Above: 'Coal Tit' by Adam Heffernan
The Epson BirdWatch Ireland National Photo Competition called on birdwatchers to submit their favourite snaps under the theme ‘Ireland’s winter birds’, and the stunning images received did not disappoint.
Photographers and birdwatchers alike entered the competition and winners were announced today with Edward Delaney of New Ross, Co Wexford, taking the top prize in the senior category for his image, ‘A Murmuration of Starlings’.
Michael Murphy of Glasheen, Co Cork, took the first runner-up position for ‘Goldfinch on a Thistle’, while Mark Carmody from Dublin was named second runner-up for ‘Little Egret’.
Adam Heffernan, a 14-year-old from Dunhill, Co Waterford, came first in the junior age group for ‘Coal Tit’, which surpassed judges’ expectations for the young contenders.
“This photo competition has offered bird enthusiasts and photographers the opportunity to share their common interest in their natural habitat as well as celebrate their creative output,” said Oran O’Sullivan, head of operations at BirdWatch Ireland and a member of the judging panel. “It is wonderful to see the growing interest in this space and we thank all entrants for taking part.”
“The Epson BirdWatch Ireland photo competition has showcased some of the very best in amateur Irish photography and we have been highly impressed by the standard of entry to this competition throughout,” added fellow judge Karina Timmis from Epson Ireland. “We would like to congratulate the winners and indeed all entrants – we have been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and extraordinary creativity.”
Each of the winners and runners-up will receive a top-of-the-range Epson photo printer for their efforts.
‘A Murmation of Starlings’ by Edward Delaney
‘Goldfinch on a Thistle’ by Michael Murphy
‘Little Egret’ by Mark Carmody
