In the 13 years of the California Wildlife Photo of the Year contest, there have been many firsts. Unsual wildlife, more than three winners in a judging period. the youngest contest winner, a two-time contest winner and more. But never in the 13 years have we had two images of a species in the same bi-monthly entry period. The judges simply couldn’t choose one over the other. So, for July-August 2024, we have two amazing photos of Humpback Whales. There are also two incredible bird photos to round out this segment. Please enjoy the views.
Black Skimmer
San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Photographer: Karen Bilgrai Cohen Photography
OM-1 by OM Systems (formerly Olympus) with Olympus 150-400 lens. 1/1250 sec at f 5.6, ISO 6400
Humpback Whale
Pacifica State Beach
Photographer: Randy Finley Wildlife Photography
Canon R5, Ef 100-400mm, 1.4x
Great Horned Owl Juvenile
Natural Bridges State Beach
Photographer: Kevin Lohman Photography
Nikon Z9 with Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens at 400mm,
1/1000 sec, ISO 12800, handheld
Humpback Whale
Monterey Bay
Photographer: Douglas Croft Images
Nikon Z8, Nikkor 18-400 f8, 1/2000, ISO560
