Up to his chest in water, Jose Luis shot this intimate moment with a family of great crested grebes. When one parent emerged with damp feathers and a fish, Jose Luis was lucky that not a breath of wind rippled the water. A stripy-headed chick stretched out of its sanctuary, open-beaked, to claim the tasty meal.
Grebes are at their most elegant in the breeding season when ornate plumage is used in courting. They build a nest of aquatic plant material, often among reeds at the edge of shallow water. Chicks venture out within just a few hours of hatching, hitching a snug ride on a parent’s back.
Spain
Jose has a degree in chemistry and works in the aeronautical sector. A co-worker introduced him to the world of photography in 2014 and it has since been his main hobby. His has been awarded in several nature photography competitions, including first prize in the Spanish Ornithological Society (SEO/BirdLife) contest.
Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.
Killing predators comes with big prize money in the USA. Photographer Karine Aigner goes behind the scenes of contests where hunters win and nature loses.
Read article
Nima Sarikhani’s stunning picture of a sleeping polar bear was crowned 2023's People's Choice.
Read articleDiscover this year's shortlisted images and don't forget to vote for your favourite.
Read article