AnnualNature Photo 13th CONTEST WINNERS

By Kathleen Swift

Our 13th Annual Nature Contest photographers captured stunning birds, beautiful mammals, a variety of insects, a reptile and, of course, beautiful Ozarks scenes. We thank everyone who is a steward of our wildlife and fans of our local natural wonders.

All of the contest entry fees go to benefit the Wildcat Glades Friends Group. Enjoy the photos in these pages and the display at the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center located at Wildcat Glades. Consider getting out in nature with your camera, and keep looking for more of nature to photograph!

1st Place

Amy Watts captured her winning photo of a brown thrasher in a redbud tree last April in Cunningham Park in Joplin. “I go out looking for wildlife every day, and I saw this bird sitting in a circle of redbuds while his mate thrashed about in leaves on the ground looking for insects. I sat on a picnic table close by and waited 30 or 45 minutes until he came into the right position. I probably took 100 shots until I got this one,” said Watts. “I’m always looking for birds to photograph.”

2nd Place

Although only found in our area for a few months, the yellow-crowned night heron was photographed by Koral Martin along Spring River near Carthage, Missouri. “I saw my first yellow-crowned night heron near Wildcat Glades, which is appropriate since the contest benefits the Wildcat Glades Friends Group,” said Martin. “I go out early every morning for about 30 minutes, and it’s amazing how many birds and fowl are in our area. They are fascinating. I watched this heron for a long time until he stepped into the light.”