By Audubon Magazine: THE 2022 Audubon Photography Awards marked the second year of our new Female Bird Prize. Created to call attention to some of the most overlooked birds in the world, the female bird category challenges photographers to focus their cameras and attention on the sex that is too often ignored. This neglect by bird lovers and even scientists isn’t just a problem of philosophy or equality. Recent research has shown that lack of focus on the specific needs of female birds has profound consequences for species conservation. 

When Audubon magazine launched the Female Bird Prize, they weren’t sure what the response was going to be. They were pleasantly surprised to receive hundreds of amazing submissions the first year. But that did not prepare for the avalanche of incredible female bird photography that would be submitted in 2022. More than 1,000 photos featuring a wide array of species, from jaunty Hooded Mergansers to regal Northern Shovelers, left the special panel of judges beaming.  >> CLICK HERE to see all the photographs >>