Henley Spiers' stunning underwater shot of a northern gannet takes top honors at the Bird Photographer of the Year 2026, along with significant insights into bird behavior.
The Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 competition has announced its winners, with British photographer Henley Spiers clinching the grand prize for his dramatic image of a northern gannet diving underwater. Spiers’ photograph, titled Sunball Rocket, was selected from over 24,000 entries, showcasing the remarkable moment when a gannet strikes the ocean, its streamlined form captured in a burst of sunlight filtering through the water.
The competition awarded Spiers a prize of £3,000 for his stunning work. It’s not just another image; it exemplifies the fierce predatory nature of these seabirds. Spiers elaborates on the gannet's hunting technique, stating that these birds have mastered the art of diving. When they spot fish, they skillfully extend their wings to act as brakes, adjusting their trajectory with precision before tucking their wings in and plunging into the water at speeds reaching about 86 km/h (approximately 53 mph). This transformation from graceful glider to a pointed torpedo just before entry exemplifies the gannet's efficiency as a hunter, a dance of nature performed with evolutionary finesse.
Henley Spiers, “Sunball Rocket.” Gold Award, Birds in the Environment. © Henley Spiers / Bird Photographer of the Year.
Spotlight on Young Talent
This year's competition also celebrated young talent, naming 16-year-old American photographer Parham Pourahmad as the Young Bird Photographer of the Year with his enchanting image Moonlit Night. This photograph beautifully silhouettes a great horned owl against a radiant full moon. Pourahmad adjusted his original plan of photographing nesting owls when he spotted the moon, quickly moving to capture the moment one of the owls perched in a pine tree, framed by the celestial backdrop. Restlessness and adaptability drive many successful photographers, and Pourahmad’s swift change in focus demonstrates that these traits can lead to exceptional artistic achievements.
Parham Pourahmad, “Moonlit Night.” Gold Award (15–17 Years) and Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2026. © Parham Pourahmad / Bird Photographer of the Year.
A Platform for Bird Photography
The Bird Photographer of the Year competition provides a platform for photographers of all skill levels to showcase their work across various categories. This year’s categories spanned Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, and Urban Birds, among others, reflecting the diversity in avian life and the environments they inhabit. It serves not only as a stage for showcasing work but also as a community that nurtures and inspires budding photographers.
The competition also included special awards and dedicated portfolios recognizing different aspects of bird photography. Alongside the winners, the awarded photographs will be featured in a new hardcover book published by Graffeg. This book includes a foreword by wildlife enthusiast and filmmaker Lizzie Daly, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through avian photography — a dimension often overlooked. Capturing an image isn't just about the moment; it's about the narrative that unfolds behind it.
Beyond the Awards: Conservation Focus
Competition director Will Nicholls highlighted the significance of this year’s award-winning entries amidst a surge in AI-generated imagery, underlining the authenticity and dedication that bird photography embodies. The selected photographs represent real moments captured with patience and a deep respect for nature. This brings up an essential point: while technology can generate compelling images, there's a unique value and irreplaceability in genuine wildlife photography.
The competition also remains committed to conservation efforts, donating over £5,000 to the charity Birds on the Brink, which promotes grassroots bird conservation initiatives worldwide. This financial support helps raise awareness about pressing issues facing bird species and empowers local communities to take action.
Photographers looking to participate can now submit their work for the next competition cycle at birdpoty.com, encouraging photographers of all backgrounds to share their best avian photographs. This invitation transforms the competition into a yearly celebration, fostering an inclusive environment for all who dare to capture the beauty of birds.
Celebrating Exceptional Avian Imagery
Thomas Deliberto, “Radiant.” Gold Award, Best Portrait. © Thomas Deliberto / Bird Photographer of the Year.
Donald Chin, “I’m Keeping Everyone Dry.” Gold Award, Bird Behaviour. © Donald Chin / Bird Photographer of the Year.
Ivan Sjögren, “Eye-to-Eye with a Short-Eared Owl.” Gold Award, Birds in Flight. © Ivan Sjögren / Bird Photographer of the Year.
These stunning entries serve as an inspiration for photographers and bird enthusiasts alike, pushing the boundaries of what can be captured with a camera. What this means for you, the aspiring photographer, is that there’s a space for your voice and creativity, regardless of your background. These images also reinforce the importance of conservation in avian photography. (And this is the part most people overlook.) Photography can be an advocacy tool, helping to raise awareness of environmental issues while showcasing the beauty of avian life.
Implications for Future Photographers
The Bird Photographer of the Year competition not only showcases incredible talent; it also signals a shift in how wildlife photography can intersect with conservation and community involvement. As the competition evolves, it raises questions about the role of technology and how future photographers will adapt. The challenge for emerging talents will be standing out amid an influx of visual content influenced by AI. Authenticity will likely remain a strong selling point for any photographer eager to make a name in this competitive field.
In essence, the future look might combine traditional techniques with innovative storytelling methods, marrying the art of photography with the message of conservation. As photographers navigate this changing environment, they'll need to consider not just how to capture stunning images, but how those images can contribute to a larger understanding of our relationship with nature.
