Polish teen wins Young Wildlife Photographer accolade

Mateusz Piesiak’s award-winning photo is of a pair of oystercatchers spotted on the beach off Long Island, New York. To take the photograph, Mateusz wrapped his camera in a waterproof sack, dropped onto his belly and crawled along the wet sand.

The birds were so absorbed in their foraging that they ignored him, sometimes scuttling almost to within arm’s length in their search for shellfish. The boy spent so long watching the birds that he didn’t notice the tide coming in until a big wave washed over him, but he managed to hold his camera up high.

Mark Carwardine, one of the judges, said that Mateusz’s photo would make any professional proud, with its ‘gorgeous subdued light, interesting behaviour, oodles of atmosphere, and beautiful composition’.

Mateusz has long been interested in wild life photography. In spring he is planning to go to Finland to work with Järi Peltomäki, who specialises in owls. (mk/jb)

Matuesz Piesiak's award-winning photograph. - Pester Power. Ostrygojady brunatne - All rights reserved.