The 2025 Audubon Photography Awards Emphasize Epic and Endangered Migrations

Across the landscapes of North and South America, the world of avian life presents an astonishing variety of species, each showcasing unique behaviors and adaptations. A prime example is the acorn woodpecker, known for its exceptional ability to drill intricate holes into trees, creating a veritable pantry of acorns that it stores for winter months. Additionally, the Austral pygmy-owl, found only in select regions of Argentina and Chile, captivates bird watchers with its distinctive high-pitched call. These remarkable birds are just a glimpse into the plethora of talents captured in the entries for this year’s Audubon Photography Awards.

The 2025 contest emphasizes migration, welcoming submissions from the U.S., Canada, Chile, and Colombia. Entries are organized into themed awards, including categories such as Youth, Conservation, Birds Without Borders, and Birds in Landscape.

The grand prize for submissions from Chile and Colombia has been awarded to Felipe Esteban Toledo Alarcón for his stunning image of a ringed kingfisher launching into flight over a shimmering water surface. In parallel, the top U.S. and Canada entry honors Liron Gertsman for his mesmerizing silhouette of magnificent frigatebirds against the sun’s radiant backdrop.

According to a statement released by the awards committee, “Chile and Colombia boast some of the richest ecological systems on the planet. Many migratory bird species between these beautiful regions and North America face extinction threats posed by climate change. Audubon is committed to safeguarding these avian populations amid the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through collaborative endeavors across national boundaries.”

Visitors are encouraged to peruse galleries showcasing this year’s winners and honorable mentions. Additionally, those interested can anticipate the Fall 2025 issue of Audubon Magazine for more in-depth insights. Submissions for the 2026 competition are set to open in January. For those keen on tracking avian journeys, explore Audon’s detailed interactive maps that map the annual migrations of birds.