It’s no secret that birds can be quite challenging to photograph. They move quickly, rarely stay still for long, and capturing a truly special moment often comes down to being in the right place at exactly the right time.
That’s what makes the bird shots featured in the 2026 Nature Photo Awards so impressive. The competition celebrates nature photography from around the world, with a dedicated Birds category showcasing images that capture the beauty, movement, and character of avian life. This year’s selection includes everything from birds caught in dramatic mid-air moments to intimate encounters and beautifully timed shots.
The Birds category was led by Xiaoping Lin’s Pass By, which took first place, followed by Xuejun Long’s Morning Dance and Jesse Cason’s Jays Fighting with an audience. The category also includes numerous honorable mentions and other selected works that caught the judges’ attention.
