Ecologists in their workplaces provide striking images

Cosmos Magazine

Cosmos

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By Cosmos

An image of ecologists searching for an elusive, critically endangered bird has won the 2023 Ecological Society of Australia annual photography competition.

The photograph by Marcia Riederer titled ‘Searching for the Plains-wanderer‘ (Pedionomus torquatus) was described by judges as “both visually interesting and well composed.”

“The position of the Milky Way leads the eye to the ecologists, and the lighting has been managed well which isn’t easy.”

“It tells a story of what these ecologists have probably spent dozens of hours doing, searching for the species until the early hours of the morning.”

The competition is popular among working ecologists and ecology students, resulting in a gallery of images showcasing their unique perspective and experiences. ‘Searching for the Plains-wanderer’ reflects this, shining a light on the work of Australian ecologists and one of our lesser-known species.

Scroll down for some of the hioghlights, but all shortlisted images are here

Overall Winner: Marcia Riederer – Searching for the Plains-wanderer

Searching for plains wanderer

Best Image by a Student/Early Career Ecologist: Murray Kelman – Bat School

Bat school

Highly commended: Sophie Frame – Hidden in plain sight

Hidden in plain sight

Beneath Southern Skies: Unique Australian Landscapes: 1st Place
Russell Charters – Loch Ard Gorge Aurora

Loch ard gorge

Highly commended: Imogen Manins – Predator on the hunt

Predator on the hunt

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