Stunning gannet dive captures Bird Photographer of the Year 2026
British photographer Henley Spiers photographed the northern gannet breaking through the ocean’s surface in Shetland. The image earned him the top prize in the international bird photography competition.
Gannet dives at incredible speed
Northern gannets can enter the water at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour. This is faster than an Olympic diver jumping from a 10-metre platform.
Spiers waited underwater for the right moment while keeping his camera focused on the sun. He wanted to capture a gannet diving directly through the bright circle above the water.
“Even in summer, sunshine is far from guaranteed in this remote British archipelago,” Spiers told CNN. “So, my creative engine started firing when the sun ball was visible from underwater. I envisioned the shot of the gannet diving straight through the middle of it and dedicated my entire dive to capturing that single frame.”
Photographer waits for perfect moment
Several gannets were diving around Spiers, but he stayed focused on his planned shot. After a long wait, one bird finally crossed the exact position he had been watching.
“The gannets were diving all around me, but I refused to be distracted and kept my camera pointed at the sun. After a long wait, a gannet finally dived through in the perfect spot and I met the bird as it careened under the sea,” he added. “The moment was over in a split second.”
The competition also announced winners in eight categories this year. The Young Bird Photographer of the Year award went to 16-year-old Parham Pourahmad from the United States.
Young photographer captures owl
Pourahmad photographed a great horned owl near his home after discovering it nesting in a local park. He captured the bird as a full moon appeared on the horizon.
Bird Photographer of the Year director Will Nicholls said the winning images were especially meaningful as AI-generated pictures become more common. “In a world where AI-generated imagery is becoming increasingly common, this year’s winners are a powerful reminder of the value of authenticity.”
“Every image in the competition represents a real moment in the wild, earned through patience, dedication and a genuine connection with nature,” he added. “People will always value real stories told by real people, and this year’s extraordinary photographs celebrate the beauty, wonder and authenticity of our natural world.”
Photography supports bird conservation
Bird Photographer of the Year has returned for its 11th year and highlights bird photography from around the world. The competition also supports efforts to protect birds and their habitats.
This year, the competition donated more than £5,000, or about $6,700, to Birds on the Brink. The charity provides grants to small bird conservation projects around the world.
Nicholls said strong wildlife photography can help conservation by making more people aware of birds and their lives. “Without public support, conservation efforts often fall flat,” he said.
“Our competition promotes birds through exposing people to the wide variety of bird life on this planet and providing them a real connection to the natural world.”
The winning gannet image shows how patience and timing can turn a brief wildlife moment into a powerful photograph. The competition also highlights how real nature photography can help people connect with wildlife.
The event goes beyond photography by supporting bird conservation projects. Its organisers say public interest and strong images can play an important role in building support for protecting birds.
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