Capturing beauty, Protecting health: How bird photography can raise awareness about avian influenza

The competition not only showcases stunning bird photography, but it also provides a platform for conservation efforts. 2024 was no different. Thousands of images were entered across a variety of categories, including Comedy Bird Photo and of course Conservation — both of which should be included as categories in every big awards show, in my opinion. The Gold, Silver and Bronze Winning images in each category beautifully capture the beauty and fragility of bird populations.

Birds and humans have a particularly close relationship. It’s hard to imagine a bustling city without picturing pigeons or a summers day without hearing birdsong. And it should be equally difficult for us to think of bird health without thinking of human health.  

Right now, we’re nearing the peak of avian influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere. That means the steadily rising number of outbreaks we have seen since October will continue to rise until about February. And, following the trends we’ve seen so far, wild birds and mammals will continue to become infected. As avian influenza continues to spread, its incursion in mammal and human populations will become more common, too. According to the World Health Organisation, there have been over 950 reported cases of avian influenza in humans worldwide — nearly half of which have resulted in death. While outbreaks continue, photography competitions like this can play a special role in protecting wild birds by raising awareness on the spread of avian influenza. 

When it comes to wildlife photography, Jack Zhi hopes the beauty expressed in his photos will inspire animal welfare advocacy and conservation efforts. His silver winning photo, in the Bird Behaviour category (and Wildlife Photographer of the Year, bird category winning), Playful Fledgling, of a Peregrine falcon mid-flight can call attention to the spread of avian influenza. Peregrine falcons are migratory birds that have become particularly adapted to urban environments, nesting on skyscrapers and hunting city-dwelling birds. Due to their diet and migratory habits, peregrine falcons are at high risk of both contracting avian influenza and spreading it to new environments on their migratory routes. 

Swanception, the Silver Winner in the Best Portrait category, captured by Samual Stone, showcases mute swans in the morning light. In October of 2024, a mute swan was reported to have been infected with avian influenza in the United Kingdom. Further reports of swans falling ill have prompted reserve areas to urge their guests to stick to marked paths and not interact with wild birds.

Wildlife photographers protect themselves and the birds they photograph by taking small steps like:  

• Avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds 

• Using protective gear when handling bird-related materials (e.g., nests, feathers) 

• Following international guidelines on reporting sick or dead birds 

• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment regularly 

And, most importantly, they can integrate messages about avian influenza in their work, through captions, social media campaigns and blog posts. A short caption can go a long way to educating the public on how avian influenza spreads, encourage responsible wildlife interactions, and inspire action to protect wild birds.