A Winged Symphony: Celebrating the Breathtaking Winners of the Audubon Photography Awards

Prepare to be mesmerized as the National Audubon Society unveils the stunning winners of its 2025 Photography Awards. From an astounding pool of over 9,000 entries, 16 extraordinary photographs have been crowned, each a testament to the sheer beauty of avian life and the profound skill of the photographers.

More than just visually captivating, these images serve as powerful ambassadors for a crucial cause: the urgent need for bird conservation and habitat preservation.

This year’s awards span five compelling categories—Grand Prize, Professional, Amateur, Youth, and the increasingly vital Plants for Birds category.

Each winning photograph tells a unique, intimate story, drawing viewers into the intricate world of birds across North America. They capture everything from moments of serene contemplation to dramatic struggles for survival, all united by a singular purpose: to inspire a deeper connection to nature and a commitment to protecting its winged inhabitants.

The coveted Grand Prize was awarded to Steve Jessmore for his exquisite capture of a Snowy Egret, perfectly framed against a sun-drenched backdrop in Florida.

The image, a masterclass in composition and light, portrays the egret in a moment of pure grace, its delicate form reflected on the water's surface, reminding us of the fragility and elegance of these wetland dwellers. It's a poignant reminder that such pristine moments depend entirely on the health of their threatened habitats.

Liron Gertsman's Professional Award-winning photograph transports us to the ethereal 'water dance' of two Western Grebes in British Columbia.

This mesmerizing shot freezes a moment of their synchronized courtship ritual, a breathtaking display of nature’s choreography. Its intricate detail and emotional depth highlight the complex social lives of birds and the importance of undisturbed breeding grounds.

In the Amateur category, Mark Smith’s incredible photograph of a White-tailed Kite from California soared above the rest.

The image captures the raptor in mid-air, a picture of predatory focus and aerial mastery. Such photographs not only celebrate the birds themselves but also the wild, open spaces they require to thrive.

The Youth Award winner, Christian Heuss, offered a poignant close-up of a Great Gray Owl from Wyoming, its piercing gaze reflecting the wisdom and wildness of the northern forests.

Heuss's photograph demonstrates that age is no barrier to capturing profound natural beauty and conveying powerful messages about environmental stewardship.

The Plants for Birds category, a vital addition, recognized the invaluable link between native flora and avian survival. This year’s winner, a vibrant image depicting a colorful hummingbird nectaring from a specific native plant, beautifully illustrates how essential local ecosystems are to sustaining bird populations, encouraging gardeners and landowners to think about their local biodiversity.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these 16 winning images are powerful tools for advocacy.

Each click of the shutter serves to amplify Audubon’s mission, bringing the distant struggles of wildlife closer to home. They vividly illustrate the threats birds face from climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, transforming abstract environmental challenges into tangible, emotive realities.

The National Audubon Society leverages these captivating photographs to fuel its conservation initiatives, protecting birds and the indispensable places they call home.

The photographers, in essence, become storytellers, their images weaving narratives of wonder, resilience, and vulnerability. They compel us to look, to appreciate, and, most importantly, to act.

The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards are more than just a contest; they are a vibrant celebration of avian life and a compelling call to action.

These images urge us all to become better stewards of our planet, ensuring that future generations can also witness the majestic beauty of a winged symphony in the wild.