TRAVEL NEWS
Here are the winners from the 2021 National Wildlife Federation photo contest
USA TODAY
The National Wildlife Federation and its 2021 National Wildlife magazine announced the winners of their National Wildlife Photo Contest, starting with the grand prize, which went to Thomas Vijayan of Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
According to NWF: A male orangutan climbs upward, away from a flooded forest floor that reflects the sky in Borneo, Indonesia. This area is set aside to protect these endangered primates, whose habitat is being destroyed for oil palm plantations.
Photographer Thomas Vijayan chose the rainy season to capture this perspective, which he calls “the world turned upside down.” Traveling by small boat across rough seas into a narrow river and swamp full of crocodiles, Vijayan then worked with guides to position himself in ways that would not disturb orangutans as they moved among the trees in search of fruits.
“When we spent time with them,” he said. “We literally felt that they really wanted to say something to us. There is an untold emotion in each one’s eyes. If deforestation continues, the coming generation may miss seeing this majestic creation.
Thomas Vijayan, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: A male orangutan climbs upward, away from a flooded forest floor that reflects the sky in Borneo, Indonesia. This area is set aside to protect these endangered primates, whose habitat is being destroyed for oil palm plantations.
Photographer Thomas Vijayan chose the rainy season to capture this perspective, which he calls “the world turned upside down.” Traveling by small boat across rough seas into a narrow river and swamp full of crocodiles, Vijayan then worked with guides to position himself in ways that would not disturb orangutans as they moved among the trees in search of fruits.
“When we spent time with them,” he said. “We literally felt that they really wanted to say something to us. There is an untold emotion in each one’s eyes. If deforestation continues, the coming generation may miss seeing this majestic creation.
Baby animals, first place: Qiang Zhang, Xi'an City, Shaanxi, China
According to NWF: A young, golden snub-nosed monkey clings to its sure-footed mother as she cautiously prepares to leap to a new branch in China’s Qinling Mountains.
Keeping his distance in a camouflaged tent, Qiang Zhang spent many days in the snow and bitter cold hoping to photograph the primates. This mother “was full of confidence,” he said. Moving together, they “showed their love and trust.
Qiang Zhang, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: A young, golden snub-nosed monkey clings to its sure-footed mother as she cautiously prepares to leap to a new branch in China’s Qinling Mountains.
Keeping his distance in a camouflaged tent, Qiang Zhang spent many days in the snow and bitter cold hoping to photograph the primates. This mother “was full of confidence,” he said. Moving together, they “showed their love and trust.
Baby animals, second place: Manoj Shah, Nairobi, Kenya
According to NWF: Just past sunrise in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, a group of elephants moves toward the Musiara Marsh for a morning feast.
Photographer Manoj Shah was amazed to see a baby at the center of the scene. “Baby elephants are inexperienced and oblivious to danger,” Shah said. “So the adults surround the infant to protect it from predators. This fortress of mighty legs is impenetrable!
Manoj Shah, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: Just past sunrise in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, a group of elephants moves toward the Musiara Marsh for a morning feast.
Photographer Manoj Shah was amazed to see a baby at the center of the scene. “Baby elephants are inexperienced and oblivious to danger,” Shah said. “So the adults surround the infant to protect it from predators. This fortress of mighty legs is impenetrable!
Birds, first place: Melissa Cormican, Burbank, California
According to NWF: A wild roseate spoonbill nests in the trees of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida. Spotting this bird at eye level along a walkway, Melissa Cormican was mesmerized by its close proximity and calm demeanor, so she waited “for perfect light” to create this intimate portrait.
“Natural shadow and light add depth and emotion,” she said. “I like that emotional connection, and I hope it inspires people to care.
Melissa Cormican, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: A wild roseate spoonbill nests in the trees of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida. Spotting this bird at eye level along a walkway, Melissa Cormican was mesmerized by its close proximity and calm demeanor, so she waited “for perfect light” to create this intimate portrait.
“Natural shadow and light add depth and emotion,” she said. “I like that emotional connection, and I hope it inspires people to care.
Birds, second place: Fahad Alenezi, Al Farwaniyah, Kuwait
According to NWF: On the frozen shores of Hokkaido Island in far northern Japan, competition for food during winter can breed conflict.
Fahad Alenezi witnessed this one February when he visited a spot where white-tailed sea eagles were feeding on fish.
When a brazen red fox moved in to grab a bite, one eagle (right) “took exception to the incursion,” Alenezi said, “and gave the fox what looks like a good slap with its wings.
Fahad Alenezi, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: On the frozen shores of Hokkaido Island in far northern Japan, competition for food during winter can breed conflict.
Fahad Alenezi witnessed this one February when he visited a spot where white-tailed sea eagles were feeding on fish.
When a brazen red fox moved in to grab a bite, one eagle (right) “took exception to the incursion,” Alenezi said, “and gave the fox what looks like a good slap with its wings.
Landscapes and plants, first place: Jie Fischer, Alhambra, California
According to NWF: A graceful band of flamingos flies above Kenya’s Lake Magadi, a saline expanse whose minerals catch the sunlight, forming swirls across the water.
“The sun’s rays have to have a specific angle to make the crystals shine,” Jie Fischer, who shot from a helicopter, said.
“This looks like a surreal piece of art at first glance,” she added, “but once closing in, it reveals itself as a landscape for wildlife.
Jie Fischer, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: A graceful band of flamingos flies above Kenya’s Lake Magadi, a saline expanse whose minerals catch the sunlight, forming swirls across the water.
“The sun’s rays have to have a specific angle to make the crystals shine,” Jie Fischer, who shot from a helicopter, said.
“This looks like a surreal piece of art at first glance,” she added, “but once closing in, it reveals itself as a landscape for wildlife.
Landscapes and plants, second place: Matt Meisenheimer, Janesville, Wisconsin
According to NWF: You can almost hear the roars and rumbles of long-extinct dinosaurs in this timeless landscape, which photographer Matt Meisenheimer calls “Jurassic.”
He and his wife were in Kauai, Hawaii, celebrating their anniversary when, early in the trip, they experienced what he calls “once in a lifetime conditions” over the iconic Na Pali Coast.
“The combination of a passing storm and light peeking out at sunset created incredible light over the Kalalau Ridge, and the rainbow pictured was visible for 5 to 10 minutes,” Meisenheimer said. “This is the greatest scene I have been fortunate enough to capture as a photographer.
Matt Meisenheimer, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: You can almost hear the roars and rumbles of long-extinct dinosaurs in this timeless landscape, which photographer Matt Meisenheimer calls “Jurassic.”
He and his wife were in Kauai, Hawaii, celebrating their anniversary when, early in the trip, they experienced what he calls “once in a lifetime conditions” over the iconic Na Pali Coast.
“The combination of a passing storm and light peeking out at sunset created incredible light over the Kalalau Ridge, and the rainbow pictured was visible for 5 to 10 minutes,” Meisenheimer said. “This is the greatest scene I have been fortunate enough to capture as a photographer.
Mammals, first place: Shanyuan Li, Xining City, Qinghai, China
According to NWF: Weaving braids of footprints in the snow, Tibetan antelopes approach a dune to hunt for food in China’s harsh, high-elevation Kumukuli Desert.
Calling this region “a no man’s land,” Shanyuan Li has come here for years to document area wildlife. Though this looks like an aerial shot, Li was crouched on the ground, watching the animals move upslope. For him, this blend of life, snow and sand creates “a reverie.
Shanyuan Li, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: Weaving braids of footprints in the snow, Tibetan antelopes approach a dune to hunt for food in China’s harsh, high-elevation Kumukuli Desert.
Calling this region “a no man’s land,” Shanyuan Li has come here for years to document area wildlife. Though this looks like an aerial shot, Li was crouched on the ground, watching the animals move upslope. For him, this blend of life, snow and sand creates “a reverie.
Mammals, second place: James Anderson, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
According to NWF: As a light snow falls, two bighorn rams push against each other in an age-old dance of dominance. Sitting nearby, James Anderson caught this moment of potent symmetry and piercing eye contact.
“It was just me and the rams,” Anderson said. “To be that close, with raw power in front of you, to hear the cracking of horns and see the chips flying off, it’s phenomenal.”
He hopes his images will be “a silent voice for the animals” — inspiring their protection.
James Anderson, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: As a light snow falls, two bighorn rams push against each other in an age-old dance of dominance. Sitting nearby, James Anderson caught this moment of potent symmetry and piercing eye contact.
“It was just me and the rams,” Anderson said. “To be that close, with raw power in front of you, to hear the cracking of horns and see the chips flying off, it’s phenomenal.”
He hopes his images will be “a silent voice for the animals” — inspiring their protection.
Mobile, first place: Lisa Luckenbach, Ojai, California
According to NWF: While hiking with her dogs one morning on Bates Beach in central California, Lisa Luckenbach glanced down at a tide pool and spotted a sea anemone “that stuck out like a jewel.” Struck by the colorful crust of pebbles, Luckenbach used her mobile phone to capture the magic.
“Nature is art, and art is nature,” she said. “Up close, it looks like the eye of a lizard—and also the whole cosmos.
Lisa Luckenbach, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: While hiking with her dogs one morning on Bates Beach in central California, Lisa Luckenbach glanced down at a tide pool and spotted a sea anemone “that stuck out like a jewel.” Struck by the colorful crust of pebbles, Luckenbach used her mobile phone to capture the magic.
“Nature is art, and art is nature,” she said. “Up close, it looks like the eye of a lizard—and also the whole cosmos.
Mobile, second place: Sherry Mezger, Tacoma, Washington
According to NWF: As a fall snow fell high in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, photographer Sherry Mezger stopped to take in the view— and to build a small snowman on the ridgeline. When a large and curious raven swooped in to inspect her creation, Mezger pulled out her phone to grab some shots. Within seconds, the raven had toppled the snowman face down.
“He or she probably thought I had food,” Mezger said. When traveling solo in wintery places, Mezger said that instead of sending selfies, she makes snowmen and takes their picture “to show perspective.” In this case, the perspective yielded delight.
Sherry Mezger, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: As a fall snow fell high in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, photographer Sherry Mezger stopped to take in the view— and to build a small snowman on the ridgeline. When a large and curious raven swooped in to inspect her creation, Mezger pulled out her phone to grab some shots. Within seconds, the raven had toppled the snowman face down.
“He or she probably thought I had food,” Mezger said. When traveling solo in wintery places, Mezger said that instead of sending selfies, she makes snowmen and takes their picture “to show perspective.” In this case, the perspective yielded delight.
Other wildlife, first place: Alexandre Lauzier, Sainte-Adèle, Québec, Canada
According to NWF: Nature takes its course as a green bottle fly explores the remains of a groundhog likely killed by a car in Sainte-Adèle, Québec. Spotting the animal near a sidewalk, Alexandre Lauzier laid on his belly to photograph the scene.
“For me, it’s simply the circle of life,” he said. Lauzier also hopes the image will raise awareness about the “big problem” of road mortality for wild animals — which need safe passage to survive.
Alexandre Lauzier, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: Nature takes its course as a green bottle fly explores the remains of a groundhog likely killed by a car in Sainte-Adèle, Québec. Spotting the animal near a sidewalk, Alexandre Lauzier laid on his belly to photograph the scene.
“For me, it’s simply the circle of life,” he said. Lauzier also hopes the image will raise awareness about the “big problem” of road mortality for wild animals — which need safe passage to survive.
Other wildlife, second place: Renee Capozzola, Palos Verdes Estates, California
According to NWF: During a blackwater dive in Anilao in the Philippines, photographer Renee Capozzola was about 30 feet below the surface, using a handheld “torch” to spot small creatures moving up from the depths to feed. She was “thrilled” when this larval blanket octopus, only about the size of a golf ball, came into view.
A teacher of marine biology, Capozzola believes this is a female because of the blanket-like web balled up in the back tentacles, which females sometimes unfurl like a flashy cape.
Because of chance encounters with seldom-seen creatures, “Blackwater diving is like being in space,” Capozzola, who captured direct eye contact with this tiny creature as it flitted past into the darkness, said.
Renee Capozzola, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: During a blackwater dive in Anilao in the Philippines, photographer Renee Capozzola was about 30 feet below the surface, using a handheld “torch” to spot small creatures moving up from the depths to feed. She was “thrilled” when this larval blanket octopus, only about the size of a golf ball, came into view.
A teacher of marine biology, Capozzola believes this is a female because of the blanket-like web balled up in the back tentacles, which females sometimes unfurl like a flashy cape.
Because of chance encounters with seldom-seen creatures, “Blackwater diving is like being in space,” Capozzola, who captured direct eye contact with this tiny creature as it flitted past into the darkness, said.
People in nature, first place: Douglas Croft, San Jose, California
According to NWF: A quiet day of fishing in California’s Monterey Bay yielded the memory of a lifetime when a massive humpback whale breached off the boat’s stern.
Douglas Croft, who had been watching this “chronic breacher” from another boat, photographed it from a porthole near the waterline, creating this dramatic perspective. What does this teach about people in nature? “Anything can happen at any time,” he said with a laugh.
Douglas Croft, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: A quiet day of fishing in California’s Monterey Bay yielded the memory of a lifetime when a massive humpback whale breached off the boat’s stern.
Douglas Croft, who had been watching this “chronic breacher” from another boat, photographed it from a porthole near the waterline, creating this dramatic perspective. What does this teach about people in nature? “Anything can happen at any time,” he said with a laugh.
People in nature, second place: Wei Fu, Bangkok, Thailand
According to NWF: More than 4,500 crab-eating macaques live Lopburi, Thailand, scrambling through markets and streets, often in search of food.
During a visit to Lopburi in 2020, photographer Wei Fu watched as a strong wind blew a sheet of newspaper into the face of this macaque as it crossed a fence — and he captured the fleeting moment.
The image, he said, conveys “how human footprints are continuously impacting our wildlife and environment.
Wei Fu, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: More than 4,500 crab-eating macaques live Lopburi, Thailand, scrambling through markets and streets, often in search of food.
During a visit to Lopburi in 2020, photographer Wei Fu watched as a strong wind blew a sheet of newspaper into the face of this macaque as it crossed a fence — and he captured the fleeting moment.
The image, he said, conveys “how human footprints are continuously impacting our wildlife and environment.
Young nature photographers, first place: Addie Leimroth, Tucson, Arizona
According to NWF: Walking through the Arizona desert at night with a flashlight, looking for snakes to photograph, Addie Leimroth saw a gleaming shape in the distance. Moving closer, he discovered a gopher snake woven within the spines of an ocotillo.
At age 16 when he made the shot, Addie has always loved reptiles. “Snakes are not out to get you,” he said. “They’re amazing, beautiful animals that are well adapted to many environments.
Addie Leimroth, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: Walking through the Arizona desert at night with a flashlight, looking for snakes to photograph, Addie Leimroth saw a gleaming shape in the distance. Moving closer, he discovered a gopher snake woven within the spines of an ocotillo.
At age 16 when he made the shot, Addie has always loved reptiles. “Snakes are not out to get you,” he said. “They’re amazing, beautiful animals that are well adapted to many environments.
Young nature photographers, second place: John Fortener, Allen Park, Michigan
According to NWF: On a cold February day in 2021, 14-year-old John Fortener found what he was searching for while his mother drove him around Missaukee County, Michigan.
An avid bird lover and photographer, Fortener was hoping to spot any species of owls, one of his favorite subjects. In late afternoon, he noticed a snowy owl in a field near the road. As he began photographing from the car window, Fortener was delighted when the owl took flight and “flew right towards me,” yielding this memorable portrait.
John Fortener, 2021 National Wildlife® Photo ContestAccording to NWF: On a cold February day in 2021, 14-year-old John Fortener found what he was searching for while his mother drove him around Missaukee County, Michigan.
An avid bird lover and photographer, Fortener was hoping to spot any species of owls, one of his favorite subjects. In late afternoon, he noticed a snowy owl in a field near the road. As he began photographing from the car window, Fortener was delighted when the owl took flight and “flew right towards me,” yielding this memorable portrait.
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