The Bird Photographer of the Year award has been announced, and Canadian photographer Patricia Homonylo has claimed the top prize for her captivating image titled “When Worlds Collide.” The photograph, taken in Toronto, depicts over 4,000 birds that tragically died colliding with windows and other reflective surfaces in the city.
Homonylo’s powerful image stood out among more than 23,000 entries, highlighting the devastating impact of bird collisions with windows. She shared, “Each year, more than one billion birds die in North America alone due to collisions with windows. I am a conservation photojournalist and have been working with the Fatal Light Awareness Program, where we save window-collision survivors in Toronto.”
The winning entry also secured Homonylo a spot among the winners in the Conservation (Single Image) category. The competition featured a variety of categories, including a Conservation Award, Portfolio Award, and Video Award.
Other notable winners include 14-year-old Spanish photographer Andrés Luis Domínguez Blanco, who won the Young Bird Photographer of the Year award for his creative image of a nuthatch scrambling down an oak tree. The competition showcased a diverse range of bird photography, capturing the beauty and diversity of avian life around the world.
From playful fledglings in Southern California to black grouse in snowy Finland, the winning images offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of birds and their natural habitats. Each photograph tells a unique story, shedding light on the importance of conservation and the need to protect these magnificent creatures.
The Bird Photographer of the Year award celebrates the artistry and passion of photographers who dedicate their talents to capturing the beauty of birds and raising awareness about the challenges they face in an ever-changing world.
