QUADRAT

University of Aberdeen PhD student, Danni Thompson, has been named a winner twice at this year’s British Ecological Society photography competition.

Danni, from the University’s School of Biological Sciences, has been awarded ‘Student Winner’ in two categories; Ecologists in Action and People & Nature. Danni also had a third submission highly commended by the judges.

Capturing Ecology is an annual competition with a judging panel made up of a selection of highly respected, award-winning wildlife photographers and respected ecologists.

Danni said: “I am absolutely thrilled that my entries have been successful at this year’s Capturing Ecology competition. I am really passionate about the environment and photography, so this is a huge honour.

“My Ecologists in Action entry is entitled The Big Count and depicts the mighty Bass Rock looming as volunteers focus on the cliffs. Counting a breeding seabird colony is no easy feat, especially from a boat bouncing in the swell. But it’s vital to help us understand how our populations are faring, particularly in the face of climate change and avian influenza.

“My People & Nature submission, Modern Real Estate shows that even on uninhabited islands, wildlife isn’t free from our influence. The gull chicks’ first view of the world will be our mess and this image will stay with them for life as they leave the island and find their way into nearby towns and cities to feed on our abundant leftovers.

“My photograph, Delicate, was also highly commended. I was delighted to stumble across an entire field full of teasels, providing a smorgasbord for wildlife. Getting in close and below the light, I wanted to capture the juxtaposition between the sharp tips of the flower head and the soft curls of the bracts encasing it.”

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