WildBird extends warm congratulations to the photographers who created these prize-winning pictures. Once again, the judges savored the difficult task of narrowing their favorite images to these 16.
We thank the sponsors who generously provided prizes as well as the readers who submitted entries in pursuit of prizes. More than 1,600 entries arrived at our office, and we feel grateful about the enthusiasm for and the participation in this annual competition.
When the judges look at each entry, they consider four primary factors, with the first — focus — being the foremost consideration. The bird’s bill and eyes have to appear in tack-sharp focus. Blurriness results in disqualification. The judges also look at action, composition and lighting. Focus, however, remains the most challenging aspect for many participants.
The contest will return next year, with details about the 22nd competition in the March/April and May/June issues. Keep your eyes out for the March/April 2010 issue, and keep your camera at the ready for that prize-winning moment!
Prizes are as follows:
|
GRAND PRIZE
The Canon EOS 50D digital SLR features a 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4 Image Processor, ISO range of 100 to 3200, Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, 6.3-frames-per-second capability, a 3-inch LCD monitor, an autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors, diagonal center cross-type auto-focus point with f/2.8 and faster lenses and an updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The EOS 50D body comes with an eyecup, wide neck strap, video cable, USB cable, battery pack and charger, instructional photography booklets, EOS Digital Solution disc and a software instruction manual.
www.usa.canon.com
|
 |
|
AMATEUR CATEGORY PRIZES
The first-place winner will receive a GenesisXD33 8x33 binocular with Prominar XD lens elements, a minimum focus of 5 feet and 420-foot field of view at 1000 yards. The second-place winner will receive a BD42 8x42 binocular; the third-place winner, a BD32 8x32 binocular.
www.kowa-usa.com
|
|
|
BACKYARD CATEGORY PRIZES
The first-place winner will receive a Droll Yankee Flipper, which discourages squirrels with its weight-activated, motorized perch ring. The second-place winner will receive a Big Top Green feeder; the third-place winner, a Sunflower Domed Cage feeder.
www.drollyankees.com |
|
|
DIGISCOPING CATEGORY PRIZES
The first-place winner will receive a waterproof and fogproof 50mm Fieldscope ED with eyepiece, which features extra-low dispersion glass. The second-place winner will receive a Monarch 8x42 binocular; the third-place winner, a Monarch 8x36.
www.nikonbirding.com
|
 |
|
FLIGHT CATEGORY PRIZES
The first-place winner will receive the Digital Camera Module with a digital camera, 2” TFT monitor and eyepiece to fit onto a spotting scope. The second-place winner will receive a BV 10x25 BRW binocular; the third-place winner, a BV 8x25 BRW binocular.
www.minox.com
|
 |
|
WATERBIRDS CATEGORY PRIZES
The first-place winner will receive a Golden Ring 10x42 HD binocular with high-definition calcium-flouride lenses, plasma-coated prisms and the Index Matched Lens System. The second-place winner will receive a Katmai 8x32 binocular; the third-place winner, a Yosemite 6x30.
www.leupold.com
|
 |
|
