Warbler wows judges for Preserve the Moment photo contest win

Sally Knudsen of Channahon won June’s Preserve the Moment photo contest with a split-second shot of a warbler in flight.

Forest Preserve judges appreciated the sharpness and composition of the photo.

“Getting a nice photo of a warbler in motion can be a challenge,” one judge said. “This photo shows both the bird and its insect prey, creating an illustration of the circle of life and a reminder that every species has a role to play.”

Another judge was drawn to the incredible amount of detail, the sharpness of the shot and the sense of motion in the photo.

“The bright yellow feathers stand out beautifully against the blurred green background, making the bird the focal point of the photograph," the judge noted. "The combination of movement, detail and color creates a striking image that immediately caught my attention.”

Knudsen captured the photo at McKinley Woods in Channahon, which she said is her go-to walking and birding spot.

“I always have my camera with me, just in case,” she said in an email after being notified of her win.

Knudsen noted that there are a couple of pairs of prothonotary warblers in the preserve.

“And they are always so bright and cheerful,” she said. “They also pose well. It’s hard to resist them!”

After taking the photos, Knudsen said she didn’t think she had a winning shot.

“I usually take several sequences of photos (thank you memory cards), then I sit and look through them for ones to keep,” she said. “When I saw this one, I was happily shocked.”

Knudsen said she appreciates her time outdoors.

“It is a great escape, a way to appreciate the peace and quiet and get away from the daily grind,” she said. “I am so happy to have the Forest Preserve locations so close, and I visit as often as possible. You never know when you will capture a shot like this!”

Honorable mentions were awarded to:

• Laurie Lasseter for a photo of a squirrel hanging around at McKinley Woods.
  

• Tim Germeraad for a toad chilling at Sugar Creek Preserve in Joliet.
  

• Chad Morsch for a blue dasher dragonfly perched on a branch at Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon.
  

Contest continues

The Preserve the Moment photo contest began in February and runs through Dec. 31.

Monthly winners will advance to the final round, where they will compete for likes on Facebook in January 2027 to determine the first-, second- and third-place winners overall.

Each monthly photo contest winner will receive a $75 gift card. Overall winners will receive MasterCard gift cards worth $500 for first place, $250 for second place and $150 for third place. At the end of the contest, three participants also will be randomly selected to receive $75 MasterCard gift cards.

The contest is made possible through the support of The Nature Foundation of Will County.

Participants are encouraged to read the rules before entering. Up to five photos can be submitted per month via the District’s contest upload page. All photos must be taken at a Forest Preserve District of Will County location.