SPAIN: The Bird Photographer of the Year (BPOTY) contest is one of the most prestigious global photography contests. The winners of this sixth BPOTY edition were announced in early September among 22,000 submissions in eight categories. Between the winners, Spain got three gold and two silver medals.
Overall & Birds in the Environment: “Blocked” by Alejandro Prieto
The first prize of BPOTY 2021 was attributed to Alejandro Prieto from Mexico. The photograph “Blocked” was taken in the village of Naco. A large geocuco, also called a greater roadrunner, has stopped dead by the border wall. The 3,000-km-long border between the United States and Mexico has had a colossal impact on biodiversity.
Best Portrait: “Portrait underwater” by Felipe Foncueva
Felipe Foncueva from Asturias, Spain, won the gold prize in the category Best Portrait. Portrait underwater is a picture of a brown pelican. The picture was taken off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near the mouth of the Tarcoles River. Felipe says: “Looking at this image, I am struck by the similarity between the way the pouch beneath the pelican’s bill functions and the throat of a feeding baleen whale. At first glance you could be forgiven for thinking you are looking at a marine mammal rather than a bird!” He publishes pictures on his website felipefoncueva.com.
Attention to Detail: “Disappearing” by Rafael Armada
Rafael Armada from Barcelona, Spain, won the gold award in the Attention to Detail category. Disappearing is a picture showing the reflection of a penguin in South Georgia waters. Rafael says: “What I want to show is the fragility of global ecosystems, and the risk of disappearance of many species due to climate change.” Rafael Armada publishes pictures on his website rafaelarmada.net.
Birds in Flight: “The Art of Motion” by Nicolas Reusens
Nicolas Reusens from Barcelona, Spain, won the silver prize in the category Birds in Flight. The Art of Motion is a picture of a hummingbird feeding from a flower. Nicolas Reusens publishes pictures on his website nicolasreusens.com.
14-17 years: “The Nightjar” by Daniel Martínez
Daniel Martínez from Spain won the silver prize in the category 14-17 years. The Nightjar is a picture of a European nightjar.
9-13 years: “In the Woodland” by Andrés L. Domínguez Blanco
Andrés L. Domínguez Blanco from Spain won the gold prize in the category 9-13 years. In the Woodland is a picture of a Eurasian nuthatch going down a Portuguese oak to find water.
If you want to know more about this competition, go to the official website.
