10 breathtaking photographs from the 2019 Audubon Photography Awards

Winning photos and honorable mentions were selected from 2,253 entrants from all over the United States, Washington D.C. and 10 Canadian provinces and territories to appreciate the wonder of birds and the places they inhabit. See the favourites below.

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A bald eagle and a red fox tussle in mid-air over a European rabbit in San Juan Island National Historical Park in Washington state.
(Image credit: Kevin Ebi)

This year's competition marks 10 years of outstanding bird photography. Many of the distinguished photographs portray striking bird species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, one of Audubon’s founding conservation victories and one of the most important bird conservation laws, which has protected countless birds since 1918.

Here are 10 of the finest images from the competition.


(Image credit: Mariam Kamal)

White necked Jacobin by Mariam Kamal, 2019 Amateur winner

Dave and Dave’s Nature Park, Sarapiqui, Costa Rica


(Image credit: Elizabeth Boehm)

Greater Sage Grouse Fight by Elizabeth Boehm, Professional winner

Pinedale, Wyoming


(Image credit: Kevin Ebi)

Bald Eagle by Kevin Ebi, Professional honourable mention

San Juan Island National Historical Park, Friday Harbor, Washington

'The fight began when the bald eagle attempted to steal the rabbit away from the young fox, known as a kit. When the bald eagle grabbed the rabbit, it inadvertently also caught the fox, lifting both more than 20 feet into the air. The fox swung back and forth trying to take the rabbit back. The bald eagle released the fox and flew off with the rabbit. The whole struggle lasted 8 seconds. While bald eagles and foxes occasionally hunt rabbits, it is a relatively rare occurrence. Up to 97 percent of an eagle's diet consists of fish and birds; red foxes more commonly eat berries, insects and small mammals, like the vole.' — Kevin Ebi


(Image credit: Garrett Sheets)

Dunn Ranch Prairie, Lincoln Township, Missouri


(Image credit: Ly Dang)

Black-browed Albatross by Ly Dang, 2019 Fisher Prize winner

Saunders Island, Falkland Islands


(Image credit: Joseph Przybyla)

Purple Gallinule on a fire flag by Joseph Przybyla, Plants For Birds honourable mention

Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland, Florida


(Image credit: Kathrin Swoboda)

Red winged Blackbird by Kathrin Swoboda, Amateur Grand Prize winner

Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia


(Image credit: Michael Schulte)

Hooded Oriole on a California fan palm by Michael Schulte, Plants For Birds winner

San Diego, California


(Image credit: Sebastian Velasquez)

Horned Puffin by Sebastian Velasquez, Youth winner

Alaska SeaLife Center (accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums©), Seward, Alaska


(Image credit: Melissa Rowell)

Great Blue Heron by Melissa Rowell, Amateur honourable mention

Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Delray Beach, Florida


Alexandra Fraser
Ally is a writer, editor and social media superstar who has worked for the Royal Horticultural Society and British Rowing, but she kicked off her career at Country Life after graduating from University College London with a degree in Classics. In recent years she's split her time between Winchester and London, all while raising a cocker spaniel called Wilf. For questions, recommendations or to pass on dog training tips, find her at alexandralilyfraser@gmail.com.