The Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 competition is positioned as one of the world’s most prestigious international wildlife photography contests, dedicated exclusively to the art and impact of bird photography. It highlights the extraordinary skill, patience, and creativity required to photograph birds in their natural environments, offering a global platform for both professional photographers and passionate amateurs. By showcasing striking images of bird species from around the world, the competition raises awareness of avian diversity and the importance of habitat protection.
As a leading authority in bird imagery, the competition encourages photographers to push the boundaries of technical excellence, storytelling, and artistic vision. Each year it attracts thousands of entries spanning behavior, portraiture, conservation, and creative categories, giving participants the opportunity to compete at the highest level of nature and wildlife photography. The competition’s rigorous judging process, led by renowned experts in bird photography and conservation, ensures that winning images represent the pinnacle of the field.
Beyond celebrating visual artistry, Bird Photographer of the Year 2026 is firmly rooted in conservation values. A portion of competition proceeds supports global bird-conservation initiatives, and many winning images contribute to campaigns that highlight environmental threats and inspire action. By uniting photographers, conservationists, and bird-enthusiasts, the competition promotes a deeper appreciation for birds and reinforces the role of photography as a powerful tool for environmental storytelling and public engagement.
Adult competition: £40 for 25 entries (+ VAT for UK entrants) (or £35 until 6 Dec 2025) and Youth competition: free.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to individuals (Adult competition: aged 18+; Youth competition: aged 17 or under).
Prize
The grand-prize winner receives a cash award (£3,000) plus the title, and category winners in the eight main adult categories receive first-place cash prizes (£500 each), with additional prizes for second and third (e.g., £250 cash for second, £100 voucher for third), plus dedicated prizes for the Portfolio Award (£500 cash) and the Conservation Award (£500 cash).
