Birdo – Bird Photographer of the Year is currently the only international photography competition in Hungary that focuses exclusively on birds. Photographers can compete in 10 categories, with no entry fee. In its fourth year, the 2025 competition received entries from more than 50 countries alongside submissions from Hungary. The images that advanced to the second round feature over 220 bird species.

The final results were determined by the Birdo international jury, composed of eight renowned photographers and ornithologists, who evaluated all entries independently.

In each category, the jury awarded 1st–3rd place and selected two highly commended images. In addition to cash prizes – which together exceeded 2 million forints in 2025 – photographers received personalised certificates and a Birdo photo album showcasing the winning images. The first-place winners and the overall award recipients also received a handcrafted prize: a bird’s nest representing their category and a unique trophy inspired by a camera lens.

At the award ceremony held in the Aula of the Biodome at the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden, a total of 50 works – category winners and special awardees – received recognition. The special “Bird Conservation Photo Series” category saw a record number of submissions in 2025. The winning series, Ringed White-tailed Eagle Chick, was created by Hungarian photographer Mónika Tonomár, a volunteer of the Gerecse Landscape Unit of the Duna–Ipoly National Park. The purpose of chick ringing is to protect the species and monitor the condition of the population.

The titles Birdo Bird Photographer of the Year and Birdo Young Bird Photographer of the Year were awarded to the photographers whose submitted works achieved the highest overall scores.
The Birdo Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 title went to Indian nature photographer Hira Punjabi. Based in Mumbai, Punjabi has been photographing for more than thirty years. His work captures rare, intimate moments and inspires viewers to protect and pay closer attention to the natural world.
The Birdo Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 title was awarded to Polish photographer Maksymilian Paczkowski. The 18-year-old photographer had already been recognised at last year’s Birdo competition. He primarily photographs animals, especially birds, drawn by their beauty, and enjoys playing with the artistic potential of light in his images.

The Birdo Bird Photo of the Year is awarded to the winning category image that best raises awareness for bird conservation and contributes to the appreciation of birds. In 2025, this prize went to Perfect Moment by Sandra Kenyon, winner of the Bird Portrait category. Sandra, who lives in the United Kingdom, is not new to the Birdo competition; her images take viewers to many corners of the world.