Make a donation
The Museum is a charity and we rely on your support.
Make a donation today and support our 350 scientists who are working to build resilient habitats, protect vulnerable species and secure a sustainable future for our planet.
Ron McCombe's Image
'We were into our third week of snow,' says Ron.
'This is unusual for the Scottish Borders,' and the snow had forced the red grouse down from the high moor to the lower slopes of the Lammermuir Hills in an attempt to find exposed vegetation. But the temperature here wasn't much better, with a bitter east wind bringing it down to -10°C (14°F). From the roadside, Ron watched this female searching for food. 'She had to stand on tiptoe to pick the seeds at the top of the heather. It looked so elegant, even though the situation was so harsh. It's hard to imagine how they find enough food to survive such a winter.'
Behind the lens
Ron McCombe
UK
Image details
- Canon EOS 40D
- 500mm f4 lens
- 1/400 sec at f6.3 • ISO 320
- Lammermuir Hills, Scotland, UK
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
Support our important work
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.