In so-called “granary trees,” acorn woodpeckers drill remarkable pegboard-like patterns in which they store thousands upon thousands of acorns for food over the winter. And the Austral pygmy-owl, endemic to parts of Argentina and Chile, can be identified by its high-pitched toot. These are just a few of the incredible array of bird species represented by the top entries in this year’s Audubon Photography Awards.
The 2025 contest comprises two groupings emphasizing migration, with submissions welcome from Canada and the U.S., along with Chile and Colombia. From there, entries are categorized into themed awards like the Youth, Conservation, Birds Without Borders, and Birds in Landscape prizes.
The grand prize from the Chile and Colombia pool has been awarded to Felipe Esteban Toledo Alarcón for his dramatic capture of a ringed kingfisher taking flight over the water. And the top prize selected from U.S. and Canada submissions goes to Liron Gertsman for his shot of magnificent frigatebirds silhouetted by the sun.
“Chile and Colombia are home to some of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes and seascapes,” says a statement. “Many of the birds that migrate between these vibrant countries and Canada and the United States are vulnerable to extinction due to climate change…Audubon works to
protect these birds from the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through coordinated efforts across countries and regions to ensure their survival year-round.”
Explore galleries of this year’s winners and honorable mentions, or grab a copy of the Fall 2025 Audubon Magazine. Entries for the 2026 competition will open in January. You might also enjoy following birds along their annual migrations via Audubon’s elaborate, interactive maps.
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