We are thrilled today to announce the first place winner of our 2024 Spring Photography Contest, Sagebrush Rookery, taken in April 2023 by Graham Tobin. We would also like to thank our guest judge and photographer Patricia Joynes for evaluating our contest submissions. Graham will receive a $300 cash prize and regular payment for publication. We will publish our second and third place winners Wednesday and Friday this week.
About his photograph, Graham wrote:
I took this photo of great egret chicks at the Sagebrush Rookery in Tampa, Florida (also called Northlakes Woodstork Colony and Nesting Area). The small island, unexpectedly located in the middle of a residential area, is dominated by wood storks but many other birds, such as little blue herons, tricolored herons, snowy egrets, ibises, and great egrets (Ardea alba), congregate on almost every tree and bush during the spring to nest and raise their young. To the birder, this is a remarkable place to study bird behavior up close; to the photographer, there are countless nests and birds to catch the eye. My lens was quickly drawn to this family of three baby egrets. While their parents tirelessly provided protection and sustenance, the chicks appeared to squabble, (like all siblings?) over space and food. Braving the cacophony of squawks and the ripe smells from so many nests, I tried for an image that was not only well-framed, but also provoked interesting questions. This one worked either by luck or judgment. Are the birds fighting? Is the larger bird on the right dominating the nest? Are they telling stories to each other? Or are they discussing the latest hairstyles? I leave it to you to decide.
Our judge Patricia Joynes describes her first place choice below:
In appreciating a nature photograph of note, the usual elements of composition, color, and subjectivity apply. But the exceptional photos border on an artistic emotional impact….Animals are an intricate part of nature. This photo of the family of white egrets is exceptional and captures one’s emotions. The lighting is perfect. The vivid green is a nice contrast to the pure white of the birds. One can almost “feel” the softness of their feathers as well as the sharpness of their beaks. This could easily be a National Geographic photo.
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Stay tuned for our second place winner coming on Wednesday!
This photograph made me squint then smile – congratulations on a well-deserved 1st Place recognition for a memorable photo!
I love the eyes. A wonderful photograph.
Congratulations to all the winners. There were a number of exceptional photos.
What a wonderful picture! Congratulations! Three lovely birds!
Thank you all for your kind comments. I am fortunate to live where wading birds are common – the challenge now is with the small song birds!
A bright image in dark times. Beautiful. The down feathers shine joy. I drink this image into my heart.