2019 AUDUBON PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

BIRDS MAKE FASCINATING SUBJECTS, as the winners and honorable mentions of this year’s contest, our 10th, make clear. They’re at once beautiful and resilient, complex and comical. Thank you to the 2,253 entrants from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 10 Canadian provinces and territories for your dedication to appreciating, celebrating, and sharing the wonder of birds and the landscapes they inhabit.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH NATURE’S BEST PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Category: Amateur

Photographer: Kathrin Swoboda

Species: Red-winged Blackbird

Location: Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia

Camera: Nikon D500 with Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens; 1/800 second at f/6.3; ISO 2500

I visit this park near my home to photograph blackbirds on cold mornings, often aiming to capture the “smoke rings” that form from their breath as they sing out. On this occasion, I arrived early on a frigid day and heard the cry of the blackbirds all around the boardwalk. This particular bird was very vociferous, singing long and hard. I looked to set