Our fifth year of the WOS photo competition generated a record 197 entries: 133 in the Main section, 45 of Flocks, but sadly only 19 Young Photographers, though there were six entries from under 10-year-olds. Encouragingly, almost a third came from female photographers.
101 different species were photographed and the most popular were unsurprisingly photos of Waxwings (12) and Starlings (9). It’s unlikely there’ll be so many Waxwing pictures in 2025! Four other species appeared in five pictures: Red Kite, Kingfisher, Swift and Guillemot. 18 species appeared for the first time: Grasshopper Warbler; Spotted Redshank; Jack Snipe; Greenshank; Black Grouse; Alpine Swift; Rosy Starling; Fulmar; Arctic Skua; Chough; Spotted Sandpiper; Common Rosefinch; Marsh Harrier; Hudsonian Godwit; Black Swan; Pink-footed Goose and Caspian Tern.
The judges commented that the standard of photographs in the ‘main’ and ‘young’ competitions was excellent and it was very difficult to rank them, let alone pick out winners. The ‘flocks’ entrants were, on the other hand, rather disappointing (the Starlings roosting under Aberystwyth pier should claim royalties!), but in all categories there were some absolutely cracking pictures that didn’t even manage to make the shortlist: the three new photos at the top of the Home Page slider were all 2024 entries, but only one of these was a prizewinner.
The overall winner of the Main section was George Rossini, for his atmospheric and beautifully lit picture of a Great Crested Grebe and chick and he was also Highly Commended for his Dancing Grebes – a great shot of the weed dance – and a beautifully crafted head shot of a Puffin, which forms the cover of the 2025 calendar. Second prize in the Main section went to Richard Castell for his Black Grouse silhouetted against the sunrise; he also won second prize in the Flocks section for his Waxwings at Halkyn Mountain and was Highly Commended for his portrait of a Yellowhammer singing in flowering gorse. These three illustrate January, February and March in the calendar. Sid Simmons won third prize in the Main section for his delightfully reflective photo of a Swallow coming down to drink and Alun Lambert was Highly Commended for his Kingfisher diving.
Although the judges felt the Flocks section was less strong than in previous years, there were still some superb photographs: Karen Burns, a runner-up in previous years, finally clinched a winning photo with her unusual Aberystwyth starling flock silhouetted against the moon and Claire Stott took third place with another Aberystwyth starling composition, whilst Jeff Slocombe was Highly Commended for his cheeky take on ‘Flocks’ with a Shelduck and ducklings and Laura Murcott was Highly Commended for her peaceful and unusual photo of a Black Swan amongst a flock of Mute Swans.
Although there were disappointingly few Young Photographer entries, the standard was very high indeed. Daniel Gorton’s three entries swept the board: his Waxwing was accorded first prize and his Gronant Golden Plover won second prize and his Dipper with food was Highly Commended – all three can be found in the calendar. Third prize went to William Lambourne for a splendid portrait of a Spotted Flycatcher. It was very encouraging to receive three entries from a 6-year old and three from a 10-year old.
Iolo Williams presented all those prize winners who could come to Conference with their vouchers and calendars and the volume of applause underlined how highly the audience rated their photographs.
The gallery below shows the winners and Highly Commended.
