This is an action shot: the subject(s) must be demonstrating natural behaviour. The subject(s) may be native or feral.
Winner
Worm Wars
Nathan Watson, Western Australia
After migrating thousands of kilometres to Australia, a Bar-tailed Godwit tries to feed on a juicy sandworm. But, at low tide, meals on the sandbar don’t come easy. As soon as the godwit pulls the worm free, a silver gull gives chase and eventually steals the prize.
Judges' Comments
Superb drama has been captured here, with a low angle giving a great perspective on the action. The positioning is spot on, and the whole story is revealed at a glance. Your eye doesn’t want to leave the image.
Runner-Up
Right of Way
John Harrison, New South Wales
A group of Royal Penguins pause mid-march as an Elephant Seal voices objection. Confidently striding up the shoreline earlier, the penguins reconsider their route in the face of overwhelming size and sound. This fleeting negotiation between species, where determination meets dominance, shows that even the boldest procession knows when to hesitate.
Judges' Comments
It’s hard not to laugh at the penguins’ seemingly blown-back crests. Yet instead of being afraid, the penguins seem brave and inquisitive. Thanks to the low camera angle, there’s a sense of being in the front row for the loudest bellow!