May 2026 Wildlife Photography Contest Intermediate Category Winner

Dark-eyed Junco by Michael Buckley

I am a professional wedding and portrait photographer who secretly yearns to be a professional wildlife photographer. During the winter and shoulder seasons, I get out as much as possible to hone my wildlife skills.

This image of a Dark-eyed Junco was taken in April — an awkward transitional month in the Canadian Rockies, caught between snow on the ground and leaves on the trees. It is a long, monotone stretch of year, if I am being completely honest.

I was out early that morning looking for Great Grey Owls, without success. In fact, I barely saw a single bird — not even a Raven or Magpie, which are common around here. I had just returned to the car to warm up with a thermos of coffee when I noticed a few Dark-eyed Juncos flitting around a nearby tree. I rolled down the window, aimed, composed, took a few frames — and then they were gone.

This particular image has grown on me over time, as some images do. The colour palette is quietly pleasing, and I love how the bird is camouflaged in plain sight.