Gannet Photo Wins Bird Photographer of the Year 2026

A photograph capturing the exact moment a northern gannet explodes through the ocean's surface has earned UK photographer Henry Spiers the grand prize at Bird Photographer of the Year 2026.

Spiers snapped the winning image, titled "Sunball Rocket," in the waters off Scotland. The shot captures the powerful bird mid-hunt, showcasing the dramatic life these seabirds lead.

"The handsome northern gannets lead a dualistic existence," Spiers explained. In the nest, they gently nurture their young and tenderly stroke necks with their partners, but in flight, hunting mode takes over as they scan the sea with piercing yellow eyes.

These remarkable birds dive from heights of up to 30 meters, hitting the water at speeds of 60 miles per hour. Spiers perfectly froze that explosive moment when predator meets prey.

The competition drew over 24,000 submissions from photographers worldwide. The grand prize came with £3,000 for Spiers.

Young photographer Parham Pourahmad, just 16 years old, claimed the Young Bird Photographer of the Year title with his shot "Moonlit Night." The American teen captured a great horned owl perfectly framed against a full moon after spotting the bird near his home in a local park.

"I headed out at dusk, hoping to capture a strong portrait of the owls," Pourahmad said. "However, my aim shifted when I saw the full moon rising on the horizon."

The Ripple Effect

This competition does more than celebrate beautiful images. Conservation sits at the heart of every entry, with this year's event raising over £5,000 for Birds on the Brink, a charity funding grassroots bird conservation projects around the globe.

The donation helps protect vulnerable bird species in communities that need support most. Every stunning photograph submitted helps fund real conservation work on the ground.

Entries for the 2027 competition are already open at birdpoty.com, welcoming both amateur and professional photographers to share their bird photography with the world.