FRAMING wild feathers

WINNERS OF THE BIRDLIFE SOUTH AFRICA PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2025

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Once again we were inspired by the creativity, dedication and generosity of our country's bird photographers. More than just beautiful photographs, these winning images are powerful reminders of why birds matter and why their habitats must be safeguarded. We hope this portfolio encourages you not only to support conservation, but also to step outside, camera in hand, and share with the world your own vision of birds.

PREVIOUS SPREADGRAND PRIZE & ACTION WINNER | Beverly Pickford

While photographing the sardine run off the Transkei Wild Coast for our book Wild Ocean, my husband and I came across this lone Cape Cormorant pursuing the last remnants of a sardine bait ball. I quickly jumped over the side of our rubber duck and free dived to follow the cormorant as it tried several times to catch a sardine. Without the support of other birds or predators to corral or distract the fish, its attempts were unsuccessful. Photographing the sardine run is a challenge of finding and freezing moments in the wild pandemonium of predators that follow the arrival of a school of sardines. Finding this lone cormorant was a mystical moment, with clear visibility and the sardines fanning away just out of reach of the predator. (Nikon D850 with Marlin Marine camera housing, Nikkor 16–35mm at 18mm, f4, ISO 800)

For both prizes, Beverly wins a luxurious 4-night stay for two at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge or &Beyond Mountain Lodge, a 3-night stay at Zimanga Private Game Reserve Main Lodge, a year's free membership to the Firefinch app, a voucher to download the Firefinch Kruger app and a year's membership to Birdle Pro.

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PORTRAIT WINNER | Johan Kloppers