A glimpse into avian wonders and conservation challenges
Major expeditions and fortuitous encounters led to the striking visuals featured in the 2026 Audubon Photography Awards. One standout moment was captured by Francisco Castro Escobar, who photographed a lesser horned owl, often called “the ghost of the desert,” perched atop a cactus in northern Chile. This rare encounter took place during a dawn hike and won the grand prize for the Chile andColombia contest.
The competition spans two geographical regions: Chile and Colombia, and the U.S. and Canada. This year, Jacqueline Burke claimed the North American grand prize with her dramatic image of a Roseate Spoonbill against a shadowed cove in Florida. and highlight the conservation challenges birds face due to human activities.
Josh Galicki’s poignant photograph of northern gannets in Shetland underscores this theme, showing birds using discarded fishing nets for nests, which pose a perilous threat to them.
Jacqueline Burke. Grand prize, U.S. and Canada: Roseate spoonbill, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, St. Augustine, Florida
The Audubon Photography Awards: Photographic prowess and enduring patience
The array of winning photos showcases diverse bird behaviors and habitats worldwide. From energetic captures of hunting raptors to serene images of nectar-feeding woodpeckers, every shot tells a story of patience and skill. “Photos often require hours, days, or even years of anticipation to seize the perfect moment,” states Audubon.
Josh Galicki. Winner of the Conservation category: Northern gannets, sle of Noss, Shetland Islands, U.K.
Recognition and rewards for photographers
This year, both grand prize winners are awarded $5,000 and a unique voyage to Antarctica with HX Expeditions, enhancing the prizes with an adventure to one of the most remote places on Earth. The prize underscores the competition’s commitment to exploring global bird habitats and conservation.
Photographers from both geographical regions receive accolades across various categories like Birds Without Borders, Conservation, and more. These categories capture different facets of bird life and the conservation issues they encounter.
Juan David Camacho Márquez. Winner of the Youth category for Chile and Colombia: Canada warbler, Doña Dora Birding, El Queremal, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Additional winning images, videos, and honorable mentions are featured on Audubon’s website and will be published in the Fall 2026 print edition of Audubon magazine. As anticipation builds for the next round, the 2027 contest will open for entries on January 13, 2027. Meanwhile, you can explore more breathtaking imagery in this year’s digital galleries.
Timothy Dhalleine. Winner of the Birds in Landscapes, Chile category: Crested caracara, Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic region, Chile
This year’s competition illustrates the interconnectedness of avian species and their habitats, reinforcing a global perspective on bird conservation and appreciation.
Santiago Giraldo. Winner of the Plants for Birds Colombia category: Yellow-eared parrot and Quindio wax palm, Anaime, Cajamarca, Tolima
For more information, visit Audubon’s website and explore how you can participate in the global celebration of avian beauty and resilience.
Camilo Sanabria Grajale. Honorable mention in the Youth category for Chile and Colombia: Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
David Paredes Bravo. Honorable mention in the Plants for Birds, Colombia category: Golden-rumped euphonia and Tillandsia recurvata, Alto del Zarzo, Manizales, Department of Caldas, Colombia
Kevin Lohman. Honorable mention in the Plants for Birds, U.S. and Canada category: Brandt’s cormorant and surfgrass, Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz, California
Red-legged cormorant. Coastal birds of Chile – honorable mention. | Marcelo Carcamo Vera
Great blue heron. Birds in landscapes – honorable mention. | Jay Vanos
Brown pelican. Birds without borders – honorable mention | Erich Podbielski
Bald eagle. Conservation – honorable mention. | Lourdes Venard
Roseate spoonbill with fluffed pink feathers splashing in dark water, water droplets suspended around the bird against a black background.
A volcano erupts in steam and lava as a very small bird flies through the center between them.
Small yellow-green bird perched on a tree branch, partially concealed by leaves, with a soft green and yellow blurred background.
Seabirds on a rocky cliff ledge surrounded by fishing nets; one bird hangs below, tangled in blue netting.
Woodpecker feeding at a white cactus flower among green cactus buds and stems, with a smaller bird perched nearby.
Bird with wings spread flying over a dark, textured wood background.
Common merganser with a reddish-brown crest flying low over blue water, wings spread wide, with an icy background.
Two green parrots with yellow markings at the entrance of a moss-covered tree hole, one perched outside and one inside; background is blurred green foliage.
Green parrot perched on a tall, slender tree trunk with misty, terraced hills and winding dirt paths in the background.
Penguin swimming just below the water’s surface with outstretched wings and trailing ripples, set against a deep blue background.
Two birds standing by a reflective lake, bordered by green vegetation, with snow-capped mountains and dramatic peaks in the distance beneath a cloudy sky.
Francisco Castro Escobar won the grand prize for the Chile and Colombia contest with his photograph of a lesser horned owl perched atop a cactus in northern Chile.
Who won the North American grand prize at the Audubon Awards?
Jacqueline Burke claimed the North American grand prize with her dramatic image of a Roseate Spoonbill against a shadowed cove in Florida.
When does the 2027 Audubon Photography contest open for entries?
The 2027 contest will open for entries on January 13, 2027.
