Photo: 2023 Adult Category, 2nd Place, Mike Fisher

Burrowing Owl Photo Contest now accepting entries

Enjoy capturing photos of wildlife or can’t get enough of the city’s official bird? The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is now accepting entries for its fourth annual Burrowing Owl Photo Contest.

The non-profit organization committed to protecting the city’s wildlife is looking for the best the public has to offer when it comes to pictures of the city’s official bird.

The photo contest submissions need to be in by May 10, and the grand prize winner will have their photo used on CCFW’s 2025 official Burrowing Owl Festival T-shirt.

“We know a lot of photographers are also wildlife lovers, so this photo contest provides a forum for photographers to share their favorite pictures of burrowing owls, and to share the love of nature,” said CCFW spokesperson Janet Windisch. “It’s a great opportunity for both photographers and the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife.”

There are two division categories for the contest: amateur youth (7 to 17) and amateur adult. No professional photographer can enter the contest.

Last year, CCFW received more than 100 submissions, and always looks forward to seeing the different ways the city’s favorite bird is captured.

“It’s amazing to see the great poses, and the interesting thing is being able to see behavior that you don’t even think about,” Windisch said. “The way they spread their wings — sometimes they groom each other. Sometimes you’ll see a family of chicks all lined up. It’s really interesting to see.”

Judging will be conducted by a CCFW-appointed panel that includes expert photographers. Judges will score eligible photographs on technical quality (30%), originality (30%), and artistic merit (40%).

A final group of pictures will be passed along to the final judges who are Cape Coral Mayor John Gunter, NBC2 Meteorologist Rob Duns, and last year’s photo contest winner, Dr. Christopher Robbin.

More pics of CCFW 2023 Contest Winners