Images of the Month

Each competition month one of our members selects a digital image to be designated as Image of the Month. They will be choosing one that has a particular appeal to them, not necessarily the image that received the highest score. Each month’s image is chosen by a different member.

Image of the Month - April 2025

“RWBB”

Photographer: Joe Mancy
Selected by: Shealyn McGee-Sarns

About my image.

In late February and early March, red-winged blackbirds (RWBB) return to West Michigan, bringing one of the first vibrant signs of spring. Their bold calls and flashing red shoulder patches fill the wetlands with energy as they stake out territory along marshes, riverbanks, and cattails. Image captured at Reed’s Lake, East Grand Rapids, on March 2025, 600mm at f/4.0 at 1/4000 sec, ISO 1600. – Joe

Why I liked the image.

I'm not an expert in Audubon photography, but I feel that this image is just a perfect example of what I wish I could capture. The subtle, neutral background really allows the bird to stand out, and the bird itself is incredibly sharp in the eye, feet, and body. The slight motion in the wing opposite from us and the tail shows the motion of the bird flying well, and I feel that adds to the feeling of what this bird is doing in the image. - Shea

Previous Images of the Month