Puffin by John Dickenson

A Puffin at sunset forms the subject of this week's winning photo by John Dickenson. Combining wonderful light and colours, John has produced an image with a difference on his recent trip to Shetland.

With such a photo, taken close to sunset, there would be the temptation to bring up the levels to show a bit more detail in the bird – but actually the shot works so much more effectively when exposure is kept as it is, ensuring that the orange reflections of the setting sun on the sea behind the bird are at their most intense. With the Puffin looking back over its shoulder, this is a truly evocative scene that reminds us of just how special seabirds are, and that we need to be doing much more to protect their declining populations. Well done to John!

Other notable images

Long-tailed Duck, River Laxa, Iceland (Carl Corbidge).

Buller's Albatross, Port MacDonnell, Australia (Chris Young).

Northern Gannet, Bempton Cliffs RSPB, East Yorkshire (Tim Melling).

Northern Fulmar, undisclosed site, Kerry (Brian Power).

Great Northern Diver, Bressay, Shetland (Dan Brown).

European Honey Buzzard, Swanton Novers watchpoint, Norfolk (Ian Bollen).

Red-legged Partridge, Wilstone Reservoir, Hertfordshire (Suzy Bristow).

Sandwich Tern, Brownsea Island NT, Dorset (Jeremy Mcclements).

Pacific Golden Plover, Tacumshin, Wexford (David Stirling).

Common Redstart, Elan Valley, Powys (Kev Joynes).

Great Reed Warbler, Langford Lowfields RSPB, Nottinghamshire (Miles Cluff).