Nat Geo Earth Day photo challenge: See top images celebrating planet's beauty
From a group of playful otters vying over a fresh fish to weeping plum trees glistening in the rain, the final selection of a National Geographic challenge open to amateur photographers have captured the diversity and beauty of Earth.
National Geographic explorer and wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory announced his top picks from "NatGeoYourShotOurHome" challenge on Wednesday, April 30, saying they all showcase "the majesty of our wonderful planet."
The British filmmaker, who served as guest curator for the competition, told Paste BN that he was honored to share his selection, remarking how the collection shows "just how lucky we are to share this planet with such an incredible diversity of life."
"From the bank mynas (birds) learning to live amongst us to the beautiful social chaos of an otter family, from epic mountain sunsets to a delicate weeping plum tree - not to mention taking a closer look at the busy lives of ants," Gregory said about the selected photos.
'Every day should be Earth Day'
The filmmaker, whose is hosting new Disney+ series "Secrets of the Penguins" added that though April is a designated month to celebrate the planet, "every day should be Earth Day."
The challenge, which took place in April and ran through Earth Day on April 22, saw thousands of entries from Japan to Patagonia and beyond, Nat Geo said.
See best pictures from 'NatGeoYourShotOurHome' challenge
Among those whose photos were selected is Hidenobu Suzuki's, who submitted an unreal-looking photo taken in Japan's Suzuka Forest Garden.
"The weeping plum trees glistening in the rain looked so beautiful-just like a Japanese painting," Suzuki said. "I was so moved that I wrote this description: In the hush of rain, the weeping plum glistens-its petals, like silk, kissed by raindrops. Fallen blossoms whisper on the damp earth, a fleeting poem of transience."
India-based Dhaval Bhadania, whose photo was also included in the selection, described the moment he saw birds known as bank mynas.
"During one of my regular Sunday outings, while passing below an overbridge, I noticed these bank mynas coming out from a hole in the bridge wall," he said. "The mynas had made their nest in the hole. I waited there and watched them for some time."
"These types of bird behaviors and unexpected sightings prompt me to capture more amazing moments and share my visual stories," he added.
A National Geographic spokesperson sought to clarify there were no prizes associated with the contest.
This story was updated to add new information.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.