Red-necked Phalarope by John Dickenson
This week's winning shot of a female Red-necked Phalarope by John Dickenson brought back lots of happy memories for me of a three-day trip to the same area of Iceland a few years ago.
Unlike in the UK, this species is common in Iceland and they are very easy to photograph, so it takes something a little bit special to make one image stand out from the rest. This has been achieved beautifully in this capture with the phalarope riding the crest of a wave and taken from a low angle viewpoint; lovely light has given the all-important highlight to the eye and there is the added bonus of an insect trapped in the bill.
Congratulations to John on his winning image; the 22nd of the year and all have been of different species.
You can read more on bird photography from Steve Young, including product reviews and a regular Photo Challenge for readers, every month in Birdwatch magazine.
Other notable images
Lesser Kestrel, Isle of Noss, Shetland (Photo: Craig Nisbet)
Puffin, Farne Islands, Northumberland (Photo: Jill Wilson)
Marsh Warbler, Lakenheath Fen RSPB, Suffolk (Photo: Michael Hoare)
Wood Sandpiper, Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire (Photo: Andy Hood)
Wood Warbler, Brandon, Suffolk (Photo: Neil Rendall)
Snow Bunting, Black Combe, Cumbria (Photo: Jaz)
Skylark, Sychnant Pass, Conwy (Photo: Bob Garrett)
Gannet, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Photo: Nick Clayton)
Pied Flycatcher, undisclosed site, Staffordshire (Photo: Louie Horleston)
Egyptian Nightjar, Qatar (Photo: Gavin Farnell)
Ring Ouzel, undisclosed site, Gwynedd (Photo: Bob Garrett)
House Martin, undisclosed site, Lincolnshire (Photo: Col Scott)
Bee-eater, Greece (Photo: Mark Rafter)
