Dramatic shot of a falcon striking a pelican wins Bird Photographer of the Year top prize

Photographer Jack Zhi's dramatic image of a female peregrine falcon striking a brown pelican mid-flight beat over 23,000 other entries to win the Bird Photographer of the Year 2023 gold award. 

"For four years, I attempted to capture the rare sight of the female falcon attacking large brown pelicans with incredible speed and agility," Zhi said in a statement Tuesday. "I love the eyes of the pelican in this image, surprised and scared. The action was fast, and over in the blink of an eye. But I'll remember that moment forever."

Photographers competed in a number of different categories in the prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year awards — a global competition described as a celebration of avian beauty and diversity.