BPOTY 2022 winners announced

The winners of the prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 competition have been unveiled.

Norwegian photographer Erlend Haarberg was declared this year's grand prize winner for his beautiful image of a Ptarmigan taking flight above the snow-covered mountains of Tysfjord, Norway.

"High up in the mountains, the wind, snow and cold maintain the iron grip of winter for many months on end. This is where Ptarmigan thrive in an endless white landscape," said 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."

Erlend Haarberg's Ptarmigan image was 2022's overall winner.

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.

Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 ges to Levi Fitze for his Dunlin in a sandstorm.

"Once again our talented photographers have cast a light on the incredible diversity of bird life that we share our planet with," said Will Nicholls, Director of Bird Photographer of the Year. "But it is also a stark reminder of what we stand to lose if we don't continue to look after the natural world and fight for its protection from the many threats that exist today."

Bird Photographer of the Year 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.

Photographers competed in eight different categories in the adult competition: Best Portrait, Birds in the Environment, Attention to Detail, Bird Behaviour, Birds in Flight, Black and White, Urban Birds, and Creative Imagery. There was also a Conservation Award, Portfolio Award, and Video Award.

Ly Dang's capture of a Sage Grouse won gold in the Best Portrait category.

Silver in the Birds in Flight category went to Mark Williams for this remarkable Common Starling shot.

All awarded images are published by William Collins in a hard-back coffee-table book, which is now available online at birdpoty.com.

The 2023 competition is now open for entries at birdpoty.com, and invites photographers of all experience levels to submit their best bird photos.