Announcing GreatBirdPics.com‘s next Bird Photography Contest. The author of the best photograph using the theme “Birds of Prey with Prey” will win $100! Read the rules below carefully:
- Every entry must contain a Bird of Prey and its Prey in the frame (does not need to have the prey in its claws but must be obvious it is the bird’s intended prey).
- In general, birds of prey include: eagles, hawks, buzzards, harriers, kites, falcons, caracara, vultures, condors, Osprey, Secretary bird. They do not include other birds that may hunt such as herons, egrets, gulls, cranes, kingfishers, etc. For more information about Birds of Prey see this article from Wikipedia: Birds of Prey. If you have any question if the species in your picture(s) is eligible email Mike at greatbirdpics@gmail.com
- Every entry must have the phrase “Birds of Prey” in the title so I know it’s in the contest.
- All entries must be submitted by 8 PM Central time on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The winner will be announced the week of August 10th.
- Add a couple of sentences in the Description about how you got the shot.
- Enter as many Great Bird Pics as you like, however photographs previously posted on GreatBirdPics.com are not eligible.
- The contest will be judged by Xwinger and I. Comments posted on entries do influence the judges!
- Participants are limited to members of GreatBirdPics.com.
- You may want to review the article Great Bird Pics Contest Tips.
Here are some exemplar shots I’ve taken of “Birds of Prey With Prey”:
Here’s an Osprey flying toward its nest with a fish it caught at sea. A good example for this contest.
Here’s an example of a Bald Eagle about to pounce on its prey (it missed) and is acceptable for the contest. The prey doesn’t have to be in the grasp of the bird, but visible as the intended “victim.”
The image below of a Cooper’s Hawk feasting on a Cardinal it just snatched is acceptable, but let’s face it, it’s a little gory. Xwinger in particular has a weak stomach so if your thing is blood and guts it may not fare well in the judging.
This one of a Red-tailed Hawk with a squirrel is fine even with a little blood – you be the judge.
Finally, you might remember that this Harrier-Hawk in Kruger National Park was trying to grab some Weavers in their nest. This photo doesn’t include any image of the prey so it would be ineligible for the contest.
Again, if you have any questions regarding the eligibility of your image please reply to this email.
Good Luck!