Freeze-frame Be amazed by the winning images in our photo contest

his year, the entries to our annual

Tphoto competition showcased brilliant technical skills and exceptional creativity. The quality of the images spoke of days spent watching wildlife, impeccable fieldcraft, lightning reactions and the patience to wait for hours for the perfect moment.

It was hard to choose the shortlisted images in these pages and also on our website. Congratulations to all our finalists – and particularly to Yvonne Carrington, who captured this dramatic moment, which tells a compelling story without words. And also to 14-year-old Mia, who has won our young photographer category with her beautifully observed resting damselfly.

Yvonne wins a pair of Swarovski CL Companion 8x30 binoculars and Mia wins a pair of Viking Otter 8x32 binoculars. Huge thanks to SWAROVSKI OPTIC and VIKING OPTICAL for sponsoring our competition prizes. n

RUNNERS-UP

colour, it’s fantastic.”

BECAUSE I’M WORTH IT!

BY MIKE DOYLE WWT ARUNDEL

Mike says: “This scaly-sided merganser was taking a bath in the Coastal Creek Aviary, and I wanted to get a good shot as its flowing crest just looked like a well-known hair conditioner advert. The bird’s unpredictable movements made it a challenge.” The jury says: “Mike not only knew there was a gorgeous image opportunity in this bathing merganser, he demonstrated exemplary skills, getting down low, waiting for the perfect moment, and freezing the action and the splash perfectly. Exquisite feather detail, great colour – it’s fantastic.”

THE EYES HAVE IT

BY BEN WOOTTON WWT ARUNDEL

Ben says: “The spectacled eiders were being particularly shy on the day I took this photo. I had to wait three or fours hours for them to come within shooting distance.” The jury says: “Ben’s shot

shows his amazing patience and creativity. Instead of taking an easier and quicker portrait, he waited for this chance to draw the viewer’s attention to this extraordinary graphic composition of colour and form. Well done, Ben.”

BY JONATHAN CUTTLE WWT SLIMBRIDGE

Jonathan says: “When

I spotted these black-tailed godwits roosting from the Rushy Hide, they didn’t look very interesting. So I waited until they woke up and flapped their wings to get a more dynamic image.” The jury says: “Like

three ballet dancers stretching before a performance, these godwits are all legs and angles. Jonathan understands what makes a great image, and has showcased these elegant waders perfectly.”

AUTUMN MIGRATION

BY BILL PICKARD WWT MARTIN MERE

Bill says: “It was late morning in mid-November and I was watching greylag geese come and go from the United Utilities Hide when I realised the sun was in the perfect position behind me to capture a flock flying past the Kingfisher Hide against a backdrop of autumn colours. After waiting for ages, this group flew in the exact direction I wanted.” The jury says: “Bill has

perfectly captured the essence of Martin Mere in autumn. The warm light and rich colours are gorgeous, and the geese are in beautiful formation.”

THE REST OF THE BEST See more of our favourite shots from this year’s contest at wwt.org.uk/ waterlifephoto

STEALTH HUNTER (Above)

BY LUKE KIBBLE WWT SLIMBRIDGE

Luke says: “This image was a case of being in the right place at the right time. I was in the Martin Smith Hide waiting for something to happen when this great egret emerged from the reeds. It was hunting. It paused, then plucked this water shrew out of the reeds and ate it! I couldn’t believe it.” The jury says: “Two incredible species in one photo – Luke’s patience certainly paid off! Add a dash of serendipity and you have a remarkable photo of an incredible and rare moment. The colours are rich, the egret perfectly framed, as it eyes the poor, unfortunate shrew. Absolutely mesmerising.”

YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR (Right)

BY MIA TOTTEN WWT CASTLE ESPIE

Mia says: “This common blue damselfly was photographed in Castle Espie’s car park! To capture a good picture, I had to be very still and wait very patiently for one to land close enough.” The jury says: “With this shot, Mia proves you can take a great nature photo anywhere. She kept her eyes open and spied a photo opportunity where few others would’ve looked. Then she had the incredible patience to wait for the moment she had in her head. Brilliantly executed, this photo showcases the subject against an uncluttered, diffuse green background. One to watch!”

BY CHRIS BROOKS WWT SLIMBRIDGE

Chris says: “Last May, four cute and curious moorhen chicks crossed the path in front of me. When their mother started feeding them, I dropped to the ground, angling my camera slightly upwards towards the young birds. Helped by some amazing and willing subjects, these are some of the best images I’ve captured – all it cost me was a muddy coat and dirty trousers.” The jury says: “Moorhen chicks might not be the best-looking birds, but Chris has made this one look like a supermodel. The low angle and depth of field creates a perfect creamy studio-like backdrop for his subject. Dirty trousers are definitely a price worth paying for this great portrait of an often overlooked species!”

BY GARRY OLDFIELD WWT MARTIN MERE

Garry says: “I took this photo next to the Ron Barker Hide. I saw the owl quartering in the distance and slowly getting closer. I couldn’t believe my luck when it landed on a gate in front of me.” The jury says: “Owls are

often seen at our centres but rarely are such beautiful images captured. Garry has used all his field skills and know-how to get this challenging shot. Sensibly, he moved into a better position to get a clearer view, using the reeds as cover to avoid flushing the owl, and then captured this stunningly detailed portrait amid an evocative reedscape. Nerves of steel!”