The 10th anniversary of the Audubon Photography Awards brought forth some incredible entries. Judges sorted through 2,253 submissions of bird photos from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and 10 Canadian provinces and territories.
The contest is broken down into four categories: Professional, Amateur, Youth, and Plants for Birds. According to the National Audubon Society, “The Plants for Birds Prize was awarded to the highest scoring photograph submitted in the Plants for Birds Division, featuring birds and plants native to the area the photo was taken. The Fisher Prize was awarded to the photograph depicting the most creative approach to bird photography across all divisions.”
The winning photos are published with the goal that people “appreciate the wonder of birds and the places they inhabit.”
Youth Winner
Photo by Sebastian Velasquez
Species: Horned Puffin
Location: Alaska SeaLife Center (accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Seward, Alaska
“Traveling through Alaska I saw Horned and Tufted Puffins from afar, always hoping to get closer. I got my chance at the SeaLife Center. Amid the chaos of native birds swimming, fishing, and zipping past me, I waited for hours for the perfect shot. At last I spotted this secluded puffin in a moment of stillness, preening its feathers, providing a glimpse into a seemingly private moment.”
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