Celebrating the 15th Annual California Wildlife Photo of the Year. Over the years, 100s of incredible photos have been submitted. Birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Every species has been represented. Choosing the winners never gets easier – the decisions always difficult. We begin a new and share with you this year’s January-February star performers.
Janeen Hermon
Anna’s Hummingbird
UC Davis Arboretum
I frequently visit the UC Davis Arboretum to specifically watch hummingbirds. This bird came within several feet of me and I lucked out with a bright green bush and pretty yellow flowers as the background!
Nikon D500, 600 mm Sigma lens, ISO 1400, f/6.3, 1/4000 sec
Douglas Croft Images
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
A very newborn Risso’s Dolphin, still lumpy and with fetal folds, swims with its mom and a slightly older cousin through the glassy waters of Monterey Bay.
Nikon D500, Tamron 18-400, 1/1600, f11, ISO400
Dan Stevens
Short-eared Owl
Tolay Lake Regional Park, Sonoma County
I was so happy to capture this short-eared owl landing so gracefully on the branch… wings wide, tail spread, eyes locked and everything else fading away for just a second.
Sony A7R5 Sony 300mm 2X ISO 2500 F5.6 1/1250 sec
