Itâs a birdâs world, and weâre just living in it. Today, the National Audubon Society officially announced the winners of the 2026 Audubon Photography Awards. The contest is now in its 17th year and celebrates stunning photos (and even a few videos) that showcase the beauty of birds and the challenges they face. For the second year, the judges awarded prizes to residents of Chile and Colombia, as well as the United States and Canada, highlighting how avians connect us across geographies and ecosystems.Â
This yearâs Grand Prize winners each received $5,000 and a voyage to Antarctica with HX Expeditionsâan expedition cruise company and Audubonâs exclusive cruise partner.
Take a peek at the winners in the gallery below. (Click to expand images to full screen.)
Prizes for United States and Canada Residents
Grand Prize: Jacqueline Burke, roseate spoonbill

Youth Prize: Ian Shultz, rock pigeon

Video Prize: Piper VanOrd, great blue heron
A great blue heron (Ardea herodias) at Allegheny Islands Wilderness, National Wild & Scenic Allegheny River, in Warren, Pennsylvania. Credit: Piper VanOrd.
Female Bird Prize: Gail Bisson, common merganser

Plants for Birds Prize: Mike Henry, Gila woodpecker and saguaro cactus

Birds Without Borders Prize: Nick Parayko, Tennessee warbler

Birds in Landscapes Prize: Liron Gertsman, white-tailed tropicbird

Conservation Prize: Josh Galicki, northern gannets

Prizes for Chile and Colombia Residents
Grand Prize: Francisco Castro Escobar, lesser horned owl

Youth Prize: Juan David Camacho MĂĄrquez, Canada warbler

Video Prize: NicolĂĄs Muñoz GarcĂa, black-browed albatross
A black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) is on Isla Chañaral Marine Reserve, Huasco Province, Chile. The nearest town is Caleta Chañaral de Aceituno. Credit: NicolĂĄs Muñoz GarcĂa.
Birds Without Borders Prize: Rodrigo GonzĂĄlez Pairoa, black-browed albatross

Conservation Prize: Santiago Pérez Rincón, yellow-eared parrot

Plants for Birds Prize, Colombia: Santiago Giraldo, yellow-eared parrot and Quindio wax palm

Birds in Landscapes Prize, Colombia: Faber Mosquera Ălvarez, oilbird

Birds in Landscapes Prize, Chile: Timothy Dhalleine, crested caracara

Coastal Birds Prize, Chile: Gonzalo Bertolotto Quintana, gentoo penguin

Gonzalo Bertolotto Q
The winners and honorable mentions are published online in Audubon magazine, and winners will be in the Fall 2026 print issue. The annual Top 100 photos will also be announced on September 23, 2026, and additional selections will be featured in digital galleries on Audubonâs website. Â
The 2027 Audubon Photography Awards will open for entries on January 13, 2027.Â
The post Tweet! Here are the winners of the 2026 Audubon Photography Awards appeared first on Popular Science.
