The short-listing judges sifted through almost 200 photographs (a record entry) and made their selections and Iolo Williams has made the final judgements. It was a really tough task (and, of course, open to individual preferences) and all felt that the Main and Young Photographer categories were particularly strong this year. Thirteen of the best pictures have been selected for the 2025 WOS calendar – we’ve promised you one for several years and it’s finally happening this year. With a record 101 species in the pictures submitted there were some absolute crackers for the judges to choose from and fifteen species appeared for the first time: Rosy Starling, Fulmar, Arctic Skua, Spotted Redshank, Common Rosefinch, Alpine Swift, Spotted Sandpiper, Black Grouse, Wryneck, Jack Snipe, Caspian Tern, Pink-footed Goose, Black Swan, Marsh Harrier and Hudsonian Godwit. At least one of these rarities has made it to the podium and the calendar!

The photo competition prize winners were announced at Conference on 16th November. You can order a copy now – the cost is £7.50, plus £2.50 p+p. It’s a limited edition, so order your copy now by contacting web@birdsin.wales .