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nature-iconNature
clock-iconPUBLISHEDJanuary 10, 2019
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Audubon Photography Awards Release The Best Entries Of Birds Chowing Down And They're Hilarious

Madison Dapcevich headshot

Madison Dapcevich

Madison Dapcevich headshot

Madison Dapcevich

Freelance Writer and Fact-Checker

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Madison is a freelance science reporter and full-time fact-checker based in the wild Rocky Mountains of western Montana.

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Freelance Writer and Fact-Checker

Madison is a freelance science reporter and full-time fact-checker based in the wild Rocky Mountains of western Montana.View full profile

Madison is a freelance science reporter and full-time fact-checker based in the wild Rocky Mountains of western Montana.

View full profile
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Found in both salt and freshwater, Great Egrets feed on aquatic animals – like this leaping frog – that make their home in wetlands, ponds, tidal flats, and other areas. Peter Brannon/Audubon Photography Awards

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In the latest release of the Audubon Society's bird-nerd photos, we're given a glimpse into the predatory realm of our flying, feathery friends and let's just say we have never been more happy to be at the top of the food chain. 

The photos were released as part of the nonprofit conservation organization's annual photography competition, and even though these images didn't necessarily take home the grand prize, they remind us just how eclectic and unique the avian world truly is. As Audubon notes, birds need to eat a lot in order to survive – we can only imagine how tiring flying around can be. For many species, that means fueling up requires eating as much as one-third of their body weight every day. Dainty little hummingbirds might eat up to 100 percent of their body weight in nectar alone, while the medium-sized Cooper's Hawk eats around 12 percent of its weight each day. For a human weighing around 68 kilograms (150 pounds), that's the equivalent to 8 kilograms (18 pounds) of grub, about 48 cheeseburgers. 

Not to mention, the diet of our avian amigos is quite the nature-inspired buffet. In 2018, photographers from around the world captured birds eating everything from fish to frogs and lizards to starfish – even other birds (oops). 

So, grab your lunch and take a few minutes to yourself to admire the wonderful world of predatory birds. Though you may lose your appetite and there may be terrible puns (you are warned), we promise it'll be worth it. 

I regret nothing...

Herring gull. Photo: Christi Herman/Audubon Photography Awards

It's tough being an owl by oneself. We're sure that's why this northern pygmy owl below was captured toting around their little rodent friend, right? 

Northern pygmy owl. Pierre Cenerelli/Audubon Photography Awards

Speaking of little buddies, this majestic peregrine falcon was also spotted palling around with its buddy, the common grackle. Hawkward...

Peregrine falcon and Common Grackle. Scott Dere/Audubon Photography Awards

 No (r)egrets about this move. 

Reddish egret. Tim Timmis/Audubon Photography Awards

At least wait for your tern! Clearly, nobody taught these two table manners. 

Least terns. Anja Trepper/Audubon Photography Awards

Most animal puns quack us up, but this one is just morbid. 

Snowy owl with red-breasted merganser. Matthew Booth/Audubon Photography Awards

 Are you puffin' kidding me, bro?

 
Atlantic puffins. Krisztina Scheeff/Audubon Photography Awards

Hey, I'm walking here. 

Purple gallinule. Tina Wright/Audubon Photography Awards

And don't forget that the 2019 Audubon Photography Awards are currently open for submissions! You can submit your best bird photos here. 


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ORIGINALLY PUBLISHEDJanuary 10, 2019

Written by Madison Dapcevich

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