The 2026 Audubon Photography Awards: Honorable Mentions

Behind the Shot: I​​​​​​ continuously go to this space and had at all times wished to seize a picture of the Purple-legged Cormorant in flight, framed by the pure arch fashioned by the rocks and bathed within the sundown mild. Nonetheless, I had but to attain that good shot regardless of earlier makes an attempt. On this event, the night mild was magnificent. After a number of tries I lastly caught this cormorant in beautiful element—wings totally unfold, head tilted upward—set in opposition to the rolling waves, which added an additional contact as the sunshine filtered by way of the water. 

Fowl Lore: Primarily birds of chilly nearshore waters, Purple-legged Cormorants happen alongside the Pacific Coast of South America as far north as northern Peru, the place the cool, nutrient-rich Humboldt Present retains the ocean temperature low. On the Atlantic facet, they’re restricted to southern Argentina. These cormorants construct nests of seaweed and particles on ledges of rocky islands or mainland cliffs, and infrequently disperse very removed from their nesting colonies. Some populations have declined severely in recent times, and the species is now categorised as close to threatened.  

Decide’s Take (Sebastian Herzog):  The rocky arch frames the sun-drenched waves at sundown, whereas a solitary cormorant spreads its wings, about to land. Gentle and composition dance on this distinctive scene.  

Behind the Shot: Golden-rumped Euphonias have at all times been considered one of my favourite species; I’m fascinated by how their contrasting blue and yellow tones stand out of their pure habitat. I sought them out in Alto del Zarzo, the place an area vitality firm had carried out an environmental training program. In consequence, the neighborhood was not solely aware of the chook but additionally working in direction of its preservation. Locals pointed me to the place the species’ tune might be heard. Over months, I walked the identical path no less than 5 occasions till, one quiet morning, I noticed a pair perched in a palm.​​​​ ​​​​This dynamic photograph, depicting one of many birds constructing its nest with dried mosses and lichens, exhibits the intimate relationship between these Andean birds and the crops that maintain their life cycle.  

Fowl Lore: Euphonias have been as soon as thought of to be small, odd tanagers, till genetic research confirmed they have been extra carefully associated to finches. Golden-rumped Euphonias are widespread in South America, with pairs and small flocks wandering by way of forests feeding on small fruits. Their favourite is mistletoe; the fruits of those parasitic crops make up the majority of the species’ weight loss program. When it comes time to nest, the female and male work collectively to construct a messy globular construction of grass, moss, and plant fiber, usually on an epiphyte-laden tree. The technique helps disguise their younger from predators.  

Decide’s Take (Claudio Contreras Koob): The flight of this euphonia was masterfully captured on the exact second its wings unfold. The chook’s gaze directs our consideration towards the vegetation the place it’s about to land, highlighting the significance of the setting to the survival of this lovely creature. 
 

Behind the Shot: A 12 months after my spouse and I honeymooned at Cannon Seashore, we got here again to have fun our anniversary. I used to be mesmerized as squadron after squadron of Brown Pelicans flew low throughout the water. I walked a mile up the seashore and found their vacation spot. The place a small creek met the ocean, tons of of pelicans bathed within the recent water. With Haystack Rock within the background, I positioned myself so I might seize one flock and bought eye-level with the pelicans. That’s once I captured the picture of a pelican flying in to hitch the congregation. I used to be bodily shaking after the expertise: an iconic coastal species at an iconic coastal landmark, reminding us that individuals and birds can share the shore. 

Fowl Lore: Brown Pelicans are such acquainted sights alongside the Pacific Coast that it’s simple to imagine they’re at all times round. However the truth is, a few of these birds make main seasonal actions. After breeding in winter and spring, penguins from many colonies in western Mexico and southern California recurrently transfer north alongside the coast starting in early summer time. Flocks of tons of could collect at favored spots in northern California, Oregon, Washington, even southern British Columbia, with numbers peaking in early fall. By late fall the adults are transferring south once more, some flying 1,000 miles or extra for the return journey.  

Decide’s Take (Mary Anne Karren): The Birds With out Borders class seeks to showcase the motion of birds over lengthy distances and linked habitats, and this picture does it  fantastically. The tender fog, muted colours, and iconic panorama create an atmospheric scene, whereas the lone flying chook and the busy, preening flock under converse to fixed motion.  

Behind the Shot: It was a Saturday morning, round 6:30 a.m​​​​. With a bunch of pals, I set out on a hike. Round 300 toes in, we heard the unmistakable name of Spectacled Parrotlets. The big flock flew too excessive to watch carefully; nonetheless, farther on, we noticed the birds once more as we neared a set of timber with hollowed trunks. I started filming one person who was perched, alert, at a trunk entrance. It was then that one other parrotlet emerged from inside and tenderly approached the opposite. ​​Their beaks touched collectively, as if kissing, and we initially thought the pair have been courting and exchanging affections. Upon reviewing the video, we grasped the true nature of the scene: a dad or mum feeding its offspring.  

Fowl Lore: Spectacled Parrotlets are devoted mother and father. Solely the feminine of the pair incubates the eggs, hidden away in a tree gap or different cavity, however the male involves feed her throughout incubation. After the eggs hatch, each mother and father deliver meals for the nestlings. Feeding the chicks is a multi-step course of: The adults swallow seeds, berries, buds, flowers, and different gadgets, partially digest them, after which regurgitate the softened mass instantly into the mouths of their offspring. They regularly introduce them to extra stable meals earlier than the younger fledge after 4 or 5 weeks.   

Decide’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): This video depicts a young second half-hidden from view in a tree hole. Scenes like this have the ability to make nearly anybody fall in love with the fascinating world of birds. As such, this footage powerfully advocates for the necessity to shield all chook species. 

Behind the Shot: A pal and I headed to a wetland on the banks of the Elqui River in November, when the Spectacled Tyrant breeds in Chile. In a spectacular show, the male plummets from excessive, its wings half-closed to disclose its white patches. Simply earlier than touchdown, it performs a 360-degree flip whereas spreading its wings, a maneuver that lasts microseconds. I had tried to seize that exact second beforehand, however I used to be at all times in an excessive amount of of a rush. On this event, armed with a tripod and loads of persistence, we waited for hours. By the top of the day, the picture I’d had in my thoughts turned a actuality. 

Fowl Lore: Whereas many members of the tyrant flycatcher household are drab in coloration and rely solely on voice to defend their territories, the male Spectacled Tyrant is an exception. He wears a flashy sample and exhibits it off, flying excessive after which diving, wings half-spread and calling loudly. The air dashing by way of his wing feathers produces a buzzy whistle. Spectacled Tyrants abandon the southernmost components of their vary in winter, when bugs turn into scarce. These from Chile cross to the east facet of the Andes and proceed northward, whereas these from southern Argentina migrate as far north as Bolivia.  

Decide’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): The background, which appears like a uniformly painted canvas meant to attenuate distractions, permits us to deal with this spectacular shot of a Spectacled Tyrant performing its territorial and courtship flight. The photograph exhibits every of the wing and tail feathers with nearly good symmetry. On the backside fringe of the picture, the information of a plant trace on the chook’s place to begin, permitting us to think about the trajectory of its aerial show. 

Behind the Shot: Out of the nook of my eye, I observed this Purple-tailed Hawk fly throughout a discipline. I zoomed in on the chook and noticed it carried a rodent in its talons. I rushed over when it landed in an oak tree, hoping to {photograph} the hawk earlier than it completed its meal. Fortunately, I discovered it perched out within the open, so I experimented with totally different angles till I bought a pleasant blurry background. My objective was to seize each the gopher’s face and the hawk within the body to emphasise the emotional depth of predation. Quickly, the hawk lifted the useless gopher’s head, and the rodent’s mouth stretched open, showing to scream. 

Fowl Lore: Probably the most acquainted and widespread raptors in North America, Purple-tailed Hawks are widespread in all types of open nation, from farmland to deserts, however they keep away from dense forests. Small mammals make up the majority of their weight loss program. They do a lot of their looking by watching from an elevated perch, however they can even search prey by cruising at average heights and scanning the bottom under. After capturing a prey animal, until it’s too heavy to raise, they are going to carry it to an uncovered perch earlier than they start eating.  

Decide’s Take (Sabine Meyer): Predation is a part of nature’s order, however I used to be impressed that this younger photographer didn’t shrink back from this lethal encounter and labored on recording this “decisive second.” We’re compelled to stare on the gopher’s expression, regardless of the horror it captures. 

Behind the Shot: From a public walkway above a Brandt’s Cormorant colony, I watched as birds repeatedly flew in with nesting materials. To seize this photograph, I slowed my shutter pace whereas panning, which blurred this chook’s wings and stored its head and the bundle of grass sharp. Holding an extended lens made the method more difficult and most frames weren’t useable, however I caught this second. What drew me to this scene was the connection between ocean and cliff—these cormorants depend on marine vegetation like surfgrass to construct and preserve their nests, linking the well being of the nearshore ocean to their success on land. I hope the picture highlights the trouble behind this conduct and the significance of defending coastal ecosystems. 

Fowl Lore: Alongside the Pacific Coast, Brandt’s Cormorants construct massive, messy nests on islands or steep mainland cliffs. The male could start gathering plant materials earlier than discovering a mate, industriously bringing again grass, flowers, and sticks from land or seaweed and surfgrass from the water. His early efforts could not lead to a big construction, nonetheless, as a result of different males within the colony consistently steal unattended materials when he goes out for extra. After he attracts a mate, he continues to deliver extra materials, and each members of the pair participate within the preparations. 

Decide’s Take (Marlene Pantin): This cormorant is clearly targeted on its activity of constructing a nest. The blurred wings within the clouds give an nearly ethereal forged to the photograph, creating a sense of deep tranquility.  

Behind the Shot: This picture was a contented accident. I used to be on my automotive exploring ​​​​the coast across the fishing neighborhood of Talcaruca, filming for my YouTube channel. I used to be drawn to the rocky outcrops, the place the mixture of wind, low-angled daylight, and backlit surf spray created a wonderful tonal gradient. I cherished the setting, however I used to be lacking my foremost character. I drove slowly till​​​​ I discovered a spot the place the whole lot lined up, after which I noticed the Neotropic Cormorant perched on the rock. All of it clicked. The chook’s small presence gave a way of scale to the spectacular panorama, and I made certain to seize the chook’s silhouette in opposition to the sky so it stood out. I hope this picture does somewhat justice to the widespread birds that we regularly overlook in favor of uncommon sightings. 

Fowl Lore: Most of South America’s half-dozen cormorant species are restricted to coastal and offshore waters. The Neotropic Cormorant, in contrast, is tailored to nearly each sort of aquatic habitat. It lives alongside the Amazon and its tributaries, thrives in lowland freshwater marshes and swamps, and even frequents lakes excessive within the Andes. Inside a broad vary from the southern tip of South America to the central United States, it forages like different cormorants, swimming underwater to seize small fishes, crustaceans, and different prey.  

Decide’s Take (Sebastian Herzog): On this placing picture, unusual coastal rock formations bathed in a mystical mist catch the attention, and the birds —perched as in the event that they have been tiny ornaments on the cliffs—are solely noticeable upon nearer inspection. It’s a extremely authentic shot, captured at simply the precise second at sundown and in opposition to the sunshine, leading to a wide range of heat tones that create a deep three-dimensional impact. 

Behind the Shot: I looked for the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird for years. On my first try, I walked for an extended, sunny day, however didn’t see one. The second time, I went again to the identical spot. The realm was filled with flowers this species feeds on, however I had an allergic response, in order that didn’t work out. On my third try, I went to the Uva Nationwide Park and failed once more.​​​​ However then it got here, my huge day. I used to be invited to a website that was filled with flowers in Buga and was in for a shock: greater than 10 hummingbirds, each female and male. They flitted round so quick that I used to be at first ​​​​unsuccessful at capturing their radiance. Then one approached me. I targeted on it simply in time. Because it was about to dart away, I bought this distinctive photograph that captures its sun-drenched colours. 

Fowl Lore: Very small however adorned with sensible colours, the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is widespread in northern South America. It favors comparatively open nation, akin to savannas and forest edges, and even visits metropolis gardens. The feminine takes sole accountability for constructing the tiny, cup-shaped nest and elevating the younger, and he or she is appropriately camouflaged, missing the male’s brilliant hues. On this picture, the nictitating membrane—a translucent “third eyelid” that helps to guard the hummingbird’s eye because it zooms concerning the flowers—is partly closed.  

Decide’s Take (Jaír F. Coll): The photographer captures the dynamic flight of this hummingbird and integrates it right into a harmonious dreamlike setting the place the flower’s orange hues play off these of the chook. The chook’s delicate expression, as if absorbed in its environment, conveys a way of peace, immersing the viewer in a pure trance the place  time appears to face nonetheless. 

Behind the Shot: I took an aluminum pontoon boat pushed by an altogether entertaining captain whereas on a panorama images tour of Caddo Lake, a stunningly lovely bayou in contrast to something I’d ever seen. Not as secure as a houseboat, the pontoon made any critical images a bit difficult. Nonetheless, in case you’ve by no means carried out this, it’s good to. It’s a deal with. A seasonal downpour completely soaked us and added to the problem. As we continued our tour of the bayou, the rain lifted, and we got here right into a darkish bay the place a solitary Nice Blue Heron stood amid the cypress timber. This regal photograph definitely made up for the rain. 

Fowl Lore: No different heron or egret is as widespread in North America because the Nice Blue Heron. It’s the most adaptable species, able to thriving in environment as assorted as broad marshes, slim streams, or rocky coastlines. Its weight loss program is equally assorted. Whereas fishes are on the high of its menu, it would additionally take frogs, crustaceans, bugs, snakes, birds, rodents, and child alligators. In arid areas, it could feed its younger many voles and pocket gophers caught in dry fields. However within the basic environment of a southern cypress swamp, the heron will discover all of the fish it wants.  

Decide’s Take (Owen Reiser): I actually like this picture. It jogs my memory of sitting quietly in a kayak in some peaceable backwater swamp someplace, attempting to not be the person who by accident drops their paddle and scares the whole lot away. Properly carried out!  

Behind the Shot: I started visiting the Ivy Creek Nature Space within the fall and observed a Barred Owl nest field. This spring, I noticed an grownup owl catch a snapping turtle in broad daylight and figured I may need an opportunity to see the household. To maintain a respectful distance from the nest, I introduced my 600mm lens with a 1.4x teleconverter, heavy-duty tripod, and a gimbal head in a big backpack. Not lengthy after I arrange, I heard a squeaky name. Ultimately, I noticed a small grey fluffball perched excessive on a department. It was positively exploring its new setting when moments later, its dad or mum joined and commenced vigorously preening the owlet. Each child is aware of that “loving, however a bit an excessive amount of” sort of parenting—and this child owl was no exception. 

Fowl Lore: Birds of all types spend time preening their plumage, utilizing their payments to wash, straighten, and clean their feathers and down. For Barred Owls, this widespread upkeep exercise additionally has a social operate: Members of a pair could perch shut collectively and take turns preening one another, particularly these hard-to-reach areas of the top and neck, an motion referred to as allopreening. For adults, preening their downy younger nestlings and fledglings is an important a part of parental care, even when the kids don’t at all times appear to get pleasure from it.  

Decide’s Take (Maddy Rifka): The Barred Owl is a species written into totally different tales throughout North America—belonging in a single place, contested in one other. But right here, all of that falls away. What stays is the intimate, knowable act of care: A mom tends to her chick with a quiet certainty that outlasts the noise of opinion. 

Behind the Shot: Whereas exploring an area protect, I noticed a Frequent Nighthawk in flight a number of hundred yards away. These birds are masters of camouflage and are sometimes solely seen as fleeting shadows at nightfall, so recognizing one in late afternoon was a uncommon deal with. I remained completely nonetheless and tracked the chook by way of my 800mm lens, wishing it’d drift somewhat nearer. It did not simply method, it banked towards me. I captured this body the second it touched down on a snag. Seeing a chook that’s normally invisible within the daylight fly and majestically land was a dream come true. To me, this picture exhibits the serendipity of wildlife images and illuminates a not often seen facet of this species. 

Fowl Lore: Frequent Nighthawks do their foraging within the air, zigzagging across the sky in pursuit of flying bugs, particularly at daybreak and nightfall. They typically spend most daytime sitting nonetheless on naked floor or on a horizontal tree department, however their coloration sample helps them stay unnoticed. In comparison with the male, the feminine on this photograph has a smaller white wing patch, buff as a substitute of white on the throat, and lacks a white tail band, giving her even higher floor camouflage as she incubates her mottled eggs.  

Decide’s Take (Stephanie Beilke): What actually excited me about this photograph is that it’s not solely a singular shot of a Frequent Nighthawk coming in for a touchdown, but it surely additionally clearly showcases probably the greatest methods to determine a feminine of the species: the smaller white patch on the underwing. 

Behind the Shot: Bald Eagles are an emblem of untamed endurance, but their survival more and more will depend on our human-created panorama. I continuously see them beside and even within the highway scavenging roadkill, a harmful conduct that brings them into battle with drivers. I found this explicit raptor feeding amid a cluster of wildflowers beside the pavement. I safely parked at a distance and approached on foot, sitting quietly on the gravel shoulder. Because the chook seemed up, I noticed an approaching automotive. I framed the composition so the oncoming headlights have been a looming presence. This picture gives a reminder {that a} roadway isn’t only a place for an eagle to discover a meal—it’s additionally the place the wild world dangers a collision with our fashionable one. 

Fowl Lore: The Bald Eagle’s comeback from inhabitants lows of the Seventies represents one of many nice success tales in chook conservation. However the story is ongoing, and we are able to by no means assume that any species will proceed to be secure. A few of the largest threats to Bald Eagles at this time contain collisions with buildings akin to powerlines and sometimes wind generators. Collisions with autos are additionally a frequent downside: These eagles are sometimes scavengers, and once they feed on road-killed animals on or close to roadways, they might be struck themselves.  

Decide’s Take (Sadie Hine): This picture showcases a well-recognized chook in an surprising scene. Whereas Bald Eagles are sometimes related to wilderness, rivers, and pure coastlines, their city presence is continuously neglected. The photographer captured a fantastically tender picture regardless of the roadside setting, creatively telling a narrative of human-bird coexistence.   

Behind the Shot: Again in 2021, Playa de Llolleo—a stretch of seashore on the mouth of the Maipo River—lacked the authorized protections it has at this time, and autos might drive at full pace throughout the sand. There, American Oystercatchers have been additionally harassed by stray canine and pure predators. To guard these delicate birds, the neighborhood and Ojos del Mar Basis ​​​​​​​​established a safety perimeter and enlisted volunteers like me to watch them. I used to be honored to get to know these three little chicks from the minute they hatched. Right here, I captured my favourite, “Alita” (or Little Wing), surrounded by steel scraps and fishing particles. We by no means discovered what prompted Alita’s injured wing, however we feared he would not have the ability to fly. Fortunately, he did. Watching the three siblings take off for the primary time was the best pleasure.

Fowl Lore: American Oystercatchers are strictly coastal all through their broad vary in North and South America. This reliance on the instant shoreline is usually a legal responsibility as a result of individuals gravitate to seashores as effectively—and our actions are likely to compromise delicate habitat. Happily, these charismatic shorebirds have many admirers, and communities throughout the hemisphere usually come collectively to guard their native nests.  

Decide’s Take (Katherine Sanhueza): This picture captures the immense resilience of a tiny oystercatcher. Within the heat mild of sundown, the tiny chick bravely makes its approach by way of the trash left behind by people, reminding us that even amid air pollution and a fragile setting, life finds a strategy to flourish. It’s a scene that invitations us to replicate on our accountability to guard the ecosystems we share with these birds. 

Behind the Shot: As a birding information in Caquetá, I spend a lot time trying to find spots to take guests. At some point I got here throughout an outdated path within the Andean foothills, the place I recognized a lek of Andean Cock-of-the-rock. However I couldn’t discover the lek on a subsequent go to, so I feared the worst. Though we’ve been working to boost consciousness for conservation, locals typically minimize down forest to plant espresso or create pasture. Regardless of all that, in the future, when escorting a pal, we tried our luck. I’m glad we did. The birds have been so loud we heard them from afar. As we neared, we noticed a dozen males dancing for 2 females. One appeared in a perfect place however the lighting circumstances have been difficult, and my digital camera’s autofocus didn’t lock onto the chook. I rapidly switched to guide mode and snapped this picture—a testomony to nature’s resilience.  

Fowl Lore: You may suppose that the beautiful colours of male Andean Cocks-of-the-rock can be sufficient to draw a mate. However as a substitute of taking it simple, these birds go to extremes to impress a feminine. Males collect at a dancing floor, referred to as a lek, deep contained in the forest. Perching on a naked limb, every shows with bows, leaps, wing-flaps, and nasal croaks. When a feminine visits, the motion rises to a frenzy. If the feminine decides to mate with one of many males—normally the dominant one on the lek—she’ll go off to construct a nest and lift a brood of younger by herself.  

Decide’s Take (Claudio Contreras Koob): On this picture, the Andean Cock-of-the-rock’s vivid crimson blends with the muted inexperienced environment. The composition invitations the viewer to immerse themself within the lush vegetation that completely frames this iconic species.  

For much more standout avian photographs, keep tuned for our judges’ High 100 pictures from the awards—approaching September 23.