The National Wildlife Refuge Association has announced the winners for their 2009 Refuge Photo Contest. According to the press release:

More than 2,000 images taken by photographers in 44 states and territories were submitted in this fourth annual Refuge Photo Contest, testimony to the allure of wildlife refuges as amazing places to experience wildlife and wild places. Images were submitted by upload through the contest website from May 1st through July 15th, 2009.

“Images of spectacular wildlife and landscapes tell the Refuge System story: that these 550 conservation gems are vital to sustaining Americas diverse wildlife heritage,” said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA. “These photos will help us illustrate why its so important to protect and conserve our wildlife and habitats for the benefit of future generations.”

The top prize was awarded to Ted Steinke, for an explosive image of dueling northern harriers taken at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, UT. Mr. Steinke will be awarded $5,000 in cash, generously provided by ATP Oil and Gas Corporation. Chairman and CEO of ATP T. Paul Bulmahn stated, “ATP is proud to be a 2009 Premier Sponsor. All of the images submitted showcased the beauty of our national wildlife refuges and national landscape. We congratulate the winners of the photo contest, and applaud NWRA’s mission to conserve Americas wildlife heritage for future generations”

After Steinke, the remaining top prize winners are: 2nd place — Mike McBride of Afton, WY; 3rd place — Steve Dimock of Beaverton, OR; 4th place — Jim Burns of Scottsdale, AZ; Judy Lyle of Tallahassee, FL; Les Zigurski of Scales Mound, IL; Jack Rogers of Oviedo, FL; and Timothy Vidrine of Church Point, LA.

Additional prizes awarded to contest finalists and runners-up include two round trip tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and offerings from Barbaras Bakery, Wild Bird Centers of America and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. The contest was generously hosted by Zenfolio, a premier photo-hosting site, and images and entries can be viewed at: http://nwra.zenfolio.com/2009-winners.

A full list of contest winners and honorable mentions can be viewed at: http://www.refugeassociation.org/contest/2009winners.html

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wildlife Refuge Association