It was unexpected. And, yes, a first. More than 30 images required reviewing and debate by the judges. Starting from the top and working their way backwards, it was the most difficult judging session EVER! The winners represent mammals, feathered friends, and marine invertebrate and semi-amphibious birds. Once again, our wildlife photographers delivered.
Photographer: Kaelyn De Young
Juvenile Killer Whale
A curious young killer whale calf poked its head above the surface, glancing around as it nestled in a cozy ‘cuddle puddle’ of family members.
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EF100-400mm £4.5-5.6L IS I| USM ISO 400. 400 mm. F5.6
Photographer: JC Wang
American Coot & Cootling
On a quiet lake, a mama American Coot meets her chick’s gaze with unwavering tenderness
Almaden Lake Regional Park
Sony A7r4. Lens: Sony 600mm f/4 and 1.4X teleconverter. f/5.6, 1/1000 sec, ISO-320, 840mm.
Photographer: Kevin Lohman Photography
Giant Green Sea Anemone
A pair of giant green anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica) stretch their tentacles to feed in a shallow tidepool at low tide.
Davenport Landing Beach – Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Nikon Z9, Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens at f/3.0, 1/100 sec, ISO 400
Photographer: Randal Finley Photography
Blue grosbeak streaks across the sunflowers
When you catch a lucky glimpse of a richly colored male jetting over a field of blooming sunflowers, the contrast of his royal blue feathers against the bright lemon yellow flowers is intensely beautiful.
Capay, California.
Nikon Z9, 800 mm, f/6.3, ISO-560, 1/3200th sec.
