Wildlife through the lens

The Okanagan is well represented in the latest SPCA British Columbia amateur wildlife photography contest.

Hundreds of photos were submitted for the 16th annual Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest.

“With more than 500 photos submitted, choosing the top picks was a challenge for the contest judges. We want to thank all the participants for sharing their amazing photos of B.C.’s diverse wildlife and helping to raise $8,426 to help BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre care for injured and orphaned wild animals,” says Andrea Wallace, BC SPCA’s manager, wild animal welfare.

There were two separate categories, ‘Backyard Habitats’ highlighting the special relationship with wild animals in our backyards and ‘Wild Settings’ which featured photos of animals in their natural habitats.

Penticton's Bruce Turnbull took first place for his photo of a northern flicker in the Backyard Habitat category.

“I am thrilled to have my photograph of a Northern flicker feeding their young selected as the winner of the Backyard Habitats category,” says Turnbull.

“Wildlife photography is a passion of mine, as is studying the wildlife I photograph and learning about the challenges they face. Supporting organizations like the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) who protect and help our wildlife is very important to me and I am glad my photo helped to raise much needed funds for the organization.”

Ashley Giovannini, from Kelowna, took home second place in the Wild Settings category.

Here is a complete list of the winners in both categories.

Backyard Habitats

1. Bruce Turnbull (Penticton) - Northern flicker
2. Lesley Carere (North Saanich) – Rufous hummingbird
3. Rosalind LeBlanc (Vancouver) – Mallard duck

Wild Settings

1. Janine Brooke (North Vancouver) – Coyote
2. Ashley Giovannini (Kelowna) – Grizzly bear
3. Sebastien Nadeau (Squamish) – Pygmy owl

The other category was the People's Choice award which is the photograph that received the most votes from the public.

People’s Choice Award

1. Sam Gorick (Mill Bay) – Raccoon

The 12 photos that received the most votes along with the top three winners in each category will be featured in a limited-edition Wildlife-in-Focus pack of greeting cards. The top three winners in each category will also be featured in a limited-edition tote bag.

For more information on the contest or to purchase these products click here.