A birdie told us… Audubon Photography Awards 2024 winners have been revealed

The National Audubon Society announced the winners of its 2024 Photography Awards, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of birds and the talent of photographers who capture them. Now in its 15th year, the contest received over 2,300 entries across North America, highlighting the enduring passion for birds and photography.

The Grand Prize winner is Mathew Malwitz with his incredible image of two blackburnian warblers. This year, a new category, the Birds in Landscapes Prize, was added, encouraging photographers to depict the vital connection between birds and their environments. Whether urban, suburban, or wild, these images capture the broader ecological story. Established favorites like the Plants for Birds Prize and the Youth Prize were also awarded alongside this new category.

Winners and honorable mentions will be prominently featured in the Summer 2024 issue of Audubon magazine, reaching a dedicated readership passionate about birds and conservation. Additionally, select photos and videos will be showcased in online galleries throughout the year, garnering wider exposure for the artists and their subjects.

All entries are judged based on technical quality, originality, and artistic merit, while adhering to Audubon’s ethical guidelines for bird photography and videography. Responsible bird photography ensures the well-being of these magnificent creatures while capturing their essence.

The contest boasts an impressive array of prizes, including the grand prize of $5,000 USD, Professional and Amateur Prizes of $2,500 USD each, and more.

A contest with a cause

While the winning photographs celebrate avian beauty, a somber reality lurks beneath the surface. Audubon’s climate science report, “Survival by Degrees,” reveals a chilling truth – two-thirds of North American birds are at risk of extinction due to climate change. The winning entries, featuring birds like the Blackburnian Warbler and California Quail, serve as a poignant reminder of the species threatened by a warming planet.

The National Audubon Society is a leading voice for bird conservation across the Americas. By protecting birds and their habitats, we safeguard the health of our planet. Learn more about their crucial work and how you can contribute at Audubon’s website. Also, get informed and learn more about the impact of climate change on birds in your area by visiting Audubon’s Birds and Climate Visualizer.

And now, enjoy the remaining awarded images and videos below, and here’s the soundtrack that always plays in the background while I watch the gorgeous photos from this lovely contest.