Robert Wengritzky, Lily (NATURE WILDERNESS 2024)

This image captures a Comb-crested Jacana chick as it delicately navigates a floating lily pad, its long toes spread wide to maintain balance. What makes this moment special is the perfect reflection in the calm water beneath, doubling the viewer’s appreciation of the bird’s fragile beauty. The chick’s tiny frame and downy feathers contrast with its wetland surroundings, highlighting its fragility as it navigates this expansive, delicate ecosystem.

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