Robert Wengritzky, Jacana Chicks (NATURE WILDERNESS 2024)

The vulnerability and charm of these young Comb-crested Jacana chicks are captured as they navigate the lily pads of Darwin’s wetlands. With their long legs and oversized feet, these chicks appear almost comically out of balance, yet they tread delicately across the floating leaves. This shot highlights the early days of survival for these tiny creatures as they learn to master the wetlands. The contrast between their downy feathers and the vast expanse of water conveys the fragility and determination of life in the wild

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.