2006: 11-14 Years - Highly Commended
Fergus Gill (United Kingdom)
Plover at dusk
While photographing one evening on a beach on the Isle of Luing, Scotland, Fergus encountered a ringed plover that seemed far more approachable than normal. 'I soon realised why,' says Fergus. 'It had a tiny chick, which couldn't have been more than three days old.' Watching from behind a large slate dyke, Fergus saw the plover parent gather the chick under its breast to keep it warm. 'Though a beautiful sight,' says Fergus, 'it didn't make a great photograph'. Then he saw the other parent posing on top of the slate stones, the setting sun behind it. 'This was what I was looking for,' he says. 'The bird had a lovely halo around it, and the black rocks were burnished with gold.'
Nikon D70 with 200-400mm f4 lens; 1/80 sec at f4; 200 ISO; beanbag.
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Young awards Shy baby Kyle Dickerson
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