Spellbinding Wirral wildlife snap prize listed in global photography competition
The image, taken by an amateur photographer, was one of four highly commended by the judges.
A stunning snap taken on the Wirral peninsula has been named among a list of prize-winning images in a global photo competition.
The shot beat off competitors from around the world to be listed in the top seven in the Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers Wonderful Wildlife Photography Competition.
The image of a kestrel looking down the lens as it flew off with its prey clutched tightly in its talons was highly commended by the panel of judges.
The moment was captured by amateur photographer Maggie Bullock, from Northwich in Cheshire, who said: "I took this image last year at Parkgate on the Wirral, where there’s adjacent marshland on the edge of the Dee Estuary.
"I regularly visit this area as it’s renowned as being a great spot for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.
"This Kestrel had dived to catch prey and as it took off again I managed a few shots of it in action."
Here we take a look a the winner, top three and the other highly commended entries.
1. Winner - stag in Richmond Park
Mark Lynham, from Newport Pagnell, won with this beautifully framed stag in London’s Richmond Park staring down the lens.
2. Runner up - Arctic Fox cub in Norway
Cecilie Stuedal from Innlandet, Norway took this shot of an Arctic fox cub at sunset.
3. Third place - red back shrike with grasshopper
Brit Alan Shearman snapped a lovely shot of a rare red back shrike eating a grasshopper.
4. Highly commended - hippo attacking a rival’s calf
This dramatic shot of a hippo attacking a rival’s calf was taken by Russian snapper Evgeny Borisov.