Gathered here are a collection of the winners and runners-up from the 2026 British Wildlife Photography Awards, selected from more than 12,000 entries. See these images via The Atlantic Photo:
Our photograph shows a piece of street art painted on a large, weathered brick wall beside a damp pavement. The scene has a moody, night time feeling The paint on the wall is worn and peeling in places, revealing patches of lighter colour underneath, which gives the background a rough, aged texture. At the centre of the artwork is the stencilled figure of a young girl, painted in pale blue and white tones that glow softly against the dark wall. The glow creates a halo-like outline around her and the birds near her, making them stand out vividly from the background. The girl appears to be standing in profile, facing toward the left side of the image. She has short hair cut in a simple bob and is wearing a knee-length dress. In her left hand she holds up a small bowl, as though offering food. Around her, several birds, likely pigeons or doves, circle and gather. Some birds are perched on the ground near her feet, while others appear mid-flight above her, wings spread wide. Their silhouettes are simple and graphic, each surrounded by the same glowing blue aura that surrounds the girl. The birdsโ wings are captured in different positions, giving the impression of movement and fluttering. Two birds stand on the ground near the girlโs feet, while others hover above and around her outstretched arm, as if swooping down to feed from the bowl. The arrangement creates a sense of lively motion around an otherwise calm figure. Faintly painted or scratched into the wall to the right of the girl are the words โTHERE ARE ALWAYS BIRDS,โ though the lettering is subtle and partially blended into the dark bricks. At the bottom of the wall, a thin strip of green moss and small plants grows where the wall meets the pavement. Overall, the artwork gives the feeling of quiet kindness and gentleness, as the glowing child calmly feeds birds in the middle of an otherwise dark and gritty urban setting. Finally, our picture is finished with a white board frame.
Morning #BlueSky โ๏ธ Captured in a back street in my village here in Ireland, a striking piece of street art. Have a powerful day friends โบ๏ธ #ECK #Photography #TagTuesday #Graffiti #StreetArt #ColorADay #BlueTue #Ireland #PhotographyOfBlueSky #Urban #PhotographersOfBlueSky #Birds #BlueSkyArt #Striking
Happy International Women's Day! โ๏ธSHEBA #powerfulowl be kind to all kind not just humankind #birds
A dapper blue tit perches upright on a rough, moss-flecked branch, its bright yellow chest puffed slightly as if posing for the camera. The birdโs neat blue cap, white cheeks, and bold black eye stripe give it a smart, well-dressed look, while hints of blue on the wings and tail catch the sunlight. Set against a softly blurred green background, the tiny bird appears alert and confident, like a miniature gentleman surveying his garden domain. ๐ฆ๐ฟ
The #BirdOfTheDay theme today is #photogenic birds you find to be photogenic. The alt is #LightAndShade bird captures with lighting contrast. Iโm going with a Blue Tit looking for a Spring partner and perhaps overdoing the Brylcreem. ๐ #birds #photography #ECK
Going, going, gone.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #kestrel #americankestrel #urbanwildlife #bluesky
SPRING IS COMING! Birds singing, frogs eeping, bees buzzing!! After the muffled hush of winter I canโt wait!
#birds ๐ฟ
Stunning little Songthrush skulking around in the shade popped up to say hi ๐๐ฅฐ #birds #nature #wildlife #photography #nikonZ8 #ukbirds
๐ง๐๐ Listening to ๐๐โณ
nextory.com/de/book/colt...
#historical #thoughtful #artist #sapphfic #audiobook #bookrecommendation
#JulesRevelAuthor #AbbyCradenNarrator
๊งเผโฌ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐โฌเผ๊ง
A new dawn breaks, the past fades away,
The sun whispers softly, "It's a brand-new day." ๐ฅฐ
A view of Cornwallโs rugged coastline, featuring the ruins of an old tin mine perched on the cliffs above the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. The iconic engine house and tall chimney stand as a reminder of the regionโs rich mining heritage, now embraced by nature and the wild coastal landscape. A perfect scene to celebrate St Piranโs Day and Cornwallโs proud history.
Late afternoon over the Cornish coast, with the silhouette of a lone engine house standing against the vast expanse of the Atlantic. The golden light reflects off the water, casting a peaceful glow over the rolling hills and rugged cliffs. A fitting tribute to Cornwallโs industrial past and its enduring natural beauty.
A striking granite tor, its weathered, layered rocks shaped by centuries of wind and rain. The dramatic formation stands against a backdrop of rolling countryside and a vast sky filled with fluffy clouds. A perfect example of the wild, ancient landscapes that make Cornwall so unique.
The breathtaking scenery of Kynance Cove on Cornwallโs Lizard Peninsula, where turquoise waters meet dramatic rocky islands and golden sand. The winding coastal path leads down to the secluded beach, framed by dark serpentine rock formations. A place of raw natural beauty, and a true Cornish gem.
Some classic #Cornish scenes to celebrate St Piranโs Day. #Cornwal #GoolPeranLowen #nature #coast
Gelbe Tulpen und Narzissen drumherum. Ein weiรer Porzellanhase steht links von der Vase- davor der Schriftzug Smile
๐
Blue sky with a rainbow.
#photography #nature #winter #blueskymonday #rainbow #outdoorphotography
๐ง๐๐ Listening to ๐โก๏ธ
nextory.com/se/book/hunt...
#mystery #suspense #MissingHiker #thriller #audiobook #bookrecommendation
#DarcyCoatesAuthor #AngelaDaweNarrator
Male greenfinch (Chloris chloris) drinking from a puddle, which also shows its reflection. Trujillo, Extremadura, Spain
@alan678.bsky.socialโฌ chose #PerfectLighting as todayโs #BirdOfTheDay theme, with alt #Finches.
As far as I'm concerned, that means diffuse lighting without hard shadows, and what I rarely get ๐
That morning in Trujillo was an exception, and great for drinking birds!
#Naturephotography #Birds ๐ชถ
A pied bill grebe swims in the water as morning begins. It is facing the east so the light of dawn is striking its face
A tiny grebe greets the light of a new day.
#birdoftheday #perfectlighting #birds #grebe #nature #protectnature #photography #EastCoastKin #sunrise #dawn
A group of little egrets feeding and preening in shallow water. They are lit up by gentle dawn light and softly reflected in the calm water
For today's #BirdOfTheDay theme of #PerfectLighting, here's a group of feeding and preening little egrets catching some lovely dawn sunlight #Birds #wildlifephotography #birdwatching #birdphotography #canon #photography #nature #egret #softlight
A small bird with a red crown and white belly is sitting on a branch in winter. This photo was taken in our backyard near Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State.
The alternate theme for #birdoftheday is #finches. Hereโs a very nice #CommonRedpoll, fluffed up against the chilly winter air. Lake Placid, NY (20 February 2022).
#birds #adirondacks #adirondackmountains #backyardbirds #backyardbirding
whitewagtail
For todayโs #BirdOfTheDay theme #PerfectLighting
set by @alan678.bsky.social
"I'm walkin' here!" ๐
#whitewagtail
#motacillaalba
#birds
#birdphotography
#wildlifephotography
#sonya7v
#tamron50400mm
@alan678.bsky.social wants more notifications ๐ for #BirdOfTheDay ๐
#BirdOfTheDay alt theme is #Finches
Always willing to post a Gold Finch
#Birds #Birdwatching #Birdphotography
#Nature
#EastCoastKin
A European starling perches on a slender branch laden with clusters of dark purple and green berries. Its plumage is dark brown-black, densely speckled with pale spots across the chest and body. One wing is partially raised, revealing softly lit, layered feathers tinged with pale grey. The starling grips the branch with curved claws while turning its head slightly to the left, its glossy dark eye alert. Red berry stems frame the bird against a smooth, blurred green background.
Good morning. Todayโs #BirdOfTheDay theme is #PerfectLighting a bird capture in good lighting. The Alt theme is #Finches Good luck. #birds #photography #EastCoastKin
A female chaffinch perches neatly on the edge of a moss-covered tree stump, her warm buff-brown plumage smooth and understated against a dark green woodland backdrop. Distinct white wing bars and bold black-and-white markings on her folded wings add contrast to her otherwise soft colouring. She stands upright and alert on slender pink legs, pale conical beak slightly raised, her dark eye bright and watchful as she surveys her surroundings. The textured bark and vivid green moss beneath her add depth and colour to the quiet forest scene.
As Iโm hosting I think I better support the alt theme too. #Finches We really encourage you to use either theme or both. Rumour has it that female Chaffinches are arrogant. Not sure where that reputation comes from? Anyway hereโs a female Chaffinch. #BirdOfTheDay #birds #photo #EastCoastKin
Burrowing owl crouching down, getting ready for a quick escape if ncessary.
Good morning! ๐ชถ
Brown, white, and tan Aussie/Border mix puppy, tongue out, looking up at the camera from a bed of fallen maple leaves.
Our first week together is a delightful blur. Annie is zooming through puppy training. #TongueOutTuesday
#DogsOfBlueSky #AussieBorderMix
Dramatic sunset over Lough Foyle, with bands of dark blue and slate-grey clouds sweeping across the sky. A glowing strip of golden light sits low on the horizon, reflecting in rippled pools across the exposed tidal flats in the foreground. The distant hills of Donegal form a soft, dark silhouette beneath the fading light, adding depth and contrast to the wide, tranquil coastal scene.
Good morning. May an Irish sky give the beginning of your week a little boost. Hang in there all you workers. Us retired folk are absolutely not sipping coffee and giggling. ๐คญ #Ireland #BlueSkyMonday #sunset #photography #EastCoastKin
Art Challenges: Feb 23โMar 1 Monday, February 23 #BlueSkyMonday (anything blue) #MacroMonday (any macro) #MountainMonday (mountains) #MinimalMonday (minimalism) #ColorADay (#PinkMon) #FebruArty2026 (#few) Tuesday, February 24 #RockinTuesday (rocks) #TidesOutTuesday #TagTuesday (graffiti/street art) #AnimalArtTuesday #ColorADay (#BlueTue or #CyanTue) #FebruArty2026 (#flaw) Wednesday, February 25 #WaterfallWednesday #WindowsOnWednesday #WackyWednesdayArt #ColorADay (#RedWed) #FebruArty2026 (#flight) Thursday, February 26 #HumansOfBlueSky (people) #UrbanGaze (anything urban) #PalacesAndGardens (#LittleWonders)* #ColorADay (#YellowThu) #FebruArty2026 (#fake) Friday, February 27 #Scape (any kind of scape) #FishyFriday #ForestFriday #FoodOnFriday #FlyDay (critters that fly) #ColorADay (#BWFri) #FebruArty2026 (#fan) Saturday, February 28 #BNWmacro #ColorADay (#GreenSat) #SmallBirdSaturday #BlueSkyArtShow (#round) #FebruArty2026 (#fin) Sunday, March 1 #Stunday (stunning) #ImageAndVerse (photos with poems written by you or anyone) #BNWmacro #ColorADay (#OrangeSun) ALL WEEK #ArtYear (any art) #ArtOfSelfPortraiture #BirdOfTheDay (see Alan H or Rob Crank for daily prompt) #ClassicMono (monochrome) #MixedMedia52 (#acrylic)** #ShowHeart (hearts) #Abstractia (#vision) #AlphabetChallenge (#WeekHForHs)*** #SensoryArt (#OutOfPlace) *Little details **2 or more mediums ***Anything that starts with โHโ Compiled by @handcranked.bsky.social Questions? @young-spartacus.bsky.social
Your art challenge cheat sheet for Feb 23โMar 1 is here!
NEW: #ShowHeart (daily, hearts)
See comments for host list.
#EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited #PhotographersOfBluesky #photography
#ArtYear #dailyart #art #traditionalart #painting #drawing #onlybeautifulthings #artchallenge #artprompt
A pale blue sky over a deep blue ocean with a single rocky outcrop. With the following wording: Join in for#BlueSkyMonday Every Monday, post your artwork celebrating all things blue! Blue skies, blue water, blue flowers, blue shoes, blue cars, blue views, anything blue! Open to photos, drawings, paintings, poems, music, daydreams...anything! Any and all are welcome to participate, just use the hashtag #BlueSkyMonday to be included Inspired by New Order's "Blue Monday" Brought to you by #EastCoastKin and #ArminPhoto
Another week has flown by, which means tomorrow is #BlueSkyMonday again! ๐
Start your week with a splash of blue! Post your photos, artwork or anything creative with a BLUE theme. Use the hashtag and comment on or repost your favourites ๐
Kyle Goetschโs breathtaking image of a giraffe cresting a sand dune, staring down the barrel of the lens from the center of a hazy pink moon, is among the best in a jaw-dropping bunch of photos that have helped the South African build an impressive social media following.
Next batch of Australia ๐ฆ๐บ #birds
For #BlueSkyMonday, a Starling looking up at the #blue #sky on Feb. 11, 2026, which has been a rare occurrence in Burnaby, BC, #Canada this month!
#birds #photography #EastCoastKin #PhotographersUnited
#BirdsSeenIn2026
Brightly coloured male Mallard duck out for a stroll on the grass in the sunshine. Galway Ireland
It's Mallard Monday! Male Mallard duck out for a stroll on the grass. Galway Ireland. #BirdOfTheDay #Mallard #Duck #Birds #Wildlife #Ireland #Nature #EastCoastKin #Photography #Birding #NaturePhotography #BirdPhotography #PhotographyIsArt #BirdsSeenIn2026
