Winner: Eastern Rosella - Glenn Pure (Image #18560)

This is a stunning image of a beautiful bird in an interesting pose. It engages the viewer. There is an even light across the bird and each feather is sharply defined. The background is blurred making the bird stand out. The only drawback is that the image is tightly cropped and would benefit from having more space.

Highly Commended: Australian Hobby - Con Duyvestyn (Image #18581)

What makes this image stand out is the eye contact between the bird and the viewer. The classic bird of prey image with a blood smeared beak and 'eagle-eyed' stare. Good composition. A nice even light and clean background.

Commended: Striated Pardalote - Bruce Mcnaughton (Image #18262)

Another good example of the bird engaging with the viewer making this image stand out from the rest. It is super sharp and well lit with a nice catch-light in the eye. The only negative is the tight cropping.

Commended: Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo - Phillip Bender (Image #18809)

The photographer has done an excellent job in capturing this Black-cockatoo in mid-flight. The pose of the bird is appealing, although I would add room to the bottom of the photo to give it more room to fly into. Nice catch-light in the eyes. More lightening of the shadows would help to make this image stand out better.

Commended: Azure Kingfisher - Paul Jensen (Image #18496)

This is a great, close capture of interesting behaviour. The bird and prey are both in focus and have good colour. I would prefer a less tight crop so that the eye of the bird rests around the top left hand third of the image. I would also try to decrease highlights and increase the shadows a touch to soften the effect of the bright light. Selectively sharpening the bird and 'de-clarifying' the background would also help to make the image 'pop'.