The Cameron Bespolka Young Bird Photographer of the Year, run by Bird Photographer of the Year organisers the British Trust for Ornithology and Nature Photographers Ltd, has just announced the winners of the 2017 competition.

This prestigious competition, in its second year in 2017, attracted hundreds of entries from all around the globe, images that were scrutinised by a judging panel headed by TV presenter and President of the BTO, Chris Packham.

The Winners
After much deliberation, the Young Bird Photographer of the Year title was awarded to Ondrej Pelanek of the Czech Republic for his Whiskered Tern image entitled ‘Calling for the Sun’. Ondrej wins a cash prize of £350 and a pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8x30 binoculars. Second prize was awarded to Carlos Perez Naval from Spain for his image of Steller’s Eider entitled ‘Gold in cold water’. Carlos wins a cash prize of £200. Third place was taken by last year’s winner Marc Albiac, also from Spain, with his arresting close-up of a Gannet’s eye. Marc wins a cash prize of £100.

First Prize: Ondrej Pelanek
Title: Calling for the Sun

Second Prize: Carlos Perez Naval
Title: Gold in Cold Water

Third Prize: Marc Albiac
Title: Close Portrait

Bird Photographer of the Year book
The above images, plus those highly commended by the judges appear in the Bird Photographer of the Year book, Collection 2. Published by William Collins, the book is available from 24 August 2017 and can be ordered from the BPOTY online shop using the following link: https://store11199089.ecwid.com/

Calling for entries for 2018