With so many high scoring photos, the judges had to review 17 images to reach the final four. winners The discussion was heated and lasted for more than an hour. Three of the four winning images were taken by first-time entrants. Always very exciting to have new photographers! Three of the winning photographers are from Southern California and, the fourth that used to live in Southern California now lives in Boise, Idaho.
All four photos were taken in Southern California. That has never happened!
Coyote Pups, Lone Pine
Photographer: Dana Hodgson
Young coyotes rely on each other throughout their development. The wildlife of Owens Lake has flourished since the LADWP has maintained water ponds to lessen dust flurries. These coyote pups surprised me with a pose, as if to say, “Lean on me.”
Sony A1, Sony FE 200–600 mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS , 600mm, f/6.3 1/640s ISO 400
www.facebook.com/dana.hodgdon
Snow Egret Family, Oceanside Harbor
Photographer: Kathy McGaffigan
How fun to find this snowy egret chick and its siblings. Even more fun to watch the parent fly in with a stick. The parent kept moving the stick to have the chick follow it and try to grab it.
Canon R6, RF 100-500mm, 500mm, 1/1250 sec, f8, ISO 320
www.instagram.com/KathyMcGaffigan
Peregrine Falcon, Long Beach
Photographer: Frances Fujii
Once on the brink of extinction, Peregrine Falcons have rebounded thanks to conservationists, protection granted under the Endangered Species Act, and the banning of DDT. Peregrine Falcons nest in cliffs, tall buildings and even bridges. After consuming its prey, this adult female prepares to fly from her cliff side perch to her nest below.
OM-1 Mark II, 150-400mm f/4.5 Pro lens, ISO 1600, 356mm (712mm full frame equivalent), f/4.5, 1/1250 sec.
www.facebook.com/frances.fujii
Burrowing Owl, Sonny Bono Salton Sea NWR
Photographer: Lisa LaPointe
While burrowing owls are generally considered diurnal — active during the daytime — in summertime they emerge from the burrow in the cool early morning hours. I was familiar with this burrow, so I placed my car (as blind) at a respectable distance and waited. Just as the sun began to warm the sky, my subject emerged and was gently illuminated from behind by early light.
Sony a7R3 with Sony 100-400 mm lens and 1.4x teleconverter
www.lisalapointephoto.com
