Award-Winning Wildlife Photos from the National Wildlife Federation's Photo Contest

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Grand Prize, Professional Division

I noticed a group of eagles at a local cattle feedlot and saw them climbing up into the air and actually catching starlings and blackbirds. I think there may have been something wrong with the birds since this is not a usual prey item for eagle. The experience lasted one week, then the eagles left the area.

Northeast Colorado

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Birds Category

This Indigo Bunting was fluffing up his feathers to defend his territory. A tailwind helped to complete the effect.

Romeoville, Illinois

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Second Place, Professional Division, Connecting People and Nature Category

Diver with rebreather inside sea cage with thousands of gilt-head bream.

Off of Ponza Island, Italy

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Landscapes and Plant Life Category

It rained for several days during my trip to the Canadian Rockies and I was frustrated about lost photographic opportunities. One afternoon, a break in the weather had me heading out on the highway, hoping for shots of bighorn sheep. I found a herd and spent some time shooting them. Not long afterward, the rain started moving in again, so I headed back to the hotel. That’s when I saw this scene unfolding in the warm late afternoon light. The rain had delivered a remarkable double rainbow against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. The storm clouds overhead added drama to the scene and, to cap it off, a male elk with full antlers was strategically located in front of it all. I was astonished at the miraculous timing that allowed me to be in this place at this time. My mother, who was traveling with me and had put up with my complaints about the rain, remarked: "Are you satisfied now?"

Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
First Place, Amateur Division, Mammals Category

A subadult female tiger is quenching her thirst at dusk. She is always curious about her surroundings so she stays alert even when she has put her head down for a drink.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, India

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Backyard Habitats Category

I put out seed for the local birds, so that I can enjoy them from my front door. Well, this little urban thief was very smart. He climbed up on the bush and up the pole until he hung upside down to get at the sunflower seeds. We sat and watched him for at least 20 minutes, as he went up and down the pole to hide his treasure.

Lopatcong, New Jersey

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Mammals Category

I spotted this hare while I was taking photos in a remote part of the biggest forest complex in Poland. No sooner did I look through the viewfinder than I realized how beautiful the scene was. I tried to capture not only the animal in its environment but also the mystical impression that the scene made on me.

Bory Tucholskie Forest, Poland

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Youth Division, Other Wildlife Category

As I walked into the bathroom at around 9:30 p.m. on a weekday night to brush my teeth, a praying mantis flew in with me, probably because it was attracted to the glow of the indoor lights. It landed on a high ledge right next to the shower. Seizing the opportunity, I ran back to my room and retrieved my camera, to which a macro lens was attached. I lined the upper half of its body with the overhead light. As a result, its light green body became very dark with the bright light in the background.

In the bathroom of my high school dormitory.

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Professional Division, Mammals Category

Lions are probably the best killing machines in the world, and this shot of the stalking lioness explains why! A 200kg animal simply "disappears" from your eyes when it is about to hunt. The lioness in this shot was stalking a zebra that was grazing a few meters away. I don't know what finally happened since it was late afternoon when I took the shot and I was not allowed to stay any longer out in the bush!

Tarangire N.P. Tanzania

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Other Wildlife Category

I was sitting near a small river, early in the morning, waiting for this colorful dragonfly. I took almost 100 shots in burst mode, and kept only two shots, including this one.

Laurentian Park, Quebec

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Other Wildlife Category

To get this unusual perspective, I photographed this Julia butterfly lying on my side.

Key Largo Community Butterfly Garden

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
Honorable Mention, Amateur Division, Other Wildlife Category

A Ringneck Snake peeking his head out from a Gerbera Daisy.

National Wildlife Magazine Photo Contest 2009
First Place, Professional, Other Wildlife Category

Once a year, this frog vocalizes to find a partner.