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.
Jose Manuel Grandío's Image
Jose Manuel Grandío (Spain) braves below-zero temperatures to witness a stoat jumping high into the air above the snow.
Winter is Jose’s favourite season for photography.
He spotted this stoat jumping in mid-air on the last day of his trip in the French Alps. The small mammal hurled itself about in a fresh fall of snow, in what Jose saw as an “expression of exuberance”.
Scientists refer to this behaviour as ‘dancing’, although opinions are divided about what motivates it. Some think it is an attempt to confuse prey, while others believe it is linked to a parasitic infection.
Stoats are usually active at night and prey on small mammals and birds.
Behind the lens
Jose Manuel Grandío
Spain
Jose Manuel has been a wildlife photographer for 25 years and specialises in birds. He’s also worked on several studies on the migration of birds, which have been published in magazines such as Ardeola. Jose’s photos have received several awards, including awards in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He’s a member of the Spanish Association of Nature Photographers and the Spanish Ornithological Society.
Image details
- Nikon D500
- 500mm f4 lens
- 1/6000 at f4 • ISO 800
- Athose, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
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.
More images from Jose Manuel Grandío
View all
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.