Sally Knudsen of Channahon won June’s Preserve the Moment photo contest with a split-second shot of a prothonotary warbler in flight.
Forest Preserve District of Will County judges appreciated the sharpness and composition of the photo.
“Getting a nice photo of a warbler in motion can be a challenge,” one judge said. “This photo shows both the bird and its insect prey, creating an illustration of the circle of life and a reminder that every species has a role to play.”
Another judge was drawn to the incredible amount of detail, the sharpness of the shot and the sense of motion in the photo.
“The bright yellow feathers stand out beautifully against the blurred green background, making the bird the focal point of the photograph,” the judge noted. “The combination of movement, detail and color creates a striking image that immediately caught my attention.”
Knudsen captured the photo at McKinley Woods in Channahon, which she said is her go-to walking and birding spot.
“I always have my camera with me, just in case,” she said in an email after being notified of her win.
After taking the photos, Knudsen said she didn’t think she had a winning shot.
“I usually take several sequences of photos (thank you memory cards), then I sit and look through them for ones to keep,” she said. “When I saw this one, I was happily shocked.”
Knudsen said she appreciates her time outdoors.
“It is a great escape, a way to appreciate the peace and quiet and get away from the daily grind,” she said. “I am so happy to have the Forest Preserve locations so close, and I visit as often as possible. You never know when you will capture a shot like this!”
The Preserve the Moment photo contest continues through December 31. Monthly winners receive a $75 gift card. Overall winners will receive MasterCard gift cards worth $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $150 for third place. The contest is made possible through the support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.
Participants are encouraged to read the rules at ReconnectWithNature.org before entering. Up to five photos can be submitted per month
—Forest Preserve District of Will County