The judging session for May-June 2025 lasted more than two hours. In the 15 years of the wildlife photo contest, this was first! The judges debated long and hard going back and forth trying to pick the top four. There were many high scoring photos – choosing the four winners was difficult. But we think you’ll agree, they made some excellent selections. The photographers, of course, were pleased! Our sponsor, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, has two images in this round. Take time to really explore the winning images on the California Watchable Wildlife website.
Photographer: Brian Sak Photography
Ten-lined June Beetle
Sonora
A Ten-lined June beetle traverses a sunlit log in the Sierra foothills near Sonora, California. Seen from ground level, this often-overlooked insect takes on the presence of a giant, revealing the intricate beauty and complexity hidden beneath our feet.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II, EF100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, 100 mm focal length, 1/400 sec shutter speed, f / 8.0 Aperture, 400 ISO
Photographer: Kevin Lohman Photography
Great Horned Owl & Squirrel
Natural Bridges State Beach
A seven-week-old Great Horned Owl fledgling had just landed on a low branch in a pine tree when a squirrel leaped from above and knocked it from its perch. The owl fell into the grass. The same squirrel repeated the behavior three times during the morning. With a squirrel nest nearby, the attacks may have been an effort to drive a potential predator away from the area. Neither animal appeared to be injured.
Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR lens with 1.4x teleconverter engaged for 560mm, 1/1000 sec, f/4.0, ISO 1000, handheld
Photographer: Lee Greengrass
Cliff Swallows
Mountain View
Two Cliff Swallows join in battle to settle a likely territorial dispute. It’s unknown whether they were able to disengage before hitting the ground.
Nikon Z8 camera w/ Nikkor 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens, shot at 1/4000 sec with f/6.3 aperture and 800 ISO.
Photographer: Dan Stevens
Northern Pygmy Owl & Wood Rat
Markleeville
I was fortunate to photograph this very hard to find small Northern Pygmy Owl along the shores of the East Carson river in Markleeville CA. It was hunting and flew down into the grasses and captured this wood rat. It then flew back up to the branches to show off its catch.
Sony A7rV Sony 300mm. f2.8 1/640 ISO 800
