Photo: BC SPCA
The BC SPCA has announced the winners of its recent photography contest in two separate categories: backyard habitats and wild settings.
Now in its 11th year, the annual contest features snaps from amateur wildlife photographers across B.C. The animals range from a tiny hummingbird to large black bear and her adorable cub, a "praying" raccoon to a pensive owl in a wintry wonderland and many more.
Participants competed in two categories: Backyard Habitats, which highlights our special relationship with wild animals in our backyards, and Wild Settings - a category with images featuring animals in their natural habitats.
“With more than 640 photos submitted, it was a challenge for the contest judges to highlight only a few of the many amazing photos celebrating B.C.’s diverse wildlife,” says BC SPCA chief scientific officer Dr. Sara Dubois.
“We want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos and helping to raise over $16,800 for wild animals in need.”
Backyard Habitats
- Curtis Zutz, Oliver - Cedar Waxwing
Photo: BC SPCA
Zutz describes how he was out birding and saw the beautiful Cedar Waxwing in a Saskatoon Shrub. He notes how the bird's pose, "makes me think he was showing off his prize berry."
2. Patricia Irvine, Duncan - Raccoon
Photo: BC SPCA
The adorable critter is simply described as a "backyard visitor."
3. Jordan Blackstone, Qualicum Beach - Hummingbird
Photo: BC SPCA
A hummingbird makes its way to a Poker flower.
Wild Settings
- Elle Ambrosi, Prince George – Coyote
Photo: BC SPCA
Coyote in the snow.
2. Maja Lakhani, Coquitlam – Black bears
Photo: BC SPCA
Sow and her cub foraging on some crab apples.
3. Arsalan Butt, Surrey – Short-eared owl
Photo: BC SPCA
"It was Christmas eve and my daughter and I were outdoors doing our favourite father-daughter activity: photographing wild birds," writes the photographer.
"This owl had been feeding earlier in the evening and therefore must have been feeling full and content by sunset because it stayed perched up on this post for at least 30 minutesThis provided me an opportunity to stay in one spot and take several pictures. Snowfall was not in the forecast so we were not wearing layers. However the shots were totally worth standing in below zero temperature!"
People's Choice Award
Michelle Obre, 150 Mile House – Lynx
Photo: BC SPCA
Obre describes how she, "Came upon this beauty searching for lunch around the Mt. Timothy Ski Hill area."
The SPCA also mentions that there were a number of honourable mentions that celebrate the beauty in B.C.’s wild and urban environments.
