Kelowna photographer wins top prize in BC SPCA wildlife contest
Two bald eagles fight for surface area at the top of a totem pole. (Image Credit: Peter Cortes)
A Kelowna photographer has captured top honours in the BC SPCA’s annual Wildlife-in-Focus photography contest, taking first place in the Wild Settings category with an image of a killer whale.
Alan Milnes was among the winners announced Friday in the 18th annual contest, which celebrates British Columbia’s wildlife and raises money to support injured, sick and orphaned wild animals.
The competition features two categories: Backyard Habitats, highlighting wildlife living alongside people, and Wild Settings, showcasing animals in their natural environments.
More than 450 photos were submitted this year, raising more than $9,400 for the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre.
“Our team thanks all the participants for sharing their amazing photos of B.C.’s incredible wildlife,” said Hailey Boehner, the BC SPCA’s wild animal welfare specialist.
Other Wild Settings winners include Martin Ross of Cranbrook, who placed second with a photo of sea otters, and Cian Cain of Peachland, who took third with an image of a white-crowned sparrow.
In the Backyard Habitats category, Heather Rolling of Fort St. John won first place with a photo of a fox. Peter Cortes of Victoria placed second with an image of bald eagles, while Sam Gorick of Mill Bay finished third with a photo of raccoons.
Kim Edwards of West Kelowna won the People’s Choice Award for a photo of a great horned owl.
The winning images will be featured on a limited edition wildlife trail mug, along with a new set of greeting cards featuring winning photographs and honourable mentions. Proceeds from the contest support the BC SPCA’s work caring for wild animals.
The winning photographs and other submissions can be viewed on the BC SPCA’s Wildlife-in-Focus contest website.
