If possible, please submit images in .jpg format. All images must have been taken during the Great Backyard Bird Count, though photos may be submitted through March 1. Please submit images in as high a resolution as possible.

You must agree to the terms of use. You will be asked for your name and email.

Judges from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Bird Studies Canada will review all the entries. Winners in each category will be notified by email and prizes awarded. All winners and finalists will be posted on the GBBC website.

Photos are evaluated based on both technical skill and artistic ability. Winning photos are those that show the photographer’s skill in composing an image and using a camera. Some of the factors the judges consider when choosing photos include use of light, depth of field, sharpness of focus, color balance, composition, framing, camera angle, originality, choice of subject matter, and the amount of patience (or luck!) required to get a shot.

Images will be judged in six categories:
Overall
Bird in its habitat
Behavior
Group shot (2 or more birds)
Composition
People enjoying birds

When taking photos, use your imagination! Bird watchers could be photographed inside or outside, in the city, suburbs, or country. They might be at a nature center or retirement home, in unusual places, or photographed from unusual vantage points. Young children, seniors,or scout groups could be photographed marking tally sheets, talking to each other, looking up birds in a field guide, entering data on-line, filling feeders, making bird treats, mugging for the camera, or just having fun!