This year's Bird Photographer of the Year contest showcased the incredible diversity of avian behavior. From diving penguins to urban pigeons, the entries captured a wealth of bird antics, highlighting the challenges faced by these creatures.

Henley Spiers' winning image of a diving northern gannet in Scotland's Shetland Islands exemplified the contest's focus. Spiers described the gannet's hunting technique as a 'shape-shift into a pointed torpedo,' diving at speeds of up to 86km/h. The northern gannet population has been hit hard by bird flu, with some colonies suffering losses that may take 15 years to recover.

The competition, which received over 24,000 entries, spans various categories including Best Portrait, Bird Behavior, Conservation, and Urban Birds, with specific youth categories for budding photographers. The contest not only celebrates the beauty of birds but also raises awareness about the environmental issues affecting them.

With over 40 percent of the world's northern gannet population nesting in Scotland, the contest underscores the importance of conservation efforts. The winners can be viewed on the Bird Photographer of the Year website, and updates can be followed on Instagram.