Great Egret by Ian Wells

Simplicity is often the most effective tool in bird photography, be it an uncluttered perch, a clean background or effective colour scheme. In the case of this week's winning image, Ian Wells's Great Egret, a near-perfect reflection is what really makes this photo. Thanks to the mirror-like water conditions, Ian has produced this particularly memorable shot, which is enhanced by the white bird contrasting perfectly with the blackish water. This ensures the viewer's eye is drawn to the only colour in the image: the yellow bill and green cere. In turn, this focuses attention on the action taking place in the image – the egret striking the water after fish prey. Congratulations to Ian on this top photo!

Other notable images

Puffin, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Chris Miles).

Little Egret, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk (Dave Fincham).

Cooper's Hawk, Crescent Beach, British Columbia (Brian Avent).

Swainson's Spurfowl, Mashatu Reserve, Botswana (Rachel Shock).

Black-winged Stilt, Frampton Marsh RSPB, Lincolnshire (Chris Miles).

Common Tern, Minsmere RSPB, Suffolk (peter kemp).

Common Swift, Loscoe Dam, Derbyshire (Robert Booth).

Common Cuckoo, Hampsthwaite, North Yorkshire (Paul Bateson).

Swallow, Longton Marsh, Lancashire (Gordon Speirs).

Spotted Flycatcher, Malham Tarn, North Yorkshire (Paul Bateson).

European Stonechat, Uchter Moor, Germany (Walter Schulenburg).

American Dipper, Chilliwack River, British Columbia (Brian Avent).