The winning images of the first Biodiversity in Focus photography competition were by (L-R) Flynn Davis, Peggy Swift and Cooper Holloway.
Parkes Shire Council was overwhelmed with the number of photos entered for the inaugural Biodiversity in Focus photography competition.
A broad range of fauna and flora were included in the total of 57 images submitted by students across the Infants, Primary and Secondary categories.
To select winners in each division, local naturalists Peter Cannon and Martin Bell from the Lachlan Valley Branch of the National Parks Association of NSW, were asked to judge the entries.
“We were impressed with the quality of photography and the selection of interesting and diverse subject matter,” said Martin.
“We understand that, unfortunately, there can only be one winner from each division. Nevertheless, all the entrants should be congratulated on some fine photography.”
Winners: Infants: “Bluey the Blue Tongue” by Flynn Davis. Flynn said: “It was crossing the road to the football field, and we wanted to make sure it got across safely. It had a really beautiful light blue tongue.” Primary: “Hang in there” by Peggy Swift. Peggy said: “This Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) is a native frog to the Parkes area. It’s also known as the Laughing Tree Frog. It has cross-shaped eyes, emerald spots and yellow armpits.” Secondary: “A Curious Owl” by Cooper Holloway. Cooper said: “This Eastern Barn Owl was perched up in a Kurrajong tree on our farm.”
Runners-up: Infants: “Broken Heart Tree surrounded by Yellow Paperdaisy” by Jayda Francis; Primary: “Yellow Paper Daisy with a Bull Ant” by Chase Francis; Secondary: “Land of the Shrooms” by Adam Barnard.
Honourable mentions: Brydee Flavel, Flynn Davis, Joey Hazelton, Saige Jelbart, Alexis Lewis, Bradley Lewis, Charlotte Ballantyne, Emma Hando, Jenson Howard, Rosie Parkin, Samara Wood, Peggy Swift, Cooper Holloway, Haylee Lewis and Lilia Howard.
Budding photographers are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for interesting plants, fungi and animals to enter in next year’s competition.