10 breathtaking photographs from the 2019 Audubon Photography Awards

Winning photos and honorable mentions were selected from 2,253 entrants from all over the United States, Washington D.C. and 10 Canadian provinces and territories to appreciate the wonder of birds and the places they inhabit. See the favourites below.

This year’s competition marks 10 years of outstanding bird photography. Many of the distinguished photographs portray striking bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, one of Audubon’s founding conservation victories and one of the most important bird conservation laws, which has protected countless birds since 1918.

Here are 10 of the finest images from the competition.

White necked Jacobin by Mariam Kamal, 2019 Amateur winner

Dave and Dave’s Nature Park, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica

Greater Sage Grouse Fight by Elizabeth Boehm, Professional winner

Pinedale, Wyoming

Bald Eagle by Kevin Ebi, Professional honourable mention

San Juan Island National Historical Park, Friday Harbor, Washington

‘The fight began when the bald eagle attempted to steal the rabbit away from the young fox, known as a kit. When the bald eagle grabbed the rabbit, it inadvertently also caught the fox, lifting both more than 20 feet into the air. The fox swung back and forth trying to take the rabbit back. The bald eagle released the fox and flew off with the rabbit. The whole struggle lasted 8 seconds. While bald eagles and foxes occasionally hunt rabbits, it is a relatively rare occurrence. Up to 97 percent of an eagle’s diet consists of fish and birds; red foxes more commonly eat berries, insects and small mammals, like the vole.’ — Kevin Ebi