B.C.'s amateur wildlife photographers responded enthusiastically to the BC SPCA's call for photos in the 16th annual Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest.
“With more than 500 photos submitted, choosing the top picks was a challenge for the contest judges,” said Andrea Wallace, BC SPCA’s manager of wild animal welfare. “We want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos of B.C.’s diverse wildlife.
Wallace added that the contest raised $8,426 to support BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife.
Participants competed in two categories: "backyard habitats,’ which highlighted wildlife in residential areas, and ‘wild settings,’ showcasing animals in their natural habitats.
Backyard Habitats
1st – Bruce Turnbull (Penticton) - Northern flicker
2nd – Lesley Carere (North Saanich) – Rufous hummingbird
3rd – Rosalind LeBlanc (Vancouver) – Mallard duck
Backyard Habitats
1st – Janine Brooke (North Vancouver) – Coyote
2nd – Ashley Giovannini (Kelowna) – Grizzly bear
3rd – Sebastien Nadeau (Squamish) – Pygmy owl
People’s Choice Award
Sam Gorick (Mill Bay) – Raccoon
Bruce Turnbull, who won first place in the backyard category expressed his feeling of joy that his photography raised money for a good cause.
“Wildlife photography is a passion of mine, as is studying the wildlife I photograph and learning about the challenges they face,” said Bruce Turnbull. “Supporting organizations like the BC SPCA, who protect and help our wildlife, is very important to me.”
Janine Brooke, who won first place in the wild settings category, considers herself lucky to live in beautiful B.C., where residents are close to nature and wildlife.
“We are very lucky to have so much wildlife in metro Vancouver,” says Janine Brooke. “This coyote was hunting in the marshes - it is one of my favourite subjects to photograph.”
The 12 photos that received the most votes along with the top three winners in each category will be featured in a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus pack of greeting cards. The top three winners in each category will also be featured on a limited-edition tote bag.
These products will be available later this year and can be purchased through the BC SPCA’s online store.
Visit spca.bc.ca/wildlife-in-focus to view the winning photos, those that received honourable mentions and the rest of the incredible photos captured by amateur photographers across B.C.
