Great Catch

Alberto Fantoni's Image

Great crested grebes are a favourite subject for Alberto, who is drawn to their striking appearance. Warm water from an underground pipe caused fish to congregate around this particular grebe, providing it with an easy fishing opportunity. Alberto managed to capture not just the beauty of the bird, but also the size and strength of its catch.

Grebes typically feed on small fish, but the unusual concentration available to this one gave it the chance to try for something bigger – probably a rudd. The fish was almost too large for the bird to swallow. The grebe’s grey-and-white winter plumage had already transformed into the rich browns and russets of the spring breeding season.


Behind the lens

Alberto Fantoni

Animals and local landscapes have always fascinated Alberto. Thanks to his father Luca and his grandfather Alberto, he has been passionate about nature photography from a young age. The animals of the Alps and northern Italy are his favourite subjects. Winner of prestigious international competitions, he has been awarded several times at Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Image details

  • Canon EOS 7D Mark II
  • Canon 500mm f4.5 lens
  • 1/1000 sec at f6.3 (-0.3 e/v)  •   ISO 500
  • Lake Iseo, Lombardy, Italy
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

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