An eastern coyote crosses the road in Alma, N.B. on a foggy morning. Recent research has confirmed that eastern coyotes are actually a hybrid species, possessing DNA from western coyotes, wolves, and domestic dogs. Scientists believe the species was first hybridized around the turn of the 20th century. As eastern North American cities have expanded their boundaries, “coywolf” sightings have become a common occurrence in suburban and semi-rural areas.

What the judges said

NS: Because the coyote is not looking at the camera, you feel like you’re looking into its life. This image is executed beautifully. 

ND: There’s a majesty to this photo. Everything is pulling the eye right to the coyote. 

Winner | Animals in Action

Françoise Gervais, Victoria, B.C.

A polar bear walks into the wind on the coast of Hudson Bay, 100 kilometres south of Arviat, Nun. Every fall, polar bears head north to hunt for seals on the newly formed sea ice. Photographer Françoise Gervais says, “After waiting for days to see the iconic ice bear, magic finally happened when this inquisitive polar bear came to our winter camp to have a closer look at us. When his curiosity was satisfied, he simply headed north on the tundra as if back on the scent of a seal.”

What the judges said

NS: To me, this is Canada. Very nice mood in this shot.

JF: This photograph shows how difficult it is to survive in the Arctic, and how fragile life is.

ND: Being able to see the blowing snow, you can tell the scene was extremely cold, and yet the colours are warm. It’s an interesting juxtaposition.

Winner | Up Close

Steven Rose, Scarborough, Ont.

A gray treefrog suns itself on a summer morning in Presqu’ile Provincial Park, Ont. The park, located on an L-shaped peninsula that juts into Lake Ontario, provides ideal habitat for a wide range of reptiles and amphibians, many of them considered at risk. 

What the judges said

JF: I love the composition. A nice clean background that doesn’t take away from the focus of the image.

NS: There is beautiful balance here. Also, that frog is probably the size of my thumb — no wonder we don’t see them too often!

Winner | Plants and Trees

Ryan Miller, West Vancouver, B.C.

Blades of macrocystis pyrifera, better known as giant kelp, move with the current off Malcolm Island, B.C., in the Queen Charlotte Strait. Vast underwater forests of giant kelp are a vital part of B.C.’s marine ecosystem, providing food and habitat for a wide range of species. 

What the judges said

ND: This photo is so dreamy and luminous.

JF: It’s very original. This is not a habitat we often see in photos. It also has a strong sense of motion. 

Winner | Birds

Gabor Dosa, White Rock, B.C.

A great blue heron stands motionless while searching for its next meal on a winter evening at Crescent Beach, Surrey, B.C. Great blue herons breed in every province in Canada except Newfoundland. In B.C. and the Maritimes, they are year-round residents, able to fish along the seacoasts even in the depths of winter. 

What the judges said

NS: There’s something very calming about this image. It’s almost like I’m there.

JF: The composition works perfectly here, isolating the animal in its habitat with the waves at the front and the soft mountains at the back.

Winner | Urban Wildlife

Philip Childs, Wasaga Beach, Ont. 

A pine marten peers out from the lining of a recycling bin. Photographer Philip Childs describes the scene: “Four pine martens had gotten inside a large recycling bin. When the truck arrived to empty the bins, three ran out, while one marten stubbornly remained inside. The garbage collector used the hydraulic lift to raise the sack lining of the bin into the air and waited for the marten to make his escape. Eventually, little claws and teeth began to scratch at the lining, and after a bit of a struggle the marten finally wriggled free and jumped to safety.”

What the judges said

JF: I love the originality of this photo, its simple composition and the feeling it communicates. It just makes me smile!

NS: This capture is candid in such an innocent way, you instantly fall in love with it. The cuteness factor is grand, the animal is tack sharp and the composition is great. I think it perfectly portrays urban wildlife in a new and interesting way.

Winner | Young Photographers (17 and under)

Kiah Jasper, Bruce County, Ont.