The Central Coast Group of Birding NSW has announced the winners of its 2025 Photographic Competition.

“There were 70 photos entered in the competition from 22 photographers,” spokesperson Allan Benson said.

“The standard was very high but the winners were standouts.

“A big thank you everybody who took the time and effort to enter.”

The winner of the Central Coast section was John Davis with a brilliant shot of a Scarlet Honeyeater.

Runner-up went to Darren Ricketts with a lovely action picture of an Eastern Spinebill feeding, while third place also went to John Davis for a Grey Butcherbird in flight.

These are all common birds on the Central Coast.

The winner of the photo taken at Central Coast Wetland was Tricia Sweet with a charming picture of a mother Purple Swamphen interacting with her chick.

Second place went to Bruce Ward-Smith for his shot of a Golden-headed Cisticola, while third place was awarded to John Davis for an Olive-backed Oriole.

The winning entry was most appropriate as Purple Swamphens are the most common birds at the Wetlands.

In the outing and campout category, the winner was Leeanne Lemke for a group of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers taken at Weir Rd, Terabla, in 2025.

Second place went to David Lamont for his shot of a Crested Tern in flight while third place went to Ken Janson for his portrait of a Long-billed Corella.

The winners received a $50 prize with the Central Coast Wetlands section prize donated by the Central Coast Wetland Board.

This article appeared in Coast Community News, 12 February 2026.