Editor's Note: Believe Your Eyes
National Wildlife magazine editor Jennifer Wehunt shares what she’s excited about in the Winter 2024 issue, from eye-popping photos to a new crossword
- Jennifer Wehunt
- Conservation
- Dec 30, 2023
Carl D. Walsh captured this days-old piping plover fledgling on a beach in Maine—just one of the memorable winners from our 52nd annual photo contest.
LIKE MANY AN INSTAGRAM USER, I like to think I take a decent photo. But my goodness! Seeing the artistic and technical skill on display among our 52nd annual photo contest winners was a humbling experience in the very best way possible. From our cover model booby to a thundering dazzle of zebras, these photos come alive. (And yep, I had to look up what you call a herd of zebras. How awesomely appropriate is “dazzle”?)
It’s not only the exotic and far-flung that inspire. At least two of this year’s photographers captured winning shots in their very own backyards. You’ll find other wonders in this issue, both ambitiously visionary and closer to home. There are scientists asking big questions about fertility, environmental contaminants, genomics and species naming conventions. And there are stories of personal commitment, from a high schooler who shows up for the environment to a hunter who sees harvesting animals responsibly as key to a sustainable conservation strategy. For adventures on your own turf, check out expert tips on preparing your garden for the year ahead and the new crossword.
Whatever you do this winter, take lots of pictures. We’ll be sharing the next crop of prizewinning compositions before you know it: The 2024 contest opens Jan. 17. Learn more at nwf.org/photocontest. Have at it—and happy new year.
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