This week, the National Audubon Society named the winning photographs and videos for the 2021 Audubon Photography Awards, with eight awards across five divisions. In year 12, winning entries and honorable mentions emerged from 2,416 entrants from all 50 states, Washington DC and 10 Canadian provinces and territories.
For the first time, the competition awarded the Female Bird Prize and the Video Prize. The Female Bird Prize was created to bring attention to female birds, which are often overlooked and undervalued in bird photography and conservation. The new category of videos aims to shed light on the unique and fascinating ways birds behave and interact with their environment. Previously featured prizes, such as the Plants for Birds Prize and the Fisher Prize, were also awarded in this year’s competition.
The winning photos and videos will be featured in the Summer 2021 issue of Audubon review. Best photos and honorable mentions will also be featured in a virtual Audubon Photography Awards exhibit. The 2021 Audubon Photography Awards team worked collaboratively with the photographers to ensure that the intent and essence of each photo was incorporated into dynamic alt text to make the awards accessible to the widest audience possible.
Enjoy this slideshow of the 11 winners in photography and honorable mentions!
Grand Prize: Superior Roadrunner
Photo by Carolina Fraser/Audubon Photography Awards/Grand Prize 2021
Location: Los Novios Ranch, Cotulla, TX
Hometown: Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Amid an evening dust bath, a Greater Roadrunner stands tall, backlit by the sun. Bright, golden light exposes the white-tipped tail feathers which contrast with the fluffy feathers fanning out from its sides. Dust from a recent roller in dirt lingers in the air.
