scene. Plants for Birds, Colombia: David Paredes Bravo Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Golden-rumped Euphonia Location: Alto del Zarzo, Caldas, ColombiaCamera: Sony Alpha 1 with a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens at 415mm; 1/3200 second at f/6.3; ISO 3200 Behind the Shot: Golden-rumped Euphonias have all the time been one among my favourite species; I’m fascinated by how their contrasting blue and yellow tones stand out of their pure habitat. I sought them out in Alto del Zarzo, the place a neighborhood vitality firm had applied an environmental training program. As a end result, the group was not solely aware of the chicken but in addition working in direction of its preservation. Locals pointed me to the place the species’ track may very well be heard. Over months, I walked the identical path at the least 5 instances till, one quiet morning, I noticed a pair perched in a palm. This dynamic photograph, depicting one of many birds constructing its nest with dried mosses and lichens, exhibits the intimate relationship between these Andean birds and the crops that maintain their life cycle. Bird Lore: Euphonias have been as soon as thought-about to be small, odd tanagers, till genetic research confirmed they have been extra intently associated to finches. Golden-rumped Euphonias are widespread in South America, with pairs and small flocks wandering by way of forests feeding on small fruits. Their favourite is mistletoe; the fruits of those parasitic crops make up the majority of the species’ weight loss plan. When it comes time to nest, the female and male work collectively to construct a messy globular construction of grass, moss, and plant fiber, typically on an epiphyte-laden tree. The technique helps cover their younger from predators. Judge’s Take (Claudio Contreras Koob): The flight of this euphonia was masterfully captured on the exact second its wings unfold. The chicken’s gaze directs our consideration towards the vegetation the place it's about to land, highlighting the significance of the atmosphere to the survival of this lovely creature. Birds Without Borders: Erich Podbielski Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Brown Pelican Location: Cannon Beach, Oregon, United States Camera: Canon EOS 90D with a Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens; 1/2500 at f/5; ISO 32Behind the Shot: A yr after my spouse and I honeymooned at Cannon Beach, we got here again to have a good time our anniversary. I used to be mesmerized as squadron after squadron of Brown Pelicans flew low throughout the water. I walked a mile up the seashore and found their vacation spot. Where a small creek met the ocean, a whole bunch of pelicans bathed within the recent water. With Haystack Rock within the background, I positioned myself so I may seize one flock and acquired eye-level with the pelicans. That’s once I captured the picture of a pelican flying in to hitch the congregation. I used to be bodily shaking after the expertise: an iconic coastal species at an iconic coastal landmark, reminding us that individuals and birds can share the shore. Bird Lore: Brown Pelicans are such acquainted sights alongside the Pacific Coast that it’s simple to imagine they’re all the time round. But in actual fact, a few of these birds make main seasonal actions. After breeding in winter and spring, penguins from many colonies in western Mexico and southern California often transfer north alongside the coast starting in early summer time. Flocks of a whole bunch might collect at favored spots in northern California, Oregon, Washington, even southern British Columbia, with numbers peaking in early fall. By late fall the adults are shifting south once more, some flying 1,000 miles or extra for the return journey. Judge’s Take (Mary Anne Karren): The Birds Without Borders class seeks to showcase the motion of birds over lengthy distances and linked habitats, and this picture does it superbly. The delicate fog, muted colours, and iconic panorama create an atmospheric scene, whereas the lone flying chicken and the busy, preening flock beneath communicate to fixed motion. Video: Julián Andrés Torres Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Spectacled Parrotlet Location: Location: Buitre de Ciénaga Environmental Education Center, Valle del Cauca, ColombiaCamera: Sony Alpha 7S III with a Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens; 1/250 second; ISO 3000 Behind the Shot: It was a Saturday morning, round 6:30 a.m. With a gaggle of pals, I set out on a hike. Around 300 toes in, we heard the unmistakable name of Spectacled Parrotlets. The massive flock flew too excessive to watch intently; nevertheless, farther on, we noticed the birds once more as we neared a group of timber with hollowed trunks. I started filming one person who was perched, alert, at a trunk entrance. It was then that one other parrotlet emerged from inside and tenderly approached the opposite. Their beaks touched collectively, as if kissing, and we initially thought the pair have been courting and exchanging affections. Upon reviewing the video, we grasped the true nature of the scene: a mother or father feeding its offspring. Bird Lore: Spectacled Parrotlets are devoted dad and mom. Only the feminine of the pair incubates the eggs, hidden away in a tree gap or different cavity, however the male involves feed her throughout incubation. After the eggs hatch, each dad and mom convey meals for the nestlings. Feeding the chicks is a multi-step course of: The adults swallow seeds, berries, buds, flowers, and different gadgets, partially digest them, after which regurgitate the softened mass straight into the mouths of their offspring. They regularly introduce them to extra strong meals earlier than the younger fledge after 4 or 5 weeks. Judge’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): This video depicts a young second half-hidden from view in a tree hole. Scenes like this have the facility to make nearly anybody fall in love with the fascinating world of birds. As such, this footage powerfully advocates for the necessity to shield all chicken species. Birds Without Borders: Rubén Barraza Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Spectacled TyrantLocation: Elqui River Wetlands, La Serena, Coquimbo, Chile Camera: Nikon D500 with a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens at 500mm; 1/2500 second at f/8; ISO 1250Behind the Shot: A pal and I headed to a wetland on the banks of the Elqui River in November, when the Spectacled Tyrant breeds in Chile. In a spectacular show, the male plummets from excessive, its wings half-closed to disclose its white patches. Just earlier than touchdown, it performs a 360-degree flip whereas spreading its wings, a maneuver that lasts microseconds. I had tried to seize that exact second beforehand, however I used to be all the time in an excessive amount of of a rush. On this event, armed with a tripod and loads of persistence, we waited for hours. By the tip of the day, the picture I’d had in my thoughts grew to become a actuality. Bird Lore: While many members of the tyrant flycatcher household are drab in shade and rely solely on voice to defend their territories, the male Spectacled Tyrant is an exception. He wears a flashy sample and exhibits it off, flying excessive after which diving, wings half-spread and calling loudly. The air dashing by way of his wing feathers produces a buzzy whistle. Spectacled Tyrants abandon the southernmost elements of their vary in winter, when bugs develop into scarce. Those from Chile cross to the east facet of the Andes and proceed northward, whereas these from southern Argentina migrate as far north as Bolivia. Judge’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): The background, which seems like a uniformly painted canvas meant to reduce distractions, permits us to concentrate on this spectacular shot of a Spectacled Tyrant performing its territorial and courtship flight. The photograph exhibits every of the wing and tail feathers with nearly excellent symmetry. At the underside fringe of the picture, the ideas of a plant trace on the chicken’s start line, permitting us to think about the trajectory of its aerial show. Youth: Parham Pourahmad Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Red-tailed HawkLocation: Cupertino, California, United States Camera: Nikon Z8 with a Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens; 1/640 sec at f/6.3; ISO 20000Behind the Shot: Out of the nook of my eye, I observed this Red-tailed Hawk fly throughout a subject. I zoomed in on the chicken and noticed it carried a rodent in its talons. I rushed over when it landed in an oak tree, hoping to {photograph} the hawk earlier than it completed its meal. Luckily, I discovered it perched out within the open, so I experimented with totally different angles till I acquired a pleasant blurry background. My purpose was to seize each the gopher’s face and the hawk within the body to emphasise the emotional depth of predation. Soon, the hawk lifted the useless gopher’s head, and the rodent’s mouth stretched open, showing to scream. Bird Lore: The most acquainted and widespread raptors in North America, Red-tailed Hawks are frequent in every kind of open nation, from farmland to deserts, however they keep away from dense forests. Small mammals make up the majority of their weight loss plan. They do a lot of their searching by watching from an elevated perch, however they may even search prey by cruising at reasonable heights and scanning the bottom beneath. After capturing a prey animal, except it's too heavy to raise, they'll carry it to an uncovered perch earlier than they start eating. Judge’s Take (Sabine Meyer): Predation is a part of nature’s order, however I used to be impressed that this younger photographer didn't shrink back from this lethal encounter and labored on recording this “decisive moment.” We are compelled to stare on the gopher’s expression, regardless of the horror it captures. Plants for Birds: Kevin Lohman Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Brandt’s CormorantLocation: Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California, United StatesCamera: Nikon Z9 with a Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens; 1/100 sec at f/2.8; ISO 1100 Behind the Shot: From a public walkway above a Brandt’s Cormorant colony, I watched as birds repeatedly flew in with nesting materials. To seize this photograph, I slowed my shutter velocity whereas panning, which blurred this chicken’s wings and stored its head and the bundle of grass sharp. Holding an extended lens made the method more difficult and most frames weren't useable, however I caught this second. What drew me to this scene was the connection between ocean and cliff—these cormorants depend on marine vegetation like surfgrass to construct and keep their nests, linking the well being of the nearshore ocean to their success on land. I hope the picture highlights the trouble behind this conduct and the significance of defending coastal ecosystems. Bird Lore: Along the Pacific Coast, Brandt’s Cormorants construct massive, messy nests on islands or steep mainland cliffs. The male might start gathering plant materials earlier than discovering a mate, industriously bringing again grass, flowers, and sticks from land or seaweed and surfgrass from the water. His early efforts might not end in a big construction, nevertheless, as a result of different males within the colony continually steal unattended materials when he goes out for extra. After he attracts a mate, he continues to convey extra materials, and each members of the pair participate within the preparations. Judge’s Take (Marlene Pantin): This cormorant is clearly centered on its job of constructing a nest. The blurred wings within the clouds give an nearly ethereal forged to the photograph, creating a sense of deep tranquility. Birds In Landscape, Chile: Paulo Olivier Hanshing Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Neotropic CormorantLocation: Caleta Talcaruca, Coquimbo, ChileCamera: Nikon DF with a Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6; 1/3200 at f/8; ISO 200 Behind the Shot: This picture was a contented accident. I used to be on my automobile exploring the coast across the fishing group of Talcaruca, filming for my YouTube channel. I used to be drawn to the rocky outcrops, the place the mixture of wind, low-angled daylight, and backlit surf spray created a lovely tonal gradient. I liked the setting, however I used to be lacking my important character. I drove slowly till I discovered a spot the place every thing lined up, after which I noticed the Neotropic Cormorant perched on the rock. It all clicked. The chicken’s small presence gave a way of scale to the spectacular panorama, and I made positive to seize the chicken’s silhouette towards the sky so it stood out. I hope this picture does slightly justice to the frequent birds that we regularly overlook in favor of uncommon sightings. Bird Lore: Most of South America’s half-dozen cormorant species are restricted to coastal and offshore waters. The Neotropic Cormorant, against this, is tailored to nearly each type of aquatic habitat. It lives alongside the Amazon and its tributaries, thrives in lowland freshwater marshes and swamps, and even frequents lakes excessive within the Andes. Within a broad vary from the southern tip of South America to the central United States, it forages like different cormorants, swimming underwater to seize small fishes, crustaceans, and different prey. Judge’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): In this hanging picture, unusual coastal rock formations bathed in a mystical mist catch the attention, and the birds —perched as in the event that they have been tiny ornaments on the cliffs—are solely noticeable upon nearer inspection. It is a extremely authentic shot, captured at simply the correct second at sundown and towards the sunshine, leading to a wide range of heat tones that create a deep three-dimensional impact. Youth: Camilo Sanabria Grajales Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Ruby-topaz HummingbirdLocation: Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca, ColombiaCamera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens at 546mm; 1/2500 second at f/6.3; ISO 3200Behind the Shot: I looked for the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird for years. On my first try, I walked for an extended, sunny day, however didn’t see one. The second time, I went again to the identical spot. The space was stuffed with flowers this species feeds on, however I had an allergic response, in order that didn’t work out. On my third try, I went to the Uva National Park and failed once more. But then it got here, my massive day. I used to be invited to a web site that was stuffed with flowers in Buga and was in for a shock: greater than 10 hummingbirds, each female and male. They flitted round so quick that I used to be at first unsuccessful at capturing their radiance. Then one approached me. I centered on it simply in time. As it was about to dart away, I acquired this distinctive photograph that captures its sun-drenched colours. Bird Lore: Very small however adorned with sensible colours, the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is widespread in northern South America. It favors comparatively open nation, equivalent to savannas and forest edges, and even visits metropolis gardens. The feminine takes sole accountability for constructing the tiny, cup-shaped nest and elevating the younger, and he or she is appropriately camouflaged, missing the male’s vibrant hues. In this picture, the nictitating membrane—a translucent “third eyelid” that helps to guard the hummingbird’s eye because it zooms concerning the flowers—is partly closed. Judge’s Take (Jaír F. Coll): The photographer captures the dynamic flight of this hummingbird and integrates it right into a harmonious dreamlike setting the place the flower’s orange hues play off these of the chicken. The chicken’s refined expression, as if absorbed in its environment, conveys a way of peace, immersing the viewer in a pure trance the place time appears to face nonetheless. Birds In Landscapes: Jay Vanos Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Great Blue HeronLocation: Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area, Texas, United StatesCamera: Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens; 1/800 sec at f/6.7; ISO 5000Behind the Shot: I took an aluminum pontoon boat pushed by an altogether entertaining captain whereas on a panorama images tour of Caddo Lake, a stunningly lovely bayou not like something I’d ever seen. Not as steady as a houseboat, the pontoon made any severe images a bit difficult. Still, when you’ve by no means carried out this, you want to. It’s a deal with. A seasonal downpour completely soaked us and added to the problem. As we continued our tour of the bayou, the rain lifted, and we got here right into a darkish bay the place a solitary Great Blue Heron stood amid the cypress timber. This regal photograph definitely made up for the rain. Bird Lore: No different heron or egret is as widespread in North America because the Great Blue Heron. It is essentially the most adaptable species, able to thriving in environment as various as broad marshes, slender streams, or rocky coastlines. Its weight loss plan is equally various. While fishes are on the prime of its menu, it'll additionally take frogs, crustaceans, bugs, snakes, birds, rodents, and child alligators. In arid areas, it might feed its younger many voles and pocket gophers caught in dry fields. But within the traditional environment of a southern cypress swamp, the heron will discover all of the fish it wants. Judge’s Take (Owen Reiser): I actually like this picture. It jogs my memory of sitting quietly in a kayak in some peaceable backwater swamp someplace, attempting to not be the person who by accident drops their paddle and scares every thing away. Nicely carried out! Video: Xiao Hu Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Barred OwlLocation: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States Camera: Canon EOS R5 with a Canon EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM Lens and Canon EF 1.4X III Extender; 1/125 sec at f/7.1; ISO 1600-2000Behind the Shot: I started visiting the Ivy Creek Nature Area within the fall and observed a Barred Owl nest field. This spring, I noticed an grownup owl catch a snapping turtle in broad daylight and figured I might need an opportunity to see the household. To hold a respectful distance from the nest, I introduced my 600mm lens with a 1.4x teleconverter, heavy-duty tripod, and a gimbal head in a big backpack. Not lengthy after I arrange, I heard a squeaky name. Eventually, I noticed a small grey fluffball perched excessive on a department. It was positively exploring its new atmosphere when moments later, its mother or father joined and started vigorously preening the owlet. Every child is aware of that “loving, but a bit too much” type of parenting—and this child owl was no exception. Bird Lore: Birds of every kind spend time preening their plumage, utilizing their payments to scrub, straighten, and easy their feathers and down. For Barred Owls, this frequent upkeep exercise additionally has a social operate: Members of a pair might perch shut collectively and take turns preening one another, particularly these hard-to-reach areas of the top and neck, an motion known as allopreening. For adults, preening their downy younger nestlings and fledglings is a vital a part of parental care, even when the kids don’t all the time appear to get pleasure from it. Judge’s Take (Maddy Rifka): The Barred Owl is a species written into totally different tales throughout North America—belonging in a single place, contested in one other. Yet right here, all of that falls away. What stays is the intimate, knowable act of care: A mom tends to her chick with a quiet certainty that outlasts the noise of opinion. Female Bird Prize: Peter Brannon Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Common NighthawkLocation: Tampa, Florida, United StatesCamera: Nikon Z8 with a Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens; 1/1250 sec at f/6.3; ISO 1000Behind the Shot: While exploring a neighborhood protect, I noticed a Common Nighthawk in flight a number of hundred yards away. These birds are masters of camouflage and are sometimes solely seen as fleeting shadows at nightfall, so recognizing one in late afternoon was a uncommon deal with. I remained completely nonetheless and tracked the chicken by way of my 800mm lens, wishing it would drift slightly nearer. It did not simply method, it banked towards me. I captured this body the second it touched down on a snag. Seeing a chicken that’s often invisible within the daylight fly and majestically land was a dream come true. To me, this picture exhibits the serendipity of wildlife images and illuminates a not often seen facet of this species. Bird Lore: Common Nighthawks do their foraging within the air, zigzagging across the sky in pursuit of flying bugs, particularly at daybreak and nightfall. They usually spend most sunlight hours sitting nonetheless on naked floor or on a horizontal tree department, however their shade sample helps them stay unnoticed. Compared to the male, the feminine on this photograph has a smaller white wing patch, buff as an alternative of white on the throat, and lacks a white tail band, giving her even higher floor camouflage as she incubates her mottled eggs. Judge’s Take (Stephanie Beilke): What actually excited me about this photograph is that it’s not solely a singular shot of a Common Nighthawk coming in for a touchdown, nevertheless it additionally clearly showcases probably the greatest methods to determine a feminine of the species: the smaller white patch on the underwing. Conservation: Lourdes Venard Contest: United States and CanadaSpecies: Bald EagleLocation: Coupeville, Washington, United StatesCamera: Canon EOS R10 with a Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens; 1/1600 sec at f/2.8; ISO 400 Behind the Shot: Bald Eagles are a logo of untamed endurance, but their survival more and more is determined by our human-created panorama. I ceaselessly see them beside and even within the highway scavenging roadkill, a harmful conduct that brings them into battle with drivers. I found this explicit raptor feeding amid a cluster of wildflowers beside the pavement. I safely parked at a distance and approached on foot, sitting quietly on the gravel shoulder. As the chicken seemed up, I noticed an approaching automobile. I framed the composition so the oncoming headlights have been a looming presence. This picture provides a reminder {that a} roadway isn’t only a place for an eagle to discover a meal—it’s additionally the place the wild world dangers a collision with our fashionable one. Bird Lore: The Bald Eagle’s comeback from inhabitants lows of the Nineteen Seventies represents one of many nice success tales in chicken conservation. But the story is ongoing, and we will by no means assume that any species will proceed to be protected. Some of the largest threats to Bald Eagles at present contain collisions with buildings equivalent to powerlines and infrequently wind generators. Collisions with automobiles are additionally a frequent downside: These eagles are sometimes scavengers, and after they feed on road-killed animals on or close to roadways, they might be struck themselves. Judge’s Take (Sadie Hine): This picture showcases a well-known chicken in an surprising scene. While Bald Eagles are sometimes related to wilderness, rivers, and pure coastlines, their city presence is ceaselessly ignored. The photographer captured a superbly delicate picture regardless of the roadside setting, creatively telling a narrative of human-bird coexistence. Conservation: Rodrigo Vega Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: American OystercatcherLocation: Playa de Llolleo, Valparaíso, ChileCamera: Nikon D850 with a Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Lens at 600mm; 1/2000 second at f/9; ISO 500 Behind the Shot: Back in 2021, Playa de Llolleo—a stretch of seashore on the mouth of the Maipo River—lacked the authorized protections it has at present, and automobiles may drive at full velocity throughout the sand. There, American Oystercatchers have been additionally harassed by stray canine and pure predators. To shield these delicate birds, the group and Ojos del Mar Foundation established a safety perimeter and enlisted volunteers like me to observe them. I used to be honored to get to know these three little chicks from the minute they hatched. Here, I captured my favourite, “Alita” (or Little Wing), surrounded by steel scraps and fishing particles. We by no means discovered what triggered Alita’s injured wing, however we feared he would not be capable to fly. Luckily, he did. Watching the three siblings take off for the primary time was the best pleasure.Bird Lore: American Oystercatchers are strictly coastal all through their broad vary in North and South America. This reliance on the quick shoreline is usually a legal responsibility as a result of individuals gravitate to seashores as properly—and our actions are likely to compromise delicate habitat. Fortunately, these charismatic shorebirds have many admirers, and communities throughout the hemisphere typically come collectively to guard their native nests. Judge’s Take (Katherine Sanhueza): This picture captures the immense resilience of a tiny oystercatcher. In the nice and cozy gentle of sundown, the tiny chick bravely makes its approach by way of the trash left behind by people, reminding us that even amid air pollution and a fragile atmosphere, life finds a strategy to flourish. It is a scene that invitations us to mirror on our accountability to guard the ecosystems we share with these birds. Birds in Landscapes, Colombia: Cristian Camilo Castaño Vargas Contest: Chile and ColombiaSpecies: Andean Cock-of-the-rock Location: Vereda Sucre, Caquetá, ColombiaCamera: Nikon D850 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens at 600mm; 1/400 second at f/6.3; ISO 800Behind the Shot: As a birding information in Caquetá, I spend a lot time looking for spots to take guests. One day I got here throughout an outdated path within the Andean foothills, the place I recognized a lek of Andean Cock-of-the-rock. But I couldn’t discover the lek on a subsequent go to, so I feared the worst. Although we’ve been working to boost consciousness for conservation, locals typically reduce down forest to plant espresso or create pasture. Despite all that, sooner or later, when escorting a pal, we tried our luck. I’m glad we did. The birds have been so loud we heard them from afar. As we neared, we noticed a dozen males dancing for 2 females. One appeared in a really perfect place however the lighting situations have been difficult, and my digicam’s autofocus did not lock onto the chicken. I shortly switched to handbook mode and snapped this picture—a testomony to nature’s resilience. Bird Lore: You would possibly suppose that the gorgeous colours of male Andean Cocks-of-the-rock can be sufficient to draw a mate. But as an alternative of taking it simple, these birds go to extremes to impress a feminine. Males collect at a dancing floor, known as a lek, deep contained in the forest. Perching on a naked limb, every shows with bows, leaps, wing-flaps, and nasal croaks. When a feminine visits, the motion rises to a frenzy. If the feminine decides to mate with one of many males—often the dominant one on the lek—she’ll go off to construct a nest and lift a brood of younger by herself. Judge’s Take (Claudio Contreras Koob): In this picture, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock’s vivid purple blends with the muted inexperienced environment. The composition invitations the viewer to immerse themself within the lush vegetation that completely frames this iconic species. For much more standout avian photographs, keep tuned for our judges' Top 100 photographs from the awards—approaching September 23. [ad_2] This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you'll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.audubon.org/magazine/2026-audubon-photography-awards-honorable-mentionsand if you wish to take away this text from our web site please contact us