Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians

Category Winner

Alex Pansier (1)
Loomeer (Drenthe)
37mm; 1/250s at f/10; ISO 2500

By using a polarizing filter, this frog becomes visible in the busy underwater world. The black and white image adds a sense of mystery. The frog seems to float almost weightlessly above a soft, misty background.

Runner-up

Douwe Struiksma (2)
Pier van Holwert (Friesland)
400mm; 1/1000s at f/3.2; ISO 640

With rising water, spring tide and strong northern wind, conditions along the coast become rough. In the final hours before high tide, hares try to escape. Some manage to get past fences and obstacles just in time.

Honourable mentions

Kars Klein Wolterink (3)
Oss (Noord-Brabant)
270mm; 1/125s at f/7.1; ISO 25600

After a long wait near a badger set, young badgers appeared with both parents. As it became too dark for photography, they came closer and started playing just a few meters away.

Anne van Rees (4)
Smilde (Drenthe)
700mm; 1/400s at f/6.3; ISO 4000

While waiting for badgers, something unexpected happened. A fox appeared with four young and started feeding them. Hidden and out of the wind, I was able to capture the moment without disturbing them.

Ronald Zimmerman (5)
Nationaal Park Zuid Kennemerland (Noord-Holland)
100mm; 1/200s at f/16; ISO 100

Natterjack toads gather in the water, while some males wait on land. When a female appears, they try to climb on her to reach the water first. This slows them down and makes it possible to photograph them up close.

Robin van der Land (6)
Tussen De Westereen en Damwoude (Friesland)
484mm; 1/1250s at f/6.3; ISO 320

While cycling, I noticed a strong composition of lines in the landscape. A hare stood out in the grass. After waiting, it turned its ears towards me, completing the image.

Eric de Man (7)
Kroondomein Het Loo (Gelderland)
600mm; 1/500s at f/6.3; ISO 2000

A group of wild boars with many piglets crossed a cycle path on their way to a waterhole. Cyclists gave them space, showing how animals and people share the same landscape.