Last fall, we sent out a call for entries to our first ever Backyard and City Birds Photo Contest, here on our website. Bird photographers entered more than 600 images taken in yards, parks, and other urban and suburban spots. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest!
Below is a slideshow of our 12 honorable mention images. The images include shots of courting cardinals, hummingbirds, wrens, a nest-building gnatcatcher, and more. Each caption tells the story behind the photo, from the photographers themselves. Enjoy!
We’ll announce the winners on Friday, April 29.
Photo by Caleb Peelle
During the pandemic, I spent a lot of time at my mother's home in Amherst, Massachusetts, where there is a marvelous watershed marsh behind her house. Among the many birds that frequent the house and area, the Barn (and Tree) Swallows are usually flying around too fast for me to keep up with my telephoto lens. However, this year the mother Barn Swallow seemed more comfortable with our deck and our presence, so she allowed her many offspring to perch on the light fixtures and the deck railing. One morning, there were eight of the fledglings all in a row, waiting their turn for mom to bring them a meal!
It was so fascinating to see the in-flight delivery of the food, and the colors captured by the camera seem so amazing to me. I hope to see them feeding again next summer!
July 2021
Want to see more? Here are our 12 finalists.
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