BC’s myriad of unique wildlife is second to none in Canada and the BC SPCA’s annual Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest showcases this beautifully..
This year was the 16th rendition of the contest which has amateur photographers get outdoors and snap photos of the wildlife around them.
Additionally, this contest helps raise money for the BC SPCA’s crucial work with wildlife throughout the province.
“With more than 500 photos submitted, choosing the top picks was a challenge for the contest judges,” says 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 and helping to raise $8,426 to help BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre care for injured and orphaned wild animals.”
In this year’s contest, there were two categories; Backyard Habitats and Wild Settings.
The Backyard Habitats category saw photographers showcase the wildlife that surrounds them in the communities they live in, while Wild Settings sees them get out into the wilderness and take photos of animals in their natural habitats.
Additionally, there is a People’s Choice award that is highly sought after by participants.
Without further ado, the winners for the 16th BC SPCA Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest are:
Backyard Habitats
1st – Bruce Turnbull (Penticton) – Northern flicker
2nd – Lesley Carere (North Saanich) – Rufous hummingbird
3rd – Rosalind LeBlanc (Vancouver) – Mallard duck
“I am thrilled to have my photograph of a Northern flicker feeding their young selected as the winner of the Backyard Habitats category,” said Bruce Turnbull, winner of the Backyard Habitats category.
“Wildlife photography is a passion of mine, as is studying the wildlife I photograph and learning about the challenges they face. Supporting organizations like the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) who protect and help our wildlife is very important to me and I am glad my photo helped to raise much needed funds for the organization.”
Wild Settings
1st – Janine Brooke (North Vancouver) – Coyote
2nd – Ashley Giovannini (Kelowna) – Grizzly bear
3rd – Sebastien Nadeau (Squamish) – Pygmy owl
“We are very lucky to have so much wildlife in metro Vancouver,” said Janine Brooke, winner of the Wild Settings category.
“I’m very excited to have my photograph of the coyote chosen as the winner of the Wild Settings category. This coyote was hunting in the marshes – it is one of my favourite subjects to photograph. By sharing my photos, I hope to introduce the viewer to a world we so often overlook in our busy lives and spark an interest in the wildlife around us.”
People’s Choice Award
Sam Gorick (Mill Bay) – Raccoon
The BC SPCA says the 12 photos which received the most votes in this contest will be featured in a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus pack of greeting cards.
The top three winners in each of the two categories will also have their photos featured on a limited-edition tote bag, which will also help the BC SPCA raise money to continue their work.
To find these items, learn about the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre or see more photos, visit the BC SPCA’s website.
