Welcome to the world of wonderful wild birds. According to the International Ornithologists’ Union, there are approximately 10,500 known species of birds and approximately 21,000 subspecies of birds in the world. BirdLife International recognizes a total of 10,426 species of birds, of which 13% are threatened to be extinct. 10 years ago, two scientists estimated that the total bird populations around the world were about 200 to 400 billion, of which about 144 million individuals may be reduced every year.
Our planet is awash with fascinating animal species, each of which plays a vital role in the ecosystem and makes the world a beautiful place for us to live in. But among all the species, birds are perhaps the prettiest.
When it comes to amazing bird pictures, Audubon Photography Awards receive some breathtaking entries. Here are a few of Award winning photographs from the list:
2016 Winning List,
01. Grand price winner - Bald Eagle and Great Blue Herons.
Photo: Bonnie Block/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron
Location: Seabeck, WA
02. Professional Winner - Osprey
Photo: Dick Dickinson/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Osprey
Location: Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL
03. Amateur Winner - Eared Grebes.
Photo: Steve Torna/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Eared Grebe
Location: Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone NP, Wyoming
04. Youth Winner - Great Frigatebird
photo : Carolina Anne Fraser/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Great Frigatebird
Location: Near Española, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
05. Fine Art Winner - Green Violetear
Photo : Barbara Driscoll/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Green Violetear
Location: Savegre Hotel, San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica
2017 Wining List,
01. Grand Price winner - Gentoo Penguins.
Photo: Deborah Albert/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Gentoo Penguin
Location: Brown Bluff, Antarctica
02. Professional Winner - Great Gray Owl.
Photo: Steve Mattheis/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Great Gray Owl
Location: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
03. Amateur Winner - Varied Thrush.
Photo: Heather Roskelley/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Varied Thrush
Location: Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle
04. Southern Carmine Bee-eaters.
Photo: Zachary Webster/Audubon Photography Awards
Species: Southern Carmine Bee-eater
Location: Luangwa River, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
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