Photographers are often inspired to point their lenses at birds. With their colorful plumage, diverse shapes and sizes and endearing behaviors, these winged creatures can help photographers produce some truly stunning images . The annual Bird Photographer of the Year competition highlights some of the best avian images, from graceful waterfowl to high-flying birds of prey—and many species in between.
This year, the contest announced its results Monday night, revealing a suite of thought-provoking photographs. Beyond spotlighting the beauty of birds , the images spread awareness of the conservation issues facing the creatures today, from human-caused pollution in their environments to the ever-present threat of crashing into windows. Featuring both intriguing bird behavior and poignant reminders of their vulnerability, here’s a snapshot of some of this year’s winners and top finishers.
Patricia Homonylo was crowned this year’s Bird Photographer of the Year for her dramatic image, When Worlds Collide . Her work shows various species of migratory birds that died after colliding with glass windows and other reflective surfaces in Toronto. Homonylo is a Canadian conservation journalist who works with the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), a nonprofit trying to protect birds from window collisions.
During the spring and fall migrations, volunteers with FLAP head out each morning to search for and save birds that have crashed into windows . The majority of the birds they .