A teen wildlife enthusiast has won a prestigious RSPCA photography award for a picture of a dunlin bird.

Worcester's own Alex George, 15, won the 12-15 category for his photo titled 'Golden glow' at the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2023, which was hosted by TV presenter and the charity's president Chris Packham at the Tower of London.

Mr George's photograph, featuring a dunlin bird on a beach in Pembrokeshire, not only wowed the judges but also witnessed the young talent's passion for commonly overlooked creatures.

 

 

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He said: "Ever since I can remember I have been obsessed with wildlife.

"During PE lessons at primary school I was far more interested in the goldfinches on the school bird feeders than the game of football in the playground.

"The dunlin is often overlooked by birdwatchers and photographers but I wanted to make these little, busy birds look extraordinary.

"I wanted the dunlin to be backlit which gave its outline a warm glow."

His dedication is indeed noteworthy, as he stated that all those early mornings braced on damp sand paid off with winning the award.

Mr George, inspired by judge Rachel Bigsby for his GCSE project, said: "Humans don't own this planet - we share it.

"By learning about nature and the incredible animals around us, we can hopefully be inspired to share better and care more which is what I hope to achieve through my photos."

Apart from his award for the 'Golden glow', Mr George was commended for his photo of seals squabbling on a beach in Norfolk.

The competition, sponsored by Natures Images and Camtraptions, had a distinguished panel of wildlife photographers for judging the entries.

Mr Packham, the awards host and judge, said: "Seeing children and young people express their connection to the natural world through these photographs is always so heartening to see, and this year I was blown away by how many superb photographs we received for the competition."

Ahead of RSPCA's 200th anniversary, the charity aims at making the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024, opening in May, a larger feat.

To keep updated, visit: rspca.org.uk/ypa or email: ypa24@rspca.org.uk to register for the mailing list.