Black Woodpecker | Markus Varesvuo
Overall winner
2021
Overall Winner
Winner
Overall winner
2021
Overall Winner
Winner
Black Woodpecker | Markus Varesvuo
«This image captures a typical mood on an overcast December day; the contrast is low, but there is plenty of light. I took the photo from a hide using a remote trigger, having attached my camera to a tree, the wide-angle lens pointing downwards. And what do you know? The handsome woodpecker comes looking for food!»
Markus Varesvuo, Finland
Award-winning photographer and author Markus Varesvuo is a professional wildlife photographer specialised in birds of Europe, especially his native north. Based in Helsinki, and part of the year on a small island in the Finnish Archipelago, perfectly located on a bird migration route, Markus enjoys creating captivating pictures of birds, especially in winter conditions.
Award-winning photographer and author Markus Varesvuo is a professional wildlife photographer specialised in birds of Europe, especially his native north. Based in Helsinki, and part of the year on a small island in the Finnish Archipelago, perfectly located on a bird migration route, Markus enjoys creating captivating pictures of birds, especially in winter conditions.
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
24 mm f/1,4
1/800 s, f/2
ISO 2000
24 mm f/1,4
1/800 s, f/2
ISO 2000
Eurasian Wryneck | Jörg Stemmler
General
2021
1
1st place
General
2021
1
1st place
Eurasian Wryneck | Jörg Stemmler
«The Wryneck occupies many of the old orchards near my home, where it shares the territory with Bee-eaters. From the small, permanent hide that I installed mainly because of the Bee-eaters, I have shot countless pictures of these two species. In this image, I am particularly impressed by the amazing camouflage effect of the Wryneck’s plumage, which renders the bird almost invisible.»
Jörg Stemmler,
My introduction to wildlife photography came 20 years ago when I started photographing birds. While birds remain one of my favourite subjects today, I have broadened my spectrum to include other animals – from lizards to grizzly bears. Almost all my photos are taken from a hide. I enjoy the entire process, from exploring a species’ way of life, to installing the hides and producing the image. Not disturbing the animals is very important to me. That is the only way to get shots that offer an authentic glimpse into an animal’s natural world. I present my pictures in lectures, publications and calendars.
My introduction to wildlife photography came 20 years ago when I started photographing birds. While birds remain one of my favourite subjects today, I have broadened my spectrum to include other animals – from lizards to grizzly bears. Almost all my photos are taken from a hide. I enjoy the entire process, from exploring a species’ way of life, to installing the hides and producing the image. Not disturbing the animals is very important to me. That is the only way to get shots that offer an authentic glimpse into an animal’s natural world. I present my pictures in lectures, publications and calendars.
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/2000 s, f/5,6
ISO 2000
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/2000 s, f/5,6
ISO 2000
Brambling | Mateusz Piesiak
General
2021
2
2nd place
General
2021
2
2nd place
Brambling | Mateusz Piesiak
«A huge sunflower field was left standing because the ground was too wet for mowing. In winter it attracted thousands of birds of different species, especially Bramblings. I decide to photograph them from their view point. To do this, I used a wide-angle lens, covered the camera with snow and left, remote trigger in hand. A few minutes later, a whole flock landed right in front of my camera.»
Mateusz Piesiak, Poland
I am a wildlife photographer from Poland. Fascinated by nature, I have been documenting unique moments in animal life for over 10 years. Wildlife photography requires a lot of patience. Often, after many hours of waiting, animals just don’t show up and I come home without a photo. But when I finally take a long-awaited shot, it rewards all efforts.
In nature photography, I enjoy the feeling of being concealed in my hiding place, and like a visitor sitting in the front row of the theatre, I can admire the great spectacle of nature taking place just in front of me. It is a true honor to be able to witness these moments and share them with other people through my photographs.
I am a wildlife photographer from Poland. Fascinated by nature, I have been documenting unique moments in animal life for over 10 years. Wildlife photography requires a lot of patience. Often, after many hours of waiting, animals just don’t show up and I come home without a photo. But when I finally take a long-awaited shot, it rewards all efforts.
In nature photography, I enjoy the feeling of being concealed in my hiding place, and like a visitor sitting in the front row of the theatre, I can admire the great spectacle of nature taking place just in front of me. It is a true honor to be able to witness these moments and share them with other people through my photographs.
Equipment
Fujifilm X-T2
10–24 mm f/4
1/340 s, f/11
ISO 800
10–24 mm f/4
1/340 s, f/11
ISO 800
Bearded Reedling | Alwin Hardenbol
General
2021
1
1st place
General
2021
1
1st place
Bearded Reedling | Alwin Hardenbol
«Every winter, a large reedbed in my area attracts a flock of Bearded Reedlings. I decided to spend a few days there to photograph these beautiful birds. For this image, I carefully positioned the curving reed in the frame and placed the bird’s head at the centre of the picture.»
Alwin Hardenbol,
At the age of 13, my passion for nature began when I got into birdwatching through an uncle of mine. Two years later I received a DSLR camera with a lens as a gift from my family, since I seemed to be very interested in photographing birds. Right they were, as many years later, this passion has developed into something much bigger. Now, at the age of 28, I am a photographer that specialises in fine-art images of nature and I also work as an ecologist on nature conservation issues in boreal forests.
At the age of 13, my passion for nature began when I got into birdwatching through an uncle of mine. Two years later I received a DSLR camera with a lens as a gift from my family, since I seemed to be very interested in photographing birds. Right they were, as many years later, this passion has developed into something much bigger. Now, at the age of 28, I am a photographer that specialises in fine-art images of nature and I also work as an ecologist on nature conservation issues in boreal forests.
Equipment
Nikon D500
500 mm f/4
1/3200 s, f/4,5
ISO 5000
500 mm f/4
1/3200 s, f/4,5
ISO 5000
Common Kingfisher | Etienne Morel
Emotion
2021
1
1st place
Emotion
2021
1
1st place
Common Kingfisher | Etienne Morel
«On the banks of the Drôme, an active Kingfisher burrow caught my attention. I noticed that the parents kept landing in the same spot before and after feeding. This allowed me to choose the angle, wait for the right kind of light and achieve this dazzling result.»
Etienne Morel,
I discovered photography at the age of 14. My first camera was a small, manually operated Voigtländer. That may be the reason why I am still extremely sensitive to the subtle differences in light and colour in nature. The light never fails to fascinate me, whether it is soft, warm, muted or brilliant.
I don’t take a naturalist approach to photography, my gaze being more artistic and graphical. Rather than focusing on close-ups or “eye candy”, I am more interested in working with beautiful light and creating moods.
I discovered photography at the age of 14. My first camera was a small, manually operated Voigtländer. That may be the reason why I am still extremely sensitive to the subtle differences in light and colour in nature. The light never fails to fascinate me, whether it is soft, warm, muted or brilliant.
I don’t take a naturalist approach to photography, my gaze being more artistic and graphical. Rather than focusing on close-ups or “eye candy”, I am more interested in working with beautiful light and creating moods.
Equipment
Panasonic DC-G9
200 mm f/2,8
1/1000 s, f/2,8
ISO 200
200 mm f/2,8
1/1000 s, f/2,8
ISO 200
Reed Bunting | Daniele Occhiato
Emotion
2021
2
2nd place
Emotion
2021
2
2nd place
Reed Bunting | Daniele Occhiato
«I took this picture during one of many photo sessions at my winter feeding station. The unusual, moon-like effect of the background is produced by the sun reflecting on a distant window, a phenomenon that occurred every evening at sundown. The marble pattern, on the other hand, comes from the vegetation directly behind the resting bird.»
Daniele Occhiato, Italy
I am a birder and bird photographer from Italy, where I take most of my photographs. Interested in birds since my childhood, I began as a simple birdwatcher when I was a teenager. The passion for bird photography started a little later and, with time, it became the most important part of my life outside of my family and my work. I am particularly interested in the birds of the Western Palearctic and, although I love to take photos of all birds, I have a particular fondness for some passerines like warblers, larks, chats and buntings, and for other groups like waders, gulls and ducks. My pictures have been published in countless magazines, books and other publications. I always look for the perfect composition in the perfect light and a clean background.
I am a birder and bird photographer from Italy, where I take most of my photographs. Interested in birds since my childhood, I began as a simple birdwatcher when I was a teenager. The passion for bird photography started a little later and, with time, it became the most important part of my life outside of my family and my work. I am particularly interested in the birds of the Western Palearctic and, although I love to take photos of all birds, I have a particular fondness for some passerines like warblers, larks, chats and buntings, and for other groups like waders, gulls and ducks. My pictures have been published in countless magazines, books and other publications. I always look for the perfect composition in the perfect light and a clean background.
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
600 mm f/4
1/1250 s, f/4,5
ISO 4000
600 mm f/4
1/1250 s, f/4,5
ISO 4000
Brambling | Christoph Kaula
Emotion
2021
3
3rd place
Emotion
2021
3
3rd place
Brambling | Christoph Kaula
«Years ago, I watched millions of Bramblings gathering to roost for the first time. Ever since I have been hoping for a second chance, and last winter that wish came true. About two million birds were roosting in a spruce forest. I used my tripod for a longer exposure time. The resulting effect of movement, and its contrast with the resting Bramblings, was what prompted me to enter this picture.»
Christoph Kaula, Germany
Christoph Kaula was born in Frankfurt am Main in 1990 and has been specialised in wildlife photography for about 10 years. As a biology student, he travelled to places around the world, but his focus is on the local fauna of his native region. Urban wildlife photography has become a particular area of interest in the past years.
Christoph Kaula was born in Frankfurt am Main in 1990 and has been specialised in wildlife photography for about 10 years. As a biology student, he travelled to places around the world, but his focus is on the local fauna of his native region. Urban wildlife photography has become a particular area of interest in the past years.
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/8 s, f/5
ISO 400
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/8 s, f/5
ISO 400
Fieldfare | Oliver Richter
Action
2021
1
1st place
Action
2021
1
1st place
Fieldfare | Oliver Richter
«In 2020, the apple harvest in my wild garden was plentiful, and the ground was strewn with apples. Fieldfares, Blackbirds and Starlings survived the hard winter well thanks to this additional food source. Despite the abundance of fallen fruit, there were frequent quarrels. My goal was to capture that moment. The countless interactions saw me through the long hours in my tent in the freezing cold.»
Oliver Richter, Germany
Oliver Richter (51) is a passionate nature photographer and filmmaker who mainly finds his subjects in his native Saxony. His photographic work focuses on long-term projects, which he develops himself, on species that live on his doorstep. But he also finds strength and stillness in extended walks with his wife far from the beaten path in the vast landscapes of Scandinavia.
Oliver Richter (51) is a passionate nature photographer and filmmaker who mainly finds his subjects in his native Saxony. His photographic work focuses on long-term projects, which he develops himself, on species that live on his doorstep. But he also finds strength and stillness in extended walks with his wife far from the beaten path in the vast landscapes of Scandinavia.
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
500 mm f/4
1/8000 s, f/5
ISO 1000
500 mm f/4
1/8000 s, f/5
ISO 1000
White-throated Dipper | Markus Varesvuo
Action
2021
2
2nd place
Action
2021
2
2nd place
White-throated Dipper | Markus Varesvuo
«White-throated Dippers stay in the north, defying ice, snow, darkness and extreme cold, while most other species migrate south in winter. Dippers look for places where the water stays unfrozen throughout the winter. The delicate birds swim in the icy water, dive for aquatic invertebrates, stand in the snow, and far from merely surviving, they thrive.»
Markus Varesvuo, Finland
Award-winning photographer and author Markus Varesvuo is a professional wildlife photographer specialised in birds of Europe, especially his native north. Based in Helsinki, and part of the year on a small island in the Finnish Archipelago, perfectly located on a bird migration route, Markus enjoys creating captivating pictures of birds, especially in winter conditions.
Award-winning photographer and author Markus Varesvuo is a professional wildlife photographer specialised in birds of Europe, especially his native north. Based in Helsinki, and part of the year on a small island in the Finnish Archipelago, perfectly located on a bird migration route, Markus enjoys creating captivating pictures of birds, especially in winter conditions.
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
600 mm f/4
1/1600 s, f/4
ISO 6400
600 mm f/4
1/1600 s, f/4
ISO 6400
Black Grouse | Kurt Buchelt
Action
2021
3
3rd place
Action
2021
3
3rd place
Black Grouse | Kurt Buchelt
«As we sat in the cabin hide on this particular morning, the ground was covered by a couple of inches of powdery snow; it was still snowing and there was a gusty wind. Again and again, the displaying cocks stirred up the snow in their scuffles. By extending the exposure time, I was able to take blurred shots that highlighted the dynamic and explosive nature of the fights.»
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
600 mm f/4
1/125 s, f/5,6
ISO 4000
600 mm f/4
1/125 s, f/5,6
ISO 4000
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Christof Wermter
Birds and humans
2021
1
1st place
Birds and humans
2021
1
1st place
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Christof Wermter
«An Eagle-owl pair nested on a coal-mine site in the Ruhr region of Germany two years in a row. The nest was on the window ledge of an old building. The female favoured the old window as a perch from which to observe the surroundings. I chose this picture because it is a fine example of the species’ ability to adapt to a human environment.»
Christof Wermter,
As a child, I was captivated by the animals and plants in my surroundings. I took up photography some years later, initially as a way of documenting what I saw. Over time, I kept learning new and interesting things about photo technology and my subjects. Still today, my passion for the natural world and experiencing nature is what motivates me. And I haven’t stopped learning.
As a child, I was captivated by the animals and plants in my surroundings. I took up photography some years later, initially as a way of documenting what I saw. Over time, I kept learning new and interesting things about photo technology and my subjects. Still today, my passion for the natural world and experiencing nature is what motivates me. And I haven’t stopped learning.
Equipment
Nikon D750
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/200 s, f/8
ISO 400
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/200 s, f/8
ISO 400
Eurasian Blue Tit | Simone Baumeister
Birds and humans
2021
2
2nd place
Birds and humans
2021
2
2nd place
Eurasian Blue Tit | Simone Baumeister
«In a traffic-light post in the middle of a busy junction, a pair of Blue Tits built their nest. The birds foraged in a nearby garden. I was impressed by how well the tits adjusted to the heavy traffic and navigated it on their foraging flights. As a side effect, I helped enforce the rules of the road with my giant telephoto lens, as many drivers thought I was monitoring traffic.»
Simone Baumeister, Germany
At home in the Münster region (Germany), I live within easy reach of diverse habitats. The things that offer themselves up to be discovered when I roam the woods, meadows, mountains and moors with open eyes are simply beautiful. It is a gift to be able to capture special moments on camera, and I am pleased when my pictures make people more sensitive to the value of nature.
At home in the Münster region (Germany), I live within easy reach of diverse habitats. The things that offer themselves up to be discovered when I roam the woods, meadows, mountains and moors with open eyes are simply beautiful. It is a gift to be able to capture special moments on camera, and I am pleased when my pictures make people more sensitive to the value of nature.
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1250 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1250 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
Whinchat | Jorge Ruiz del Olmo
Birds and humans
2021
3
3rd place
Birds and humans
2021
3
3rd place
Whinchat | Jorge Ruiz del Olmo
«Every year more than two million birds cross the Pyrenees on their way to Africa. They face huge challenges while also having to brave manmade dangers. This Whinchat’s journey ended when it collided with a car. All of its survival skills, its knowledge of the migration flyways... a remarkable life destroyed in a split second.»
Equipment
Nikon D500
10–20 mm f/4–5,6
1/5 s, f/9
ISO 100
10–20 mm f/4–5,6
1/5 s, f/9
ISO 100
Little Owl | Daniele Occhiato
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Owl | Daniele Occhiato
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
600 mm f/4
1/640 s, f/6,3
ISO 800
600 mm f/4
1/640 s, f/6,3
ISO 800
Blue Rock-thrush | Saverio Gatto
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Blue Rock-thrush | Saverio Gatto
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
600 mm f/4
1/200 s, f/9
ISO 800
600 mm f/4
1/200 s, f/9
ISO 800
Tawny Owl | Marco Hoffmann
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Tawny Owl | Marco Hoffmann
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
400 mm f/2,8
1/100 s, f/2,8
ISO 400
400 mm f/2,8
1/100 s, f/2,8
ISO 400
White-tailed Sea-eagle | Łukasz Jabłoński
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
White-tailed Sea-eagle | Łukasz Jabłoński
Equipment
Nikon D500
300mm f/4
1/320 s, f/4
ISO 400
300mm f/4
1/320 s, f/4
ISO 400
Common Kingfisher | Ralph Martin
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Kingfisher | Ralph Martin
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
15–30 mm f/2,8
1/25 s, f/3,5
ISO 50
15–30 mm f/2,8
1/25 s, f/3,5
ISO 50
Western Water Rail | Ralph Martin
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Western Water Rail | Ralph Martin
Equipment
Canon EOS 7D |
11–16 mm f/2,8
1/400 s, f/6,3
ISO 800
11–16 mm f/2,8
1/400 s, f/6,3
ISO 800
White-throated Dipper | Thomas Bachofner
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
White-throated Dipper | Thomas Bachofner
Equipment
NIKON Z 7 |
180–400 mm f/4 |
1/200 s, f/5,6 |
ISO 3600
180–400 mm f/4 |
1/200 s, f/5,6 |
ISO 3600
Golden Eagle | Massimo Prati
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Golden Eagle | Massimo Prati
Equipment
Canon EOS 5DS
500 mm f/4
1/1000 s, f/8
ISO 200
500 mm f/4
1/1000 s, f/8
ISO 200
Red Knot | Christophe Sahli
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Red Knot | Christophe Sahli
Equipment
Canon EOS 7D
500 mm f/4
1/640 s, f/4
ISO 500
500 mm f/4
1/640 s, f/4
ISO 500
Rock Ptarmigan | Fabien Chenaux
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Rock Ptarmigan | Fabien Chenaux
Equipment
Sony A7R IV
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
Black Woodpecker | Markus Varesvuo
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black Woodpecker | Markus Varesvuo
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
400 mm f/2,8
1/50 s, f/2,8
ISO 1000
400 mm f/2,8
1/50 s, f/2,8
ISO 1000
Black Grouse | Levi Fitze
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black Grouse | Levi Fitze
Equipment
Sony A7R IV
200–600 mm f/5,6–6,3
1/800 s, f/6,3
ISO 2500
200–600 mm f/5,6–6,3
1/800 s, f/6,3
ISO 2500
Common Stonechat | Andres Miguel Dominguez
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Stonechat | Andres Miguel Dominguez
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/400 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/400 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
Eurasian Siskin | Stéphane Bruchez
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Siskin | Stéphane Bruchez
Equipment
Nikon D800
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1000
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1000
Mandarin Duck | Olga Vasik
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Mandarin Duck | Olga Vasik
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
50–500 mm f/6,2
1/640 s, f/6,3
ISO 500
50–500 mm f/6,2
1/640 s, f/6,3
ISO 500
Common Quail | Saverio Gatto
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Quail | Saverio Gatto
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/640 s, f/9
ISO1600
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/640 s, f/9
ISO1600
Hazel Grouse | Andreas Volz
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Hazel Grouse | Andreas Volz
Equipment
Nikon D850
600 mm f/4
1/125 s, f/4
ISO 800
600 mm f/4
1/125 s, f/4
ISO 800
Common Kestrel | Adrian Wyttenbach
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Kestrel | Adrian Wyttenbach
Equipment
Nikon Z 6
150–600 mmf/5,–6,3
1/1000 s, f/9
ISO 2000
150–600 mmf/5,–6,3
1/1000 s, f/9
ISO 2000
Little Owl | François Nowicki
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Owl | François Nowicki
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
500 mm f/4
1/30 s, f/4
ISO 2000
500 mm f/4
1/30 s, f/4
ISO 2000
Northern Wren | Markus Johannsen
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Northern Wren | Markus Johannsen
Equipment
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/400 s, f/8
ISO 1600
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/400 s, f/8
ISO 1600
Common Crane | Bence Màté
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
General
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Crane | Bence Màté
Equipment
Panasonic DC-G9
100–400 mm f/4–6,3
1/40 s, f/5
ISO 400
100–400 mm f/4–6,3
1/40 s, f/5
ISO 400
Common Stonechat | Daniele Occhiato
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Stonechat | Daniele Occhiato
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
600 mm f/4
1/2000 s, f/5
ISO 4000
600 mm f/4
1/2000 s, f/5
ISO 4000
Great Snipe | Fatima Boukarchid
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Great Snipe | Fatima Boukarchid
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
500 mm f/4
1/640 s, f/4
ISO 1250
500 mm f/4
1/640 s, f/4
ISO 1250
Mute Swan | Kai Bratke
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Mute Swan | Kai Bratke
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
300 mm f/2,8
1/640 s, f/4
ISO 640
300 mm f/2,8
1/640 s, f/4
ISO 640
Barnacle Goose | Arto Juvonen
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Barnacle Goose | Arto Juvonen
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/1600 s, f/7,1
ISO 100
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/1600 s, f/7,1
ISO 100
White-throated Dipper | Anna-Barbara Utelli
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
White-throated Dipper | Anna-Barbara Utelli
Equipment
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 1250
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 1250
Black Woodpecker | Roberto Barilani
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black Woodpecker | Roberto Barilani
Equipment
Nikon D5
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/4,5
ISO 1800
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/4,5
ISO 1800
White-throated Dipper | Samuel Nugues
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
White-throated Dipper | Samuel Nugues
Equipment
Nikon D850
400 mm f/2,8
1/400 s, f/2,8
ISO 280
400 mm f/2,8
1/400 s, f/2,8
ISO 280
Hawfinch | Andres Miguel Dominguez
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Hawfinch | Andres Miguel Dominguez
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/2000 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/2000 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
Eurasian Pygmy-owl | Diana Widmann
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Pygmy-owl | Diana Widmann
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1600
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1600
Black Woodpecker | Nicolas Stettler
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black Woodpecker | Nicolas Stettler
Equipment
Nikon D850
500 mm f/4
1/320 s, f/4
ISO 500
500 mm f/4
1/320 s, f/4
ISO 500
Little Grebe | Christoph Kaula
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Grebe | Christoph Kaula
Equipment
Canon EOS R
400 mm f/2,8 + 2 × Extender
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 2500
400 mm f/2,8 + 2 × Extender
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 2500
Little Grebe | Christoph Kaula
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Grebe | Christoph Kaula
Equipment
Canon EOS R
400 mm f/2,8 + 2 × Extender
1/2500 s, f/5,6
ISO 50
400 mm f/2,8 + 2 × Extender
1/2500 s, f/5,6
ISO 50
Rock Ptarmigan | Thomas Nierle
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Rock Ptarmigan | Thomas Nierle
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/8000 s, f/6,3
ISO 1000
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/8000 s, f/6,3
ISO 1000
Yellowhammer | Alwin Hardenbol
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Yellowhammer | Alwin Hardenbol
Equipment
Nikon D500
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/4
ISO 6400
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/4
ISO 6400
Bluethroat | Stefan Reichert
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Bluethroat | Stefan Reichert
Equipment
Canon EOS 70D
150–600 mm f/5–6,3
1/1600 s, f/7,1
ISO 3200
150–600 mm f/5–6,3
1/1600 s, f/7,1
ISO 3200
Little Ringed Plover | Łukasz Jabłoński
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Ringed Plover | Łukasz Jabłoński
Equipment
NIKON D500
300 mm f/4
1/8000 s, f/4
ISO 100
300 mm f/4
1/8000 s, f/4
ISO 100
Tawny Owl | Marco Hoffmann
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Tawny Owl | Marco Hoffmann
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
400 mm f/2,8
1/320 s, f/2,8
ISO 1000
400 mm f/2,8
1/320 s, f/2,8
ISO 1000
Great Crested Grebe | Simone Baumeister
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Great Crested Grebe | Simone Baumeister
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/320 s, f/5,6
ISO 500
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/320 s, f/5,6
ISO 500
Little Owl | Daniele Occhiato
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Owl | Daniele Occhiato
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
600 mm f/4
2500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1600
600 mm f/4
2500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1600
Rock Ptarmigan | Levi Fitze
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Rock Ptarmigan | Levi Fitze
Equipment
Sony A7R IV
200–600 mm f5,6–6,3
1/400 s, f/6,4
ISO 200
200–600 mm f5,6–6,3
1/400 s, f/6,4
ISO 200
Greater Flamingo | Jonathan Lhoir
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Greater Flamingo | Jonathan Lhoir
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
300 mm f/2,8
1/2500 s, f/2,8
ISO 50
300 mm f/2,8
1/2500 s, f/2,8
ISO 50
Eurasian Blackbird | Luca Lorenz
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Blackbird | Luca Lorenz
Equipment
Nikon Z 6
200–500 mm f/5,6
1/400 s, f/5,6
ISO 8000
200–500 mm f/5,6
1/400 s, f/5,6
ISO 8000
Brambling | Stefan Völkel
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Brambling | Stefan Völkel
Equipment
Sony A7 III
500 mm f/4
1/50 s, f/6,3
ISO 3200
500 mm f/4
1/50 s, f/6,3
ISO 3200
Greater Flamingo | Alain Poirot
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Greater Flamingo | Alain Poirot
Equipment
Nikon D500
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/15 s, f/5,6
ISO 100
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/15 s, f/5,6
ISO 100
Northern Goshawk | Markus Varesvuo
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Northern Goshawk | Markus Varesvuo
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
400 mm f/2,8
1/4000 s, f/3,2
ISO 800
400 mm f/2,8
1/4000 s, f/3,2
ISO 800
Common Crane | Jörg Franzen
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Crane | Jörg Franzen
Equipment
Sony A7R II
200–600 mm f5,6–6,3
1/6 s, f/6,3
ISO 100
200–600 mm f5,6–6,3
1/6 s, f/6,3
ISO 100
Red-backed Shrike | Mathias Schäf
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Red-backed Shrike | Mathias Schäf
Equipment
Olympus E-M1X
300 mm f/4
1/10 000 s, f/4
ISO 1250
300 mm f/4
1/10 000 s, f/4
ISO 1250
Barn Swallow | Lesley van Loo
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Barn Swallow | Lesley van Loo
Equipment
Nikon D500
150–600 mm f/5–6,3
1/2000 s, f/8
ISO 800
150–600 mm f/5–6,3
1/2000 s, f/8
ISO 800
Black-headed Gull | Mateusz Piesiak
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black-headed Gull | Mateusz Piesiak
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
400 mm f/2,8
1/3200 s, f/3,2
ISO 500
400 mm f/2,8
1/3200 s, f/3,2
ISO 500
Common Redstart | Karsten Mosebach | Bernhard Volmer
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Redstart | Karsten Mosebach | Bernhard Volmer
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/4000 s, f/9
ISO 2000
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/4000 s, f/9
ISO 2000
Rock Ptarmigan | Jérémy Patton
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Rock Ptarmigan | Jérémy Patton
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
300 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1250 s, f/5,6
ISO 100
300 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1250 s, f/5,6
ISO 100
Brambling | Simone Baumeister
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Brambling | Simone Baumeister
Equipment
Canon EOS R
600 mm f/4
1/400 s, f/4
ISO 800
600 mm f/4
1/400 s, f/4
ISO 800
Hawfinch | Roelof Molenaar
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Hawfinch | Roelof Molenaar
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
600 mm f/4
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 2000
600 mm f/4
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 2000
Red-backed Shrike | Bertram Lütke
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Red-backed Shrike | Bertram Lütke
Equipment
Nikon D500
600 mm f/4
1/1000 s, f/5,6
ISO 1000
600 mm f/4
1/1000 s, f/5,6
ISO 1000
Common Kestrel | Piera Beretta
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Kestrel | Piera Beretta
Equipment
Nikon D850
600 mm f/4
1/1000 s, f/4
ISO 450
600 mm f/4
1/1000 s, f/4
ISO 450
Northern Goshawk | Manfred Kühn
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Northern Goshawk | Manfred Kühn
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
500 mm f/4
1/1600 s, f/4
ISO 1000
500 mm f/4
1/1600 s, f/4
ISO 1000
Great Grey Shrike | Hermann Brehm
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Great Grey Shrike | Hermann Brehm
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1600 s, f/8
ISO 500
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1600 s, f/8
ISO 500
Common Pheasant | Folkert Christoffers
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Pheasant | Folkert Christoffers
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
500 mm f/4
1/2500 s, f/4
ISO 500
500 mm f/4
1/2500 s, f/4
ISO 500
Goosander | Volker Widmann
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Goosander | Volker Widmann
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1600
500 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/5,6
ISO 1600
White-throated Dipper | Walter Frei
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Emotion
2021
Preselection
Finalist
White-throated Dipper | Walter Frei
Equipment
Nikon D5
400 mm f/2,8
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 1100
400 mm f/2,8
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 1100
Eurasian Wryneck | Barbara Maestrucci
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Wryneck | Barbara Maestrucci
Equipment
Sony A9
200–600 mm f5,6–6,3
1/5000 s, f/7,1
ISO 1600
200–600 mm f5,6–6,3
1/5000 s, f/7,1
ISO 1600
Little Grebe | Robert Hangartner
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Grebe | Robert Hangartner
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1600 s, f/8
ISO 640
600 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1600 s, f/8
ISO 640
Black Woodpecker | Beat Rüegger
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black Woodpecker | Beat Rüegger
Equipment
Canon EOS R5
300 mm f/2,8
1/1250 s, f/4
ISO 2000
300 mm f/2,8
1/1250 s, f/4
ISO 2000
Eurasian Blackbird | Marc Bidoul
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Action
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Blackbird | Marc Bidoul
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
300 mm f/4
1/320 s, f/4
ISO 160
300 mm f/4
1/320 s, f/4
ISO 160
Rock Ptarmigan | Martin Meier
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Rock Ptarmigan | Martin Meier
Equipment
Nikon D7200
150–600 mmf/5,–6,3
1/8000 s, f/9
ISO 400
150–600 mmf/5,–6,3
1/8000 s, f/9
ISO 400
Common Raven | Jérémy Patton
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Raven | Jérémy Patton
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
300 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1000 s, f/8
ISO 100
300 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/1000 s, f/8
ISO 100
Lesser Kestrel | Jonathan Lhoir
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Lesser Kestrel | Jonathan Lhoir
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D Mark III
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/640 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/640 s, f/5,6
ISO 800
Common Kestrel | Mathias Schäf
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Kestrel | Mathias Schäf
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
24–70 mm f/2,8
1/400 s, f/6,3
ISO 320
24–70 mm f/2,8
1/400 s, f/6,3
ISO 320
Carrion/Hooded Crow | Katharina Becker
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Carrion/Hooded Crow | Katharina Becker
Equipment
Nikon D800
80–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/60 s, f/5,6
ISO 2500
80–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/60 s, f/5,6
ISO 2500
Little Owl | Simone Baumeister
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Owl | Simone Baumeister
Equipment
Canon EOS R
600 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/4
ISO 2000
600 mm f/4
1/500 s, f/4
ISO 2000
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Simone Baumeister
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Simone Baumeister
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/60 s, f/5,6
ISO 4000
500 mm f/4 + 1,4 × Extender
1/60 s, f/5,6
ISO 4000
Common Starling | Anton Trexler
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Starling | Anton Trexler
Equipment
Nikon Z 50
60–600 mm f/4,5–6,3
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 140
60–600 mm f/4,5–6,3
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 140
White Wagtail | Klaus Walther
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
White Wagtail | Klaus Walther
Equipment
Sony A77 II
150–600 mm f/5–6,3
1/1250 s, f/13
ISO 320
150–600 mm f/5–6,3
1/1250 s, f/13
ISO 320
Eurasian Blackbird | Simone Baumeister
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Blackbird | Simone Baumeister
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/125 s, f/2,8
ISO 1250
70–200 mm f/2,8
1/125 s, f/2,8
ISO 1250
Grey Heron | Denise Amacher
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Grey Heron | Denise Amacher
Equipment
Sony RX10
8,8-220 mm f/2,4–4
1/500 s, f/4
ISO 500
8,8-220 mm f/2,4–4
1/500 s, f/4
ISO 500
House Sparrow | Alessandro Staehli
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
House Sparrow | Alessandro Staehli
Equipment
Canon EOS-1D X Mark III
135 mm f/2
1/2500 s, f/2,8
ISO 400
135 mm f/2
1/2500 s, f/2,8
ISO 400
Common Kingfisher | Folkert Christoffers
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Kingfisher | Folkert Christoffers
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
500 mm f4
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 800
500 mm f4
1/1000 s, f/6,3
ISO 800
Common Little Bittern | Bernhard Schubert
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Little Bittern | Bernhard Schubert
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/400 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/400 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
Common Snipe | Mathias Schäf
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Snipe | Mathias Schäf
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
600 mm f/4
1/250 s, f/4
ISO 800
600 mm f/4
1/250 s, f/4
ISO 800
European Pied Flycatcher | Anna-Liisa Pirhonen
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
European Pied Flycatcher | Anna-Liisa Pirhonen
Equipment
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/4000 s, f/7,1
ISO 2000
100–400 mm f/4,5–5,6
1/4000 s, f/7,1
ISO 2000
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Simone Baumeister
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Simone Baumeister
Equipment
Canon EOS R
600 mm f/4
1/30 s, f/4
ISO 1200
600 mm f/4
1/30 s, f/4
ISO 1200
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Christof Wermter
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Eurasian Eagle-owl | Christof Wermter
Equipment
Nikon D500
500 mm f/4
1/125 s, f/4
ISO 720
500 mm f/4
1/125 s, f/4
ISO 720
Common Barn-owl | Samuel Nugues
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Common Barn-owl | Samuel Nugues
Equipment
Nikon D850
400 mm f/2,8
1/100 s, f/2,8
ISO 1600
400 mm f/2,8
1/100 s, f/2,8
ISO 1600
Black Redstart | Maximilian Fellermann
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Black Redstart | Maximilian Fellermann
Equipment
Canon EOS 650D
60 mm f/2,8
1/250 s, f/2,8
ISO 800
60 mm f/2,8
1/250 s, f/2,8
ISO 800
Dunlin | Fabiola Babs Wiederkehr
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Dunlin | Fabiola Babs Wiederkehr
Equipment
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
400 mm f/5,6
1/1250 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
400 mm f/5,6
1/1250 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
Little Ringed Plover | Fabiola Babs Wiederkehr
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Birds and humans
2021
Preselection
Finalist
Little Ringed Plover | Fabiola Babs Wiederkehr
Equipment
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
400 mm f/5,6
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 400
400 mm f/5,6
1/1600 s, f/5,6
ISO 400