Nick Kanakis's Image

Nick Kanakis (USA) gains a glimpse into the secret life of wrens.

Nick spotted this young grey-breasted wood wren foraging. Knowing it would disappear into the forest if approached, he found a clear patch of leaf litter and waited for it to come to him. Sure enough, the little bird hopped into frame, pressing its ear to the ground to listen for small insects.

This prey-detecting technique is used by other birds, including the Eurasian blackbird. Grey-breasted wood wrens are shy ground-dwelling birds that are often heard but not seen. They broadcast loud, melodious songs and rasping calls while hidden in the undergrowth.

Roz Kidman Cox, chair of the judging panel, writer and editor said, 'The intimacy of the moment is what makes the picture so special, enhanced by the rich tapestry of leaf-litter colours – the perfect camouflage carpet for the tiny wren'.