Announcing the Victors of the 2022 Bird Photographer of the Year Contest.

The Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 competition have been announced, with top honors awarded to Norwegian photographer Erlend Haarberg for his photo of a rock ptarmigan in winter plumage taking flight above snow-covered mountains.

Bird Photographer of the Year says it has conservation at its heart. This year, the competition donated more than £5,000 to partner charity Birds on the Brink, which provides vital funding to grass-roots bird conservation projects around the world.

The competition sees entries from all over the world, and this year more than 20,000 images were submitted for a chance to win the title of Bird Photographer of the Year and take home a £5,000 grand prize (about $5,789).

Norwegian photographer Erlend Haarberg’s photo (above) which depicts a rock ptarmigan flying above a mountainous winter scene in Tysforden, Norway was declared the grand prize winner. The photo also won Gold in the Birds in the Environment category.

“High up in the mountains, the wind, snow and cold maintain the iron grip of winter for many months on end. This is where Rock Ptarmigan thrive in an endless white landscape,” says Haarberg. “On this particular winter’s day, I was on my way to a mountain top. I had almost reached the summit when I spotted some ptarmigan tracks in the snow. Soon a bird took flight, with the dramatic backdrop showing what a harsh environment this bird calls home.”

The Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 was awarded to 17-year-old Swiss photographer Levi Fitze for his image of a dunlin struggling against a sandstorm.

Below are all of the winning images across eight categories: Best Portrait, Birds in the Environment, Attention to Detail, Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, Black and White, Urban Birds, and Creative Imagery.

Best Portrait

Birds in the Environment

Attention to Detail

Bird Behaviour

Birds in Flight

Black and White

Urban Birds

Creative Imagery