2006: Urban Wildlife - Runner-up
Klaus Echle (Germany)
The cowshed bats
Klaus has for many years worked to help conserve bats in Germany. One of his favourites is the rare and endangered Geoffroy's bat - a medium-sized quite furry animal, not found in the UK. In Baden-Württemberg, it spends the winter roosting mainly in caves and old mines, but in May and June one population of females chooses farmer Friedhelm's cowshed to rear their babies. 'Friedhelm is very proud the bats choose his shed, and so looks after them,' says Klaus. 'Watching the bats over time, I noticed a few had a quick fly around the shed during the day, perhaps stretching their wings. The return flight was the moment I wanted for my picture. All I needed was just a little luck and a lot of patience.'
Canon 1N Rs with 8-20mm 1:2 lens; f14; Fujichrome Sensia 100; 3 flashes, remote control.
View other winners in this category
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Adult awards Still life and bear Igor Shpilenok
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Adult awards Fur seal playground Fanus Weldhagen
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Adult awards Ermine at home Peter Lilja
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