Snowy egret photo captures Prime Hook Best in Show

Sharon Denny has won Best in Show in the 19th annual Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography Contest.

Denny's winning entry of a spectacular snowy egret in flight was captured near her home in Rehoboth Beach, but she almost didn't take the photo. Her neighbor had urged her to take pictures of a flock of birds at the nearby pond, but she hesitated. "I needed more pictures of white birds like a hole in the head," she said. But when she went, she found a group of snowy egrets in a feeding frenzy, gorging themselves on tiny fish. Instead of wading for dinner, the egrets were swooping past and reaching down to pluck fish from the water like skimmers. The result was her winning photo, "Breakfast to Go." Judges said it was well composed and well lit. They praised the color, the background and the sense of movement.

"I just love being outdoors and around nature," said the retired journalist.

Denny's winning entry was announced at an awards reception Oct. 15.

The annual contest attracted some 38 photographers who submitted 207 photographs in six different categories. Photos will be on display at the Prime Hook NWR Auditorium through Sunday, Dec. 9. Judges this year were: Ken Arni, Deb Payette, David Koster and Ed Norman. They said they had a difficult time choosing from among some outstanding works submitted by a number of photographers.

For full results, go to friendsofprimehook.com or visit the refuge office.  

Everyone is encouraged to always practice responsible and respectful wildlife viewing and photography.