A funny photo of a squirrel stuck in a tree has taken first prize at Nikon’s Comedy Wildlife Awards 2024.
The contest, which has been called “the most fun and popular photography contest in the world,” came to an end last night.
This year, more than 9,000 images were submitted, and the judges narrowed them down to a shortlist of just 45 snapshots.
However, it was Milko Marchetti who was announced as the overall winner of this year’s contest for his photograph titled ‘Stuck Squirrel’.
The fun photo shows a red squirrel entering a tree, with its legs at right angles to the trunk.
“I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels in many situations over the years in Italy,” explained Mr Marchetti.
‘But this seemed very funny to me and a very strange position, because it is that exact moment in which the squirrel is separating its hind legs from the trunk to enter its skin.
‘Every time I show this image at nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always bursts into raucous laughter, so I had to participate!’
A funny photo of a squirrel trapped in a tree has taken first prize at Nikon’s Comedy Wildlife Awards 2024
The contest, which has been dubbed ‘the most fun and popular photography contest in the world’, came to an end last night
In the Insects category, José Miguel Gallego Molina won for his image, titled ‘Flamenca Mantis’, while Eberhard Ehmke won the Reptiles and Amphibians Award for his image, ‘Balloon Frog’
The judges explained that Mr. Marchetti’s image truly reflects the “charming” aspect of nature.
Stefan Maier, Senior General Manager Marketing, Nikon Europe, said: “We are delighted to celebrate Milko Marchetti’s outstanding achievement at the Nikon Comedy Photography Awards 2024.
‘His image, “Stuck Squirrel,” brilliantly captures the playful, unpredictable moments that make nature so enchanting.
‘This year’s competition received a record number of entries, each of which is a testament to the power of photography to evoke emotion.
“We hope to continue inspiring the next generation of wildlife photographers through these wonderful awards.”
As the winner, Marchetti wins a “once-in-a-lifetime” safari in the Masai Mara, plus a handmade trophy and photo bag.
In addition to Mr. Marchetti, Nikon crowned nine other category winners, 10 Highly Commended winners, and a Young Photographer Award.
In the Insects category, José Miguel Gallego Molina won for his image, titled ‘Flamenca Mantis’, while Eberhard Ehmke won the Reptiles and Amphibians Award for his image, ‘Balloon Frog’.
Damyan Petkov’s image, “Whiskered Tern Crashes Upon Landing,” was crowned the winner in the Birds category
A funny photo of a fish that appears to hunt a bald eagle won the Fish and Other Aquatic Species Award
In the under-16 category, Sarthakk Ranganadhan won for his ‘kissing owls’ photo
‘During a photo session in the pond I discovered this frog with its head inside a bubble. “It looks like a tree bell,” explained Mr. Ehmke.
Damyan Petkov’s image, ‘Whiskered tern crashes on landing’ was crowned winner of the Birds category, while a hilarious photo of a fish appearing to hunt a bald eagle won the Fish and Other Aquatic Species Award.
In the under-16 category, Sarthakk Ranganadhan won for his ‘kissing owls’ image.
“Our parents always find a way to embarrass us, I guess that goes for spotted owlets too,” they said.
“It was really fun to see two owlets trying to have some privacy while their little offspring stood next to them with a closed-eyed smile.”
Meanwhile, Kingston Tam won the Under-25 category for her image titled ‘Awkward smiley frog’.
The audience award went to Tapani Linnanmaki for her photograph “Shake ruffle rattle and roll.”
‘In the image, a white-tailed eagle ruffles its feathers. The photograph was taken with the automatic capture function of the Nikon Z9,” they explained.
Kingston Tam won the Under-25 category for her image titled ‘Awkward smiley frog’
The audience award went to Tapani Linnanmaki for her photograph “Shake ruffle rattle and roll”
Sanjay Patil was highly praised for his photograph of a fan-throated lizard, titled ‘The Rock Star’.
‘The camera is placed on top of the sea ice, on top of a bag of nuts at ice level.
‘I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this image. In the series of photographs there were more than ten funny poses and expressions.’
Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb won the Amazing Internet Portfolio Award for his series of images showing a squirrel playing with a stick.
Finally, Kevin Lohman won the Award in the Video Category for his video of a fox with ‘zoomies’.
“On a cold morning, a red fox couldn’t get enough of having fun rolling around on the frozen grass,” he said.
‘I had been watching this fox walk slowly on the grass when it suddenly got buzzing like my dog does after a bath.
“It started rolling on the ice-covered grass, then sliding, then shaking as if nothing had happened.”