The Phenomenal Winners of Bird Photographer of the Year 2026

Sep 22, 2026 - 04:09

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The Phenomenal Winners of Bird Photographer of the Year 2026

A northern gannet dives underwater, its streamlined body surrounded by a trail of air bubbles as sunlight filters through the surface above.

The winners of Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 have been unveiled. An image of a northern gannet bursting through the ocean’s surface has taken the grand prize in the “world’s largest bird photography competition.”

Photographers from all over the world entered more than 24,000 images into the competition, each with their eyes on the £3,000 ($4,000) grand prize.

Photographer Henley Spiers, from the United Kingdom, was declared this year’s grand prize winner for his striking image taken in Scotland’s waters.

“The handsome northern gannets lead a dualistic existence”, says Spiers. “In the nest, their newborn is carefully nurtured, and a couple’s bond is reinforced by pointing sharp beaks to the sky as they tenderly stroke their white necks together. In flight, hunting mode takes over, and piercing yellow eyes, fringed with blue circles, scour the sea for prey.”

Spiers adds, “When fish are spotted, the gannets fly into the wind and stretch out their wings as brakes, precisely adjusting their position in relation to their quarry. Moments later, with wings tucked in tightly, the gannet shape-shifts into a pointed torpedo, diving into the water at speeds of up to 86km/h.”

A lone ostrich walks across a dark, flat landscape under a dramatic, cloudy sky with rays of light breaking through.

A short-eared owl with bright yellow eyes flies low over a field of dry, brown grasses.

A tawny frogmouth bird with its mouth open and wings partially spread perches on a tree branch during a light rain.

A great blue heron has a fishing line and an orange and yellow bobber tangled around its beak.

A male greater sage-grouse stands facing forward with its tail feathers fanned out in a display against a dark background.

A silhouette of a small bird flies across a large, out-of-focus orange moon surrounded by dark, bokeh-blurred lights.

A real seagull stands on a ledge above a mural of a seagull wearing a black balaclava and gold chain while holding a wallet.

This year, the competition donated more than £5,000 ($6,700) to partner charity Birds on the Brink, which provides vital funding to grassroots bird conservation projects around the world.

Photographers from across the world competed in eight different categories in the adult competition: Best Portrait, Birds in the Environment, Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, Black and White, Urban Birds, Conservation (Single Image), and Creative Perspectives. There was also a Conservation Award, Portfolio Award, and Video Award, as well as three categories in the youth competition.

Atlantic puffins on Skomer Island. Silver in the Best Portrait category. | © Volker Widmann / Bird Photographer of the Year

A juvenile bald eagle with wings spread wide perches on a mossy log during a rainstorm.

A massive flock of black and white seabirds fills the sky, flying in various directions against a bright, overcast background.

A bird flies in front of a large, orange full moon positioned above snow-covered mountain peaks against a dark sky.

A small bird with a long, curved beak clings to one of five tall, slender, dark-textured stalks against a white background.

A collection of raw bird carcasses, heads, and a large yellow eel are arranged on a surface covered in blood and ice cubes.

A dark, textured shape with two distinct, bright blue eyes is partially obscured beneath a layer of rippled, icy water.

Two penguins stand side-by-side on dark, rocky ground next to a large, weathered metal structure.

“In a world where AI-generated imagery is becoming increasingly common, this year’s winners are a powerful reminder of the value of authenticity,” says Will Nicholls, Director of Bird Photographer of the Year.

“Every image in the competition represents a real moment in the wild, earned through patience, dedication and a genuine connection with nature. People will always value real stories told by real people, and this year’s extraordinary photographs celebrate the beauty, wonder and authenticity of our natural world.”

A male superb bird-of-paradise displays its black, fan-shaped plumage and iridescent green-yellow breast shield in a forest setting.

Two frigatebirds engage in an aerial confrontation against a plain, light-colored background.

A bittern takes flight from the surface of a calm, sunlit body of water, creating small splashes with its wings and feet.

A large group of penguins swims upward through deep blue water, surrounded by numerous rising air bubbles.

A small penguin stands alone on a dark surface against a black background, illuminated by two bright, out-of-focus lights.

A man crouches on a grassy hillside next to a large, weathered, bird-like sculpture with textured, frayed plumage.

A lone water bird swims on a dark, calm surface against a background of blurred, dark blue and grey motion.

An open wooden window with iron bars overlooks a mountain landscape at sunset, featuring a chair with an open book, potted flowers, and a stack of books topped with a bird figurine.

The next cycle of the competition, BPOTY 12, is now open for entries at birdpoty.com and invites photographers of all experience levels to submit their best bird photos.

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