Selections From the 2026 Audubon Photography Awards Top 100

Veronica Donoso captured a spectacled tyrant in Chile during spring migration. The male birds arrive first, followed by the females a few weeks later. The females hop from bush to bush, seeking the best vantage point to select a mate. Observing this behavior can produce unique moments, like a female tyrant spreading her wings at the exact moment of takeoff.

Fei Cheng photographed a northern pygmy-owl, one of the smallest owls in the world. The owl was perched on a thin twig against a large trunk, illuminated by the last golden light of the day. The bird's size compared to a tennis ball made it notoriously difficult to spot.

Cody Cianfrance observed a massive gathering of mangrove yellow warblers on mudflats, feasting on abundant flies. The challenge was to make one tiny warbler seem like a giant among the flies, achieved by contrasting it with the flies in the composition.

Dotty Doherty photographed a flock of red-winged blackbirds at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Initially, her photos showed only black silhouettes against an overcast sky. As the flock settled into the grasses, she lay on the shutter to capture their sudden emergence.

Liron Gertsman photographed a waved albatross pair on Española Island during courtship season. The majestic birds engaged in allopreening and mating under the sunset light, showcasing their beauty in their natural habitat.

Sergio Andrés Dueñas Trejo photographed a yellow-bellied seedeater holding on to the tips of grasses in Huila's dry forest. The seedeater used its weight to bend the grass until it was hidden among the vegetation while foraging, creating a unique and captivating image.

Timothy Dhalleine captured a rare moment of two California condors bathing and engaging in gentle touches in a small pool of water. The pair, previously spotted engaging in courtship, displayed a profound moment of intimacy and trust.

Juan David Camacho Márquez photographed a scarlet-bellied mountain tanager during the Birdwatching Tourism Congress in Manizales. Accompanying a group of young birders, he felt part of a family while observing the tanager and many other amazing bird species.

Harold Gillibrand Guerra photographed a lesser horned owl with its three juveniles in the city of Coyhaique. The father owl flew over the area and perched on the tallest tree, summoning his chicks with a call. The hierarchy among the siblings was evident as the father approached with a cached hare, showcasing their natural behaviors.