Beyond the artistic accolades, the competition also serves as a significant fundraising platform for global conservation efforts. This year, Bird Photographer of the Year donated more than £5,000 ($6,700) to its partner charity, Birds on the Brink. The charity provides essential funding to grassroots conservation projects worldwide, focusing on protecting endangered species and restoring vital habitats.
The 2026 awards ceremony also featured a strong showing in the Silver and Bronze categories, showcasing a wide range of species from around the world. Volker Widmann received Silver in Best Portrait for his serene profile of Atlantic puffins on Skomer Island, while Mark Carwardine took Silver in Bird Behaviour for a majestic shot of a juvenile bald eagle in the Great Bear Rainforest of Western Canada.
The global scope of the competition was further evidenced by Silver winners such as Alex Pansier, who captured a swirling swarm of guillemots in Norway, and Yann Bigant, whose haunting image of yellow bitterns for sale in a Phnom Penh market highlighted the illegal wildlife trade. In Antarctica, Romain Barats captured Gentoo penguins both on land and underwater, earning Silver in Urban Birds (for their presence near Antarctic research structures) and Bronze in Birds in the Environment.
In his closing remarks, Will Nicholls, the Director of Bird Photographer of the Year, addressed the evolving landscape of digital imagery. "In a world where AI-generated imagery is becoming increasingly common, this year’s winners are a powerful reminder of the value of authenticity," Nicholls said.
He emphasized that every photograph recognized in the competition is the result of real-world effort and fieldcraft. "Every image in the competition represents a real moment in the wild, earned through patience, dedication and a genuine connection with nature. People will always value real stories told by real people, and this year’s extraordinary photographs celebrate the beauty, wonder and authenticity of our natural world."
As the 2026 winners begin their world tour in a series of exhibitions and a commemorative hardback book, the organizers have announced that the next cycle of the competition, BPOTY 12, is now open for entries. Photographers of all skill levels, from amateurs to professionals, are encouraged to submit their work at birdpoty.com to continue the tradition of documenting the world’s avian wonders through the lens of a camera.
