Awards
Great spotted woodpeckers in a quarrel
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
On a January morning this year in a wooded area in Munich, I heard lively chirping. I turned around to see two great spotted woodpeckers engaged in a dispute. I had only a few seconds to capture this moment. Sunbeams pierced through the trees, illuminating their beautiful feathers, creating a vibrant moment in the heart of nature.
The smallest bird in Europe in the morning light
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
This year, at a forest edge in Munich, I managed to capture this image of the tiny and restless goldcrest. At first, I heard it up in the fir tree and waited for it to come down. In a brief moment, it looked directly into my camera with its curious eyes. I found it amusing how it hung onto the branch.
When Lycaenidae Butterflies Mate
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
My picture shows the mating of blue butterflies at the end of a gently curved twig. Their wings resemble a mirror image, almost as if they were creating a new butterfly. The green background enhances the beauty of these colorful blue butterflies.
Delicate Delight
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
During a weekend trip in Laufen, Germany, I encountered a hummingbird hawk-moth, obviously collecting nectar from a thistle with much delight. Enthralled by the sight, I attempted to capture the scene in a way that highlights the long proboscis in particular.
Wings up and off we go
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
In the spring of this year, I wanted to try something new with my camera. I find it quite challenging to photograph small birds like this great tit in flight. However, I thought I might have some success with this experiment at a nearby feeding spot in the park. With patience and curiosity, I observed as the small birds eagerly flew back and forth in search of food. After two hours, I managed to capture this image as one of the great tits took off.
The red kite as a flying genius
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
Birds of prey have always fascinated me. I am particularly amazed by their flight perfection. During the nature experience weekend in the Rhön region, I had the great pleasure of encountering a red kite. The scene was unexpected. I just had enough time to grab my camera and take some pictures. I believe that the red kite is a true flying genius, as it is extremely fast and agile. I observed how it spread its wingtips apart to reduce air resistance and save energy, just like airplanes do.
A relaxed conversation after a difficult day
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
This year, I spent a lot of time in the Nymphenburger Schloss park. I watched two gray heron chicks grow up until they were almost adults. One September evening, something magical happened: at the Pagodenburgersee, the two young herons met to share their experiences after a difficult day. The scene looked very relaxed, with the greenery exuding a sense of calm in the evening light, while the water mirrored their relaxed conversation.
Two tawny owls are cuddling once more before becoming grown-ups
The photo contest is an initiative of the Museum “Mensch und Natur” in Munich, Biotopia and the Bavarian Ministry for the Environment
I’ve always wanted to see tawny owl fledglings, and last spring I finally succeeded. The two fledglings sat comfortably on the branch of a yew tree in the Maximiliansanlagen in Munich. Few downs have already been turning into feathers, and soon the young birds would be ready for the hard start of life. But they were obviously happy to cuddle once more before flying away. A few days later they were on their own.