Great Black-backed Gull by Peter Duncan

Last week, many areas – but especially Scotland and northern England – were subjected to extreme conditions as Storm Arwen battered these shores. Life can be challenging enough for humans at such times, but spare a thought for how difficult things must be for birds during exceptional periods of weather.

Peter Duncan's moody shot epitomses the hardships faced by seabirds around our coastline. Here, a Great Black-backed Gull – one of the toughest birds around – fights its way into the gale with Tynemouth Lighthouse and heavy seas as a backdrop. This evocative scene is a true reminder of the power of nature and is a worthy winner of this week's award.

Other notable images

Redwing, St Peter, Jersey (Romano Da Costa).

Robin, Doehole, Derbyshire (Chris Nicholls).

Redwing, Melbourne, Derbyshire (Tony Davison).

Tree Sparrow, Ballyclare, Antrim (Ian Dickey).

Jay, Studley, Warwickshire (Clive Daelman).

Great Grey Shrike, Killington Reservoir, Cumbria (Craig Bell).

Snow Bunting, Southport, Lancashire (Denis Eagling).

Common Snipe, Shrewsbury, Shropshire (Tony Webb).

Great Egret, Timoleague, Cork (Richard Mills).

American Wigeon, Carr Vale NR, Derbyshire (Peter Garrity).

Green-winged Teal, Courtmacsherry, Cork (Richard Mills).

King Eider, Uyeasound, Unst, Shetland (David Cooper).