Urban animals
Looking out into a concrete jungle
PHOTOGRAPHER
Sam O'Donnell
CATEGORY
Urban animals – Winner 2025
DESCRIPTION
In spring, a small colony of sand martins took up residence in old drainage pipes at Walthamstow Wetlands in East London. It was amazing to watch this migratory species breed successfully and thrive in this highly urban nature reserve. It's something we should all strive for – to live alongside nature without harming it. I sat down, got into position (getting stung by a few nettles), adjusted my settings, and waited for a bird to perch on the edge of the pipe.
Holy pigeon
PHOTOGRAPHER
Anton Poon
CATEGORY
Urban animals – Runner-up 2025
DESCRIPTION
It was sunset, and I was walking along Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. The light was beautiful and I saw a pigeon – a rock dove – sitting very still on a handrail, with the Ferris wheel in the distance. I only had my macro lens with me, so I got as close as I could without scaring the pigeon, and positioned their head within the ring of light. It looks ethereal, with a makeshift halo. Pigeons often get a bad rap, but they’re beautiful birds.
Flock
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ryan Wong
CATEGORY
Urban animals – Commended 2025
DESCRIPTION
I was touring around the narrow back alleys of Little India in Singapore one summer's evening when I noticed this group of pigeons above me. They were rising and landing periodically in response to noises below. I waited until a number of them spread their wings, making striking monochrome silhouettes while overexposed. Despite the chaotic layers of corrugated iron and aging concrete, they seemed to have found their place and be enjoying themselves.
City fisher
Photographer
Jamie Smart
Category
City life – Winner 2024
Description
I was photographing shore birds on a beach under the pier of a well-known, busy town when this kingfisher flew under it and landed on the metal supports. The sun was going down and shining into my lens so I ended up with more of a silhouette look to the image, which I actually quite like the effect of. I turned it black and white to highlight the industrial look of the surroundings.
Soaking up the sunshine
Photographer
Anwen Whitehead
Category
City life – Runner-up 2024
Description
I took this photograph at Martin’s Haven in Wales, while waiting for the Skomer Island ferry to depart. I noticed the comings and goings of a family of swallows who’d taken up residence in old storage barns. I chose to centre the subject as I wanted to incorporate the brickwork in the foreground, which is in shadow and helps draw the viewer’s eye towards the subject. I also positioned myself side-on to ensure the barn door faded out of focus into the background.
City halo
Photographer
Anton Poon
Category
City life – Commended 2024
Description
I took this photo at Lohas Park, in Hong Kong, while I was visiting. I spotted birds perched on a metal railing at sunset. After a lot of waiting and minor adjustments, I pictured a red-whiskered bulbul in front of the light from a high-rise flat, which acted as a halo. It took many attempts but eventually the sun reached the right angle to backlight the bulbul. This photo is my favourite as it captures a moment of calm in a busy and chaotic city.
Urban fox quenching its thirst from a street puddle
Photographer
Chris Wardell
Category
City life – Commended 2024