Winning photographs
Here are the winning photographs from our exclusive 90th Anniversary Members’ Photo Competition held earlier this year.
We’re very impressed by the quality of the photographs in general – there was a very high standard of entries, which made choosing the winners and the highly commended photographs very difficult.
We’re particularly impressed with the quality of the photos from our 18 years and under Youth category, which clearly demonstrates their passion for birds and nature.
A selection of these beautiful photos will also feature in the 2024 BTO calendar, available from the BTO Shop.
A Star is Born – a portrait for BTO News
This beautiful Barn Owl by Conrad Dickinson exemplifies all the qualities we look for in a photo for the front cover of BTO News: a unique photograph that captures the essence of a species, and is composed in such a way as to leave space for the BTO logo as well as the cover text.
The story behind the Barn Owl, by Conrad Dickinson
In rural West Northumberland we have a good number of nesting Barn Owls. I have tried to help them by erecting a large number of nest boxes near to where I live. We had a very wet, windy, cold snap in February and I noticed a Barn Owl hunting during daytime, as it was clearly in need of food.
The field it was hunting in had been allowed to naturally go wild, so it was perfect habitat for voles. The local farmer gave me permission to conceal myself in the base of the hedgerow and I positioned myself there, hidden beneath a camouflage throw-over bag, waiting for the owl as the early morning sun rose.
I hoped the owl would hunt in front of me in the long grass. After only half an hour the Barn Owl appeared and hovered in front of me as it hunted. I couldn’t believe my luck as I was at eye level with it. And the background was warm and totally diffused. I was delighted when the owl was successful in catching a vole.
I used a Gitzo tripod with a Canon R3 and Canon R600 lens, shooting at 1/2000 second at f4. The ISO was 2000. Although I have licences to photograph at nest locations, this hunting occurred quite a distance away from any nest site.
Fisherman’s Friends
Birds usually found around the coast, out to sea or on rivers or wetlands.
Fisherman’s Friends - Youth
Birds usually found around the coast, out to sea or on rivers or wetlands.
The Usual Suspects
Birds which are easily seen day to day.
The Social Network
More than one bird; a small group or a large flock.
City Slickers
Birds in an urban environment.
The Big Country
Birds in the highlands, lowlands, farmland or woodland.
The Big Country - Youth
Birds in the highlands, lowlands, farmland or woodland.
The Big Country - Youth
Birds in the highlands, lowlands, farmland or woodland.
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If you’d like to take part in exclusive events and competitions like this one, join us today!
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