�ԹϺ���

Grand Prize: Felipe Esteban Toledo Alarcón 

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Ringed Kingfisher
Image Location: Valdivia, Los Ríos, Chile 
Camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV with a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens at 600mm; 1/3200 second at f/6.3; ISO 2500

Behind the Shot: While looking to photograph frogs’ mating rituals at a lagoon in Parque Saval, my friend and I noticed a pair of Ringed Kingfishers hunting fish, completely submerging themselves in the water. No one can ignore such a scene. While the female was far away, the male dove unsuccessfully time and time again—and with each try, he moved closer to us. Even though the sun was not in the perfect position, I set up my camera in burst mode with a high shutter speed, moderate ISO, and “zone” focus. I was ready. After the bird made six dives, I got the image that I’d been chasing: a kingfisher explosively rising out of the water, displaying its beauty, elegance, and power. 

Bird Lore:  The largest of the six kingfisher species in the Americas, the Ringed Kingfisher ranges from Texas to southern South America. In tropical regions, where four or five species may occur together, the birds avoid competition by chasing different prey from different heights. The smallest may sit just inches above the water seeking tiny fish or insects. The Ringed Kingfisher perches up to 30 feet above the surface, watching for medium-size fish and then plunging in headfirst with a mighty splash.

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This masterful image depicts an explosion of precision, energy, and beauty. The composition, the perfect focus in full motion, and the play of the light convey the intensity of the moment. The photograph is notable not only for its impeccable technique but also for the emotional connection it achieves with the viewer.

 Grand Prize: Liron Gertsman 

Contest: United States and Canada  
Species: Magnificent Frigatebird
Image Location: Teacapán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Camera: Canon EOS R5 with a Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art (for Canon EF lenses) and Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R; 1/2500 second at f/16; ISO 160

Behind the Shot: Frigatebirds are a common sight in many coastal towns in Mexico. As a kleptoparasitic species, they may look to steal a meal from other seabirds—or from local fishermen. I photographed these birds as they passed a stunning halo in the sky. These rings of light form when millions of tiny ice crystals in the atmosphere refract sunlight, often when there are high-altitude cirrus or cirrostratus clouds. I utilized a small aperture to ensure both the birds and sky would be sharp and to get a “starburst” effect on the sun in the middle of the frame. 

Bird Lore:  It seems like evolution’s cruel practical joke, but frigatebirds are true seabirds that must avoid landing on the sea. An individual that lands on the surface may struggle to take off again, and if its feathers become soaked, it may drown. So frigatebirds fly over the ocean for days or weeks at a time seeking meals. They are well equipped for the task: A frigatebird’s feathers altogether weigh twice as much as its skeleton.  

Judge’s Take (Daniel Dietrich): This image immediately stood out in this year’s competition. The layers are deep, the silhouettes remarkable, and the whimsical, mystical feeling of the image is outstanding. Planning, timing and skill combined to make this a truly extraordinary moment captured in time.

Birds in Landscapes: Joe Subolefsky 

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Northern Gannet 
Image Location: Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 
Camera: Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens at 15mm; 20 seconds; ISO 6400 

Behind the Shot: I wanted to photograph Northern Gannets against the Milky Way, so I studied the moon phases and planned a trip. Forecasters predicted rain and fog for all three nights I was in Newfoundland, so my chances were limited. I hiked to the colony and waited for clear skies. I used only the rotating light from the nearby lighthouse, which washed over the colony every 30 seconds. Then, for a mere 20 minutes, most of the clouds parted, bringing the stars and Milky Way to life. 

Bird Lore:  Almost all true seabirds nest in colonies, not isolated pairs. One reason is obvious: There’s a vast ocean out there, with endless areas for foraging, while sites for these birds to nest are few. The Northern Gannet ranges throughout the North Atlantic and beyond, but only nests in about three dozen places. These gannetries, on steep, rocky islands or sometimes coastal cliffs, may run to tens of thousands of pairs.  

Judge’s Take (Emily Tallo): This landscape photo stood out to us immediately because it was one of the only entries taken at night. The long exposure allowed the photographer to capture the glint of the roosting birds, the night sky, and the reflection of the Milky Way in the water simultaneously.  The feeling of this photo is otherworldly—it evokes a sense of wonder and connection with the universe.

Birds in Landscapes, Colombia: Shamir Shah   

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Blue-headed Parrot 
Image Location: Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia 
Camera: Nikon D750 with AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens at 120mm; 1/60 second at f/4; ISO 250 

Behind the Shot: On this day, I was documenting trees above a bike path along a busy road and climbed a pedestrian bridge to get a different angle. That’s when I saw these Blue-headed Parrots peeking out from a hollow. This image tells an interesting story: Down below, people in cars and buses are going about their daily business; above, the parrots observe the humans, who, in their rush to progress, miss out on all kinds of expressions of life. 

Bird Lore: Among the more widespread and common parrot species in northern South America, pairs or flocks of Blue-headed Parrots fly with deep, quick wingbeats and shrill cries at treetop level. They seem more adaptable than many other parrots and can even thrive around city edges, as long as each pair can find a tree cavity large enough to hold their nest.

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This image confronts us with a contrast between nature and urbanization while offering a powerful reminder of the resilience of city wildlife. The vertical composition reinforces the visual impact. The captured moment conveys a story that is subtle and profound. 

Birds in Landscapes, Chile: Caro Aravena Costa 

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Chilean Flamingo 
Image Location: Puerto Natales, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica, Chile 
Camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV with a Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens; 1/1000 second at f/16; ISO 64 

Behind the Shot: Despite very few daytime hours, the sunlight in Patagonia is exquisite in winter. After arriving in Puerto Natales, my group walked along the waterfront as the sun began to set and spotted these backlit flamingos. I got my camera, and we walked carefully to the snow- and ice-covered shore. In subfreezing chill, I lay down on the cold ground to take photos. The warm sunlight, which enveloped everything, created a magical atmosphere. 

Bird Lore:  Many think of flamingos as tropical birds, but three South American species live in cold climates. All can be found on the Altiplano, the plateau between the highest ridges of the southern Andes, where they use their odd bills to filter tiny crustaceans, insects, and diatoms from shallow, salty lakes. The most widespread of the three, the Chilean Flamingo, also lives at sea level, all the way to the frigid, extreme south of the continent.  

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This serene and poetic scene transports us to the heart of the Chilean wetlands. The soft light, the reflection in the water, and the harmonious arrangement of the birds create a magical atmosphere. This image invites you to stop, take a deep breath, and contemplate the silent beauty of nature.

Birds Without Borders: Jacobo Giraldo Trejos 

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Royal Tern 
Image Location: San Andrés Island, San Andrés and Providencia, Colombia 
Camera: Canon EOS R50 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens at 562mm; 1/3200 second at f/8; ISO 800 

Behind the Shot: Capturing this image required patience, attention to detail, and, above all, enduring the sun’s intense heat. The adult Royal Tern flew tirelessly, looking for fish to feed its young, which patiently waited on a railing. Many people think that dedication and affection for our young is exclusive to humans, but nature, as usual, proves us wrong. I feel a deep respect for these birds’ efforts: Photographing this moment was a privilege worth every second—and every drop of sweat. 

Bird Lore:  While most songbirds are independent within weeks of leaving the nest, Royal Terns have a long adolescence. Their parents may feed them for up to eight months, even as the family migrates together, some going all the way from the eastern United States to South America’s Pacific coast. So a young Royal Tern begging for food in winter might have hatched nearby—or it might have flown from a thousand miles to the north.  

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This scene, full of action and tenderness, reflects the essence of the birds’ behavior. The moment of the food being delivered in mid-flight, with the adult's wings open and the terns' gazes intertwined, creates a powerful visual narrative. The photo's sharpness, soft background, and perfectly controlled light add to the visual effect.

Birds Without Borders: Yoshiki Nakamura 

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Snow Goose 
Image Location: Mount Vernon, Washington, United States 
Camera: Nikon D850 with a Nikon AFS 600mm f/4e lens and a Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E-II; 1/15 second at f/25; ISO 64 

Behind the Shot: Every winter, tens of thousands of Snow Geese migrate from Siberia to Washington’s Skagit Valley, where they stay from October to April. Massive flocks—some numbering more than 10,000 birds—take off together in breathtaking, synchronized motion. When danger nears, the first few birds flap their wings, sending a cascading signal that triggers a collective launch. Although they move as one, each bird follows its own rhythm and direction, creating a mesmerizing mixture of order and chaos. To express this ephemeral choreography, I used a slow shutter speed. The result is what I call a “melting flight”: a blend of motion, form, and instinct. What I find most beautiful is how this chaos has coherence. There are no collisions, no commands—just a shared sense of movement.

Bird Lore:  Migrating long distances between Arctic nesting grounds and temperate wintering grounds, Snow Geese are creatures of habit. A female ready to breed for the first time usually returns to a place near where she hatched, followed by a male she had met to the south; they mate for life and will return to the same spot every summer. Stopover and wintering sites are also consistent, with young birds learning routes from their parents and huge flocks returning to the same areas year after year.  

Judge’s Take (Daniel Dietrich): One gets pulled so deeply into this magnificent image. The blurred wings of the lifting flock dominate upon first look. It takes little time to then get lost in identifying the hundreds of individual geese emerging from the chaos. Your eyes travel nonstop throughout the image as they seek explanation.  

Conservation: Luis Alberto Peña 

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Savanna Hawk  
Image Location: Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia
Camera: Nikon Coolpix P900 with fixed 24-2000mm f/2.8-6.5 lens at 152mm; 1/500 second at f/5.6; ISO 200 

Behind the Shot: I was photographing birds in a rural area when I came across this fire, which started as a controlled burn to clear rice crop residues but got out of hand. For many people who grow rice in this area, fires are a necessary practice for subsistence. However, these burns can also harm air quality and habitat, especially if they aren’t controlled. As I watched the flames, I noticed a Savanna Hawk. Attentive and patient, this bird never strayed from the dense smoke and heat; in fact, it returned again and again hoping to hunt disoriented animals fleeing the flames. I, on the other hand, eventually had to retreat. Before I left, I captured this visual testimony to one of the many ways that wildlife survives and adapts in the face of extreme environmental conditions.  

Bird Lore: Almost any change in habitat will be harmful for some birds and beneficial for others. In the American tropics, forest cutting has reduced the populations of many species, but some open-country species have thrived and expanded their ranges. The well-named Savanna Hawk is one beneficiary, spreading into newly cleared pasture and farm country. This lanky raptor is usually solitary, but dozens may gather at grass fires, pursuing rodents, snakes, and other creatures escaping the flames.  

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This striking image reflects the reality of environmental challenges by capturing the threat of fire that wildlife face and inviting a reflection on the urgency of conserving our ecosystems. A visually powerful and emotionally moving work. 

Conservation: Jean Hall 

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Burrowing Owl 
Image Location: Marco Island, Florida, United States 
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens at 105mm; 1/1600 second at f/5.6; ISO 1600 

Behind the Shot: As a volunteer with the �ԹϺ��� of the Western Everglades’ Owl Watch program, I’ve spent hours and hours photographing Burrowing Owls. Initially, I was only interested in beauty and behavior shots. Over time, I realized I needed to take a journalistic approach to demonstrate the vulnerability of this imperiled species. I took this image near a construction site. This defiant guy decided to use a huge lumber pile as his roost for days. I returned several times because I never knew if or where he might pop out. Burrowing Owl habitat is almost gone, especially on Marco Island, but the birds’ toughness is hard to defeat. 

Bird Lore: The Burrowing Owl requires large tracts of open ground, preferably with areas of bare soil, for its underground nesting burrows. Such landscapes were once common in North America—both in the West (where prairie dog colonies provided an abundance of holes) and in Florida (where the owls generally dig their own). But the spread of agriculture and extermination of prairie dogs have sharply reduced the owl’s western populations. In Florida, remaining areas of open ground are being eaten up by housing developments.  

Judge’s Take (Lucas Bustamante): We humans continue to expand into wild places, often aggressively displacing local wildlife. This image shocked me immediately because it shows that. This lumber pile used to be a forest—now processed as timber—and yet the Burrowing Owl still finds habitat in such an unnatural place. It’s just one more example of how we can do better. Great storytelling from the photographer. 

Plants for Birds: Barbara Swanson 

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Brandt’s Cormorant 
Image Location: La Jolla, California, United States
Camera: Nikon Z8 with a Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens; 1/4000 second at f/7.1; ISO 4000 

Behind the Shot: I visited La Jolla’s cliffs three times in January, when cormorants were building nests, and with each visit my photos improved. The birds fly in low over the ocean, then swiftly gain altitude, making it hard to predict where each bird will settle. From the moment I spotted this bird flying in from some distance on my third visit, I had only six seconds to focus and snap this image as it prepared to land. I was in the right place, and my camera’s “bird focus” setting helped me keep the cormorant sharp in the frame. The bird carried not only the usual seagrass but also a strand of red grape algae, which glowed like translucent jewels.

Bird Lore: We might not think of seabirds as being reliant on plants, but many of the cormorants use plant material to build substantial nests on rocky ledges. Along the Pacific Coast, Brandt’s Cormorants collect construction material from the shallows and adjacent land, including false eelgrass, goldfield asters, sedges, grasses, seaweeds, and algae, plus feathers and random debris. The male does most of the gathering, but both parents arrange the nest.  

Judge’s Take (Marlene Pantin): With its head erect, blue eyes directly focused on some point outside the frame, and wings open wide as if heralding its arrival, the Brandt’s Cormorant appears to be on an urgent mission to deliver the seaweed to a particular location by a certain time. The photographer captures the vibrant colors of the weeds and upper parts of the bird against the darker background, which enhances and amplifies the depth of the composition and makes this an exceptional photo.

Plants for Birds, Colombia: Cristian Valencia

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Purple-backed Thornbill  
Image Location: Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia  
Camera: Sony Alpha 7 II with a Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary lens at 324mm; 1/1000 second at f/6.3; ISO 2500 

Behind the Shot: I was blessed to work as a bird guide at the Hotel Termales del Ruiz, near Los Nevados National Natural Park. The area is home to a sub-páramo ecosystem, a cool forest rich in biodiversity. I wanted to photograph the Purple-backed Thornbill, so I approached flowers they pollinate. One day, I suddenly saw this specimen up close; I just had to wait patiently to capture its colorful beauty as it fed. I like to share such photos to raise awareness: When we cut down a forest, we also risk losing species like this one. 

Bird Lore:  In the American tropics, many hummingbird species can coexist because they differ in bill shapes and feeding behaviors that evolved with native plants. For example, very long-billed species hover at long, tubular flowers, while curve-billed ones may specialize on curved blooms. The Purple-backed Thornbill, with the shortest bill of any hummingbird, often clings to clusters of small flowers like these Gaiadendron punctatum while it probes each one separately, sometimes reaching the nectar by inserting its bill through slits in the base of the flower tube. It also eats tiny insects, catching them in midair or gleaning them from flowers. 

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This image exemplifies the relationship between native flora and fauna, highlighting the importance of flowers as a vital resource for hummingbirds. The color and sharpness of the frozen action show not only technical mastery but also a deep observation of ecological interaction. It is a living image that educates and marvels. 

Youth: Camilo Sanabria Grajales 

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: Blackburnian Warbler
Image Location: Santiago de Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens at 468mm; 1/640 second at f/6.3; ISO 800 

Behind the Shot: On our way to this year’s Colombia Birdfair, my dad and I pulled over for lunch at the Neblinas restaurant. A little warbler crept up as I walked along the nature trail in the high-altitude cold. Suddenly, the bird caught a moth and shook it vigorously. Astonished as I was, I captured the precise instant of this predator-and-prey interaction in detail as the moth’s scales floated midair, released by each flick of the bird’s beak. To me, this photo reveals the vital relationship between migratory birds and ecosystems that support them. 

Bird Lore:  The Blackburnian Warbler inhabits two very different worlds. It breeds in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, mostly in spruce or hemlock forest. But for the rest of the year, it is a typical bird of the Andes, thriving in cloud forest and subtropical forest at higher elevations. In most upper Andean forests, the Blackburnian is the most common migrant warbler, often joining mixed flocks with tanagers and other residents.  

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This photograph displays delicacy and attention to detail. The sharp focus and natural composition reflect a very promising artistic look. It’s exciting to see young people get involved in conservation through art. An admirable piece of work that bodes well for a bright future in wildlife photography.

Youth: Parham Pourahmad 

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Long-eared Owl 
Image Location: Fremont, California, United States
Camera: Nikon D3500 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens at 600mm; 1/1000 second at f/6.3; ISO 1800 

Behind the Shot: When I heard of a rare Long-eared Owl sighting at Coyote Hills Regional Park, I went to check it out. When I arrived before sunrise, I saw the owl looking for rodents in the park’s grasslands and marshes. It hunted on and off for the next hour, giving me ample time to take photos. The sun rose, shining beautiful colors all over the marsh. When the owl flew by, I framed it with its habitat to demonstrate the connection between the owl and its home. I appreciated the warm lighting and how the owl stood out despite appearing small in the frame. 

Bird Lore:  Long-eared and Short-eared Owls are named for the length of feather tufts on their heads (not connected to their actual ears). The Long-eared is sometimes considered a forest bird because it roosts in trees, while the Short-eared roosts on the ground in marshes and fields. But both species forage in open habitats, coursing back and forth, low over the ground, listening for rodents. 

Judge’s Take (Emily Tallo): This photograph features the beauty of the Long-eared Owl in flight—not a common sight. The layered background shows the many colors of the grass, plants, mist, and treeline at different levels of depth. To me it is the perfect example of how the “golden hour” can create stunning images—the rich golden hues of the owl and the background complement each other magically. A very serene scene from a skilled young photographer! 

Coastal Birds, Chile: Francisco Castro Escobar  

Contest: Chile and Colombia
Species: American Oystercatcher
Image Location: Antofagasta, Antofagasta Province, Chile 
Camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV with a Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens at 600mm; 1/640 second at f/8; ISO 500 

Behind the Shot:  I enjoy birding every weekend in the coastal area of my city. Urban sprawl has affected shorebird habitat, but even so, in summer it is common to see some species strolling among rocky outcrops or the shore. On this occasion, an American Oystercatcher chick and its mother came toward me. I hid, patiently waiting for them to get closer, until I was able to capture this beautiful moment of the mother feeding a mollusk to her chick. The tenderness of an image like this helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting these “coastal warriors,” as I call these birds, who struggle to survive day by day. 

Bird Lore: Oystercatchers are distinctive shorebirds, known by their large, colorful bills and specialized feeding habits. They focus on oysters, clams, mussels, and similar creatures, using a variety of techniques to extract mollusks from their shells. It takes time for babies to learn these methods: While most shorebirds can find their own food almost as soon as they hatch, oystercatcher parents continue to feed their offspring for weeks while youngsters gradually learn to forage on their own. 

Judge’s Take (Natalia Ekelund): This image offers a powerful narrative: an adult feeding his young in a natural and challenging environment. The closeness, sharpness, and warmth of the moment evoke tenderness but also awareness of the vulnerability of shorebirds. It is a striking testimony of parental behavior achieved with great technical skill and sensitivity. 

Female Bird Prize: Sean Pursley

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Chipping Sparrow 
Image Location:  Bogus Basin, Idaho, United States 
Camera: Sony Alpha 1 with a Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens at 840mm and a  Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter; 1/1000 second at f/9; ISO 1250 

Behind the Shot: I decided to head to cooler temperatures in the mountains, about an hour’s drive from Boise. I arrived as the early morning light started to hit the side of the mountain. I made my way on the trail as the filtered light shone through the canopy. It was absolutely magical: I could hear bird sounds all around, feel the cool air, and smell the pines. I then saw two Chipping Sparrows flitting around the bushes. One, carrying nesting material, flew onto a perfectly lit branch. She posed for about 15 seconds. The gifts the universe gives us are so special.  

Bird Lore:  Among our most widespread native songbirds, Chipping Sparrows can be found in summer from coast to coast and from central Alaska to Central America. As expected in such a wide range, they nest in a variety of habitats. In the eastern states they can be very common in suburbs and city parks; farther west, they are often summer residents of mountain woodlands. Pairs stick close together while choosing a nest site and starting to build, but the female handles actual construction.  

Judge’s Take (Martha Harbison): We discovered that Chipping Sparrows are a favorite amongst the judges, and we loved that the photographer spent time to capture such a beautiful photo of an underrated bird. It also felt appropriate that the photo mapped the evolution of the Galbatross Project's understanding of female bird ID. When seeking to improve female bird ID skills, it’s easiest to start with species where males and females look different. The Chipping Sparrow was one of the very first species where we used behavioral cues for a sex identification. If you see a Chipping Sparrow holding nesting material, it’s almost certainly a female.

Video: Tianze Ling 

Contest: United States and Canada
Species: Burrowing Owl
Image Location:  Hollywood, Florida, United States  
Camera: Sony Alpha 7 IV with a Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens at 20mm; 1/60 second at f/4; ISO auto  

Behind the Shot: The field lights allowed me to film this owl pair after dark at the Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome. I used my wide-angle lens to get this clip of the male feeding a gecko to the female as kids play around them. While these owls might not be too bothered by our presence, cars, outdoor cats, and unleashed dogs are all deadly threats, and many who use this space are not aware of these dangers. I hope my work can inform people that we are lucky to have these tiny, adaptable birds around us. We must be respectful around them. 

Bird Lore:  Cowboys in the Old West often referred to Burrowing Owls as “Howdy owls,” because these long-legged gnomes seemed to nod in greeting to passersby. Burrowing Owls can become very tame where people don’t threaten them, and at some sites in Florida they live right alongside golf courses and housing.  

Judge’s Take (Mick Thompson): The scene in this video is both intimate and inspiring, showing how birds can thrive alongside human activity when given space and respect. Filmed at a low angle to give the owls’ perspective, it’s a wonderful reminder that coexistence between birds and people is not only possible but also mutually enriching.

Video: Héctor Morales 

Contest: Chile and  Colombia
Species: Collared Aracari 
Image Location: Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador 
Camera: Nikon Z8 with a Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens at 500mm; 1/500 second at f/6.3; ISO 1400 

Behind the Shot: I initially thought this Collared Aracari was looking for fruit when it landed. Then it began to pull young out of what appeared to be a tanager nest. My wife, cousin, and I watched in silence as, one by one, the chicks were devoured. We did not intervene because we understood the Aracari’s opportunism was nature’s purest form. It was not evil; it was raw survival. What I saw that day changed me, filling me with an awe, sorrow, and discomfort that only the truth can provoke. Nature does not always look like a postcard: Sometimes it is unpredictable and brutal. But in that brutality, there’s beauty.  

Bird Lore:  Aracaris are medium-size toucans usually seen in small groups, hopping through branches or flying from tree to tree in single file, making harsh or squeaky calls as they go. The Collared Aracari feeds mostly on small fruits. However, it’s no vegan: It regularly raids the nests of smaller birds.

Judge's Take (Martín del Río López): This video is quite striking for showing nature as it really is. It's sometimes difficult to watch this type of content, but it's important for people to understand all of the behavior of birds. It's not good to "humanize" animals. 

Want a bird's eye view of where all the winning photos and videos were taken? See our map of the winners below. And if you're like us, and you can't get enough of these standout avian images and stories, check out the runner-up images .  Stay tuned for our judges' Top 100 photos from the awards—coming on September 24.