We received more than 1,000 submissions to our 2019 Bird Portrait Contest, and now, after combing through the entries, we’re excited to announce the results.
The following slideshow displays our 15 honorable mention images, including photos of Brown Pelican, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Green Jay, plus three great shots of Anhinga. Enjoy!
Photographer: Ken Sheide
Location and date: Alligator Farm, St Augustine, Florida, April 19, 2011
Description: The alligators in the water below keep raccoons, snakes, and any other land-based predators from getting into the trees, which makes the farm an ideal place for birds to nest. I saw Wood Storks, Great Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibis, Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, and the Tricolored Heron pictured on both visits I've made to the farm, and they often perch right next to the boardwalk, creating great bird portrait opportunities. The one downside to nesting at this location is that any birds that fall into the water are almost certain to become alligator food, but the birds obviously feel the protection is worth the risk.
Gear and settings: Canon EOS 50D camera, Canon 500mm f4/L IS lens; Wimberley Sidekick and Arca-Swiss B1 ballhead on top of a Gitzo G1348 carbon fiber tripod; ISO 320 at 1/640th second and f/4, with -1/3 exposure compensation
View the Bird Portrait Contest finalists
View the winners of our 2019 BirdWatching Photography Awards
Enter the 2020 BirdWatching Photography Awards
Enter Outdoor Photographer’s 2020 The American Landscape Photo Contest
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