Whether you're a dedicated bird photographer or simply eager to try out that new camera that you just got for the holidays, you should check out the Project FeederWatch BirdSpotter Photo Contest, sponsored by the Wild Birds Unlimited and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

The contest is open now for submissions and runs until Feb. 3. Winners will get national recognition for their photos, as well as a gift card from Wild Birds Unlimited. Submit your photos HERE.

Left: A Great Blue Heron poses for photographer and WBU Santa Monica customer Larry Naylor

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Wild Birds Unlimited staff will select 10 finalist photos and post them on the BirdSpotter voting page, where anyone can vote for their favorite. Online voting begins Feb. 21 and ends March 23, 2025.

Each of the 10 selected photographers will be invited to choose one free Bird Academy online course

BirdSpotter Photo Contest Prizes

Wild Birds Unlimited and The Cornell Lab will award the following prizes, based on the voting results:
--$300 Wild Birds Unlimited gift certificate (1st in votes received)
--$200 Wild Birds Unlimited gift certificate (2nd in votes received)
--$100 Wild Birds Unlimited gift certificate (3rd in votes received)