The finalists for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been announced. Several entries have been selected from various photographers worldwide, including both professionals and amateurs. The winners will be revealed on November 23.
Jason Moore, captured this image in Perth, Australia. “I was passing by a group of western grey kangaroos feeding in a field filled with beautiful yellow flowers. I had my camera with me, so I decided to take a few photos. Suddenly, I noticed this particular kangaroo struck a humorous pose – to me, it appeared as if he was practicing playing an air guitar.”
Tzahi Finkelstein took this photo in Jezreel Valley, Israel. “The swamp turtle seems surprised and smiles at the dragonfly resting on its nose.”
Allen Holmes captured this moment at RSPB Minsmere, UK. “I visited Suffolk to track down some target species but decided to detour to RSPB’s Minsmere reserve. It was a hot day, and I was cooling off in one of the bird hides. When I noticed an Egyptian goose flying towards a small island, I immediately focused on the avocet, as I knew it was going to charge at the goose.”
Paul Goldstein took this photo in Masai Mara, Kenya. “I know it’s not a bird, and technically it can’t fly, but you can’t fault this leopard’s effort to get airborne. She was being bothered by three young cheetahs and was in a bad mood, as her pose indicates.”
Brigitte Alcalay Marcon captured this image at the Kruger National Park, South Africa. “This young chacma baboon sits on its mother’s back, fooling around.”
Adrian Slazok photographed this on the east coast of England. “During late autumn, seals leave the North Sea to give birth to their young.”
Christian Hargasser captured this photo in Masai Mara, Kenya. “I took this photo in the evening, with low light in the Masai Mara.”
Thomas Vijayan took this photo at Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA. “Katmai National Park is abundant with grizzly bears, making it a paradise for photographers. However, the challenge is capturing a unique frame.”
Delphine Casimir took this photo in Bali, in the monkey forest of Ubud. “It’s a crazy place where monkeys reign.”
Jacek Stankiewicz captured this scene in the Bialowieza Forest, Poland. “While watching birds in the Bialowieza Forest, I caught this moment. A young greenfinch was still being fed by its parents, and at times, they appeared to be having an argument.”
Lara Mathews took this photo in Melbourne, Australia. “Taken at Westerfolds Park, a beautiful and surprisingly wild area in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, famous for its kangaroo population. The group of kangaroos was enjoying the morning sun when this joey decided to be silly and try his hand at boxing.”
Jacques Poulard photographed this in Spitsbergen, Norway. “This picture was taken during a very cold winter. The white grouse is approaching, looking like a snowball with eyes.”
John Blumenkamp captured this photo in Grand Teton National Park, USA. “This great grey owl spent most of the afternoon posing majestically and looking wise. However, after some elegant stretching, he would slump and give a ‘is Monday over yet?’ look.”
Khurram Khan photographed this on Barter Island, Alaska, USA. “This polar bear cub found this piece of wood amusing and was playing with it when it suddenly stood up, using it like a performer does.”
Zoe Ashdown captured this image in Yorkshire, UK. “At RSPB Bempton Cliffs, half a million seabirds nest and raise their families on the chalk cliffs above the North Sea between March and October. Gannets mate for life and return to the same nest every year. Lying safely atop the cliff, I observed the affection shown between the gannets whenever one returned to the nest. They have a greeting ritual where they rub beaks and entwine their necks, strengthening their bond. It’s also a brilliant opportunity to capture various poses. I didn’t realize I had taken this image until I got home, but when I saw it, I laughed out loud. They look like proud parents posing with their baby – a perfect addition to the family album.”
Photographs courtesy of Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023.