Today the National Audubon Society announced the winners of the 2024 Audubon Photography Awards. Now in its fifteenth year, the contest features stunning work from professionals, amateurs, and young people that highlights the beauty of birds and the joy of capturing that through photographs and videos. Judges awarded nine prizes, including the new Birds in Landscapes Prize for the top image depicting the relationship between birds and their surroundings. Winning entries and honorable mentions were chosen from more than 2,300 entrants from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and nine Canadian provinces and one territory – including two from the Sunshine State.

Fisher Prize Winner: Douglas DeFelice

Subject: Common Gallinule diving beneath the surface at Tarpon Springs, Florida (see above).

“I was visiting A. L. Anderson Park, capturing images of wildlife as usual. I sat on a bench, observing two Common Gallinules as they rummaged for vegetation to eat. I noticed one diving underwater for food. I don’t see this behavior often, so I tried to capture the gallinule as it submerged. It was almost sunset, and the sun was backlit on the bird. I wanted to capture the water droplets, so I underexposed the image. I was lucky to snap this as the gallinule dove below the surface.” ~ Douglas DeFelice

Video Award Winner: Steven Chu

Subject: Purple Gallinules battling it out in Christmas, Florida.

“On a two-week trip, I spent my first day at the Orlando Wetlands and loved it so much that I wound up going there for the next 13 sunrises and sunsets. I was especially attracted to the Purple Gallinules’ brilliant colors. One day I noticed two birds being bothered by a third. Again and again the intruder flew near the couple, who showed their agitation by squawking. Finally, the pair used their feet to secure the intruder’s head and peck at it a few times. The message was received.” ~ Steven Chu

Award winners and honorable mentions will be featured in the Summer 2024 issue of Audubon magazine, and select photos and videos will also be featured in digital galleries promoted on Audubon's website and social channels throughout the year.

Click here to see the full list of winners.