The 2024 SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year contest has once again brought the beauty and drama of the avian world into focus. This year’s winning image, captured by Hira Punjabi, shows a bold parakeet defending its nest from a monitor lizard in Rajasthan’s Keoladeo National Park. Punjabi’s decades of experience with the park’s wildlife paid off, resulting in a shot that’s both striking and full of action.
The competition, now in its seventh year, attracted over 2,300 entries. Alongside Punjabi’s winning photo, stunning portraits of a red grouse and a great grey owl earned second and third place. These images, along with other highly commended entries, celebrate the artistry and patience of bird photography while supporting conservation efforts. In fact, the contest raised nearly $3,600 for bird conservation.
Let’s take a closer look at the best winning photos from the competition.
