The Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex held its first photography contest to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD). IMBD, which highlights the migration of nearly 350 species of migratory birds between nesting habitats in North America and non-breeding grounds in Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, will celebrate its 20th anniversary Saturday, May 11. The 2012 IMBD theme is “Connecting People to Bird Conservation.�

The photography contest supports this year’s theme by connecting people to birds through the lens of a camera. All photographers were encouraged to enter, either as a professional, amateur or youth. The judging was held this past week and the winners are as follows.

Amateur category
1-Great Blue Heron (wading in tidal slough) by Rick Sorensen
2-Two Eagles by Jared McArthur
3-Homeward Bound (Osprey) by Gloria O’Rourke
Honorable Mention-Bald Eagle with Common Murre by Susan Glarum
Honorable Mention-Fast Food (Scrub Jay) by Virginia Ledesma

Professional Category (limited entries)
1-Sanderling with food by Steve Dimock
2-Great Egret in nest by Lynda Bare

Best of Show
Sanderling with food by Steve Dimock

Visit our Facebook page to view the winning photos.