They may be plentiful, but birds are easily one of the most challenging and elusive photographic subjects.

As anyone who’s tried to capture  one of these skittish creatures knows, their  rapid and unpredictable movements make it  supremely difficult. Perhaps it’s no coincidence  then, that Photo Challengers consistently had  their best results when the winged ones were  not in flight.

That’s certainly the case with our  winner Chris Melloy’s amusing untitled image  of a row of Crested Terns taking a break from  fishing. Chris will soon receive a Lowepro Pro  Roller Lite 250 AW (RRP $345) to pack all his  gear in for his next photo adventure.  

We liked the way our first runner-up, Jenny  Stephens captured a pair of Sea Eagles against  the sky. And keeping the background simple as  well, Roz Krugle continues her high standard  with a well-balanced shot of a Nankeen (Rufous)  Night Heron keenly searching out its next meal.
David Trembath managed to spot a Pied Heron  standing alert on a lily pad, while Greg Toll  sought out three of the most common urban  species interacting in a fashion that looks to  have been satisfactory for all concerned.

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FIRST PLACE
Untitled by Chris Melloy

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FIRST RUNNER-UP
Mating Pair White-bellied  Sea Eagles by Jenny Stephens.
Croajingolong National Park.
Canon  5dMkIII, 100-400 mm lens, ISO 1000,  f/5.6 @ 1/1600

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HONOURABLE MENTION
‘Surveillance’ by Roz Krugle

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HONOURABLE MENTION
Feeding time by Greg Toll

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HONOURABLE MENTION
Pied Heron on lily pad  by David Trembath

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HONOURABLE MENTION
Untitled by Blane Coulcher

Details of the next Photo Challenge are published in  Photo Review magazine.