Image of butterflies takes out fan favourite award
A rare image of Richmond Birdwing butterflies in flight at Point Cartwright, has taken out the People’s Choice award for the Our Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve Photography Showcase.
Jo Ward’s beautiful image received nearly 150 votes and was also awarded Best of Showcase by the showcase selector earlier this month.
The community and judges agree, Jo’s image and story is a winner!
The photographer had been participating in a whale count held at Point Cartwright and shares that this was made difficult by the distracting presence of the Richmond Birdwing Butterflies that repeatedly danced around us.
Knowing the species to be endangered, Jo later posted some photographs to a social media group.
Where a gentleman who had spearheaded efforts to plant the butterflies’ food source reached out to Jo and shared details of 30-year project to maintain their presence in the area.
The image and story are a great example of the results of active conservation.
The showcase celebrated the region’s recent designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has attracted a spectacular response.
Entrants were invited to capture the spirit of the Biosphere by sharing photographs of what they love – celebrating people and nature.
After finalists were selected, community members were invited to vote for their favourites to win the Peoples’ Choice for a chance to win themselves a prize.
Head to OURSC for the original article and to find out about the other winners