Friends of Prime Hook nature photo entries due by Oct. 8

The Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge announced its nature photography contest exhibit will open Sunday, Oct. 16, in the refuge auditorium.

Photographers are reminded to practice responsible and respectful wildlife viewing. The contest, which usually draws more than 200 entries, is open to photographers of all ages, and there's always some magic in the scenes captured by local shutterbugs.

Photographs must be mailed or hand-delivered to the refuge office on or before Saturday, Oct. 8. Submitted photographs will be judged by professional photographers during the week beginning Sunday, Oct. 9. Winners will be announced, and awards will be given at a reception for the artists and the general public to be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Oct. 16, in the auditorium. Entries will be displayed in the auditorium until Sunday, Dec. 11. 

There is no admission charge, and the public is encouraged to come view the exhibit during refuge hours. If in doubt, simply call the refuge office at 302-684-8419 to make sure the auditorium will be open. There is no admission charge.

After the display ends, a special People's Choice Award will be presented to the most popular photograph in the show. Each visitor is encouraged to pick a favorite picture and cast a ballot for that photograph. Instructions on how to vote will be on display in the auditorium.

Entries may be in any or all of these categories: Delmarva Scenery, Native Birds, Other Native Wildlife (fish, insects, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, etc.), Native Plants and Flowers, The Beauty of Prime Hook, Senior Student (age 13 to 17) and Junior Student (age 12 and under).

To qualify as Delmarva Scenery, photographs must have been taken on the Delmarva Peninsula. The Beauty of Prime Hook category encompasses only photographs taken within the refuge boundaries.

Photographs of wildlife, flowers and plants must be of native species. Native is defined as "grown, produced or originating in a particular place or in the vicinity" or "living or growing naturally in a particular region (indigenous)." Simply, "native" should be taken to mean "not introduced by humans." Ineligible subjects include cultivated plants and flowers, and domestic animals like dogs and cows.

Each photograph must be matted in white and unframed, and should have the name, address, telephone number and email address of the entrant as well as the name of the photograph, location it was taken and entry category placed on the reverse side of the mat. The total dimensions of photo and mat cannot exceed 16-by-20-inches. No writing can be on the front of the mat.

The entry fee is $5 per photograph or six for $25; fee must be included with submitted photographs. Student entries are free. Make checks payable to Friends of Prime Hook N.W.R., and mail or deliver to 11978 Turkle Pond Road, Milton, DE 19968; the refuge is located off Broadkill Road east of Route 1. Call the office at 302-684-8419 before dropping off entries to make sure a volunteer or staff person is available to accept the photos.

For complete contest rules, go to friendsofprimehook.com/home or visit the refuge office.