Clash of the godwits

Mateusz Piesiak's Image

Mateusz Piesiak (Poland) carefully considered camera angles to produce a series of intimate photographs exploring the behaviour of birds.

On Poland's Baltic coast, two bar-tailed godwits clash at an autumn feeding spot, flapping their wings and jabbing at each other with their sword-like beaks.

Mateusz was watching mixed flocks of shorebirds feeding, but by far the boldest were the bar‑tailed godwits. When foraging they kept their distance from him, but when fighting, they were oblivious, sometimes duelling right in front of him.

Behind the lens

Mateusz Piesiak

Mateusz Piesiak

Poland

Mateusz is a Polish wildlife photographer, who’s fascinated by nature. He’s been capturing unique moments for more than 10 years and loves experimenting with light and composition, making photography a true art. Travelling throughout the year, he strives to capture inspiring images that present the beauty of nature. His work’s been published in National Geographic Traveller Magazine, BBC Wildlife Magazine and The Guardian, and has been awarded in numerous international competitions.

Image details

  • Canon EOS R5
  • 400mm f2.8 lens
  • 1/4000 sec at f2.8 (+1 e/v)  •   ISO 640
  • Jastarnia, Poland
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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