"Will to Survive" Took Best Bird Photograph

South Florida Wildlife Center announcement:
WINNER of the ‘Best Bird’ Category in our 2026 Photo Contest is ‘Will to Survive’ by Phoenix SpiritDiva.

This raw and unforgettable moment displays a Great Blue Heron wrangling a water snake- holding it firmly in its bill as the snake coils tightly around the bird.
It’s a striking illustration of survival on both sides. Predator and prey locked in a split second of instinct, resilience, and the unfiltered reality of the natural world. These interactions can be difficult to witness, but they are essential. Each species playing its role in maintaining balance within the ecosystem.

This powerful image reminds us that nature is not always gentle, but it is always purposeful.

Congratulations to our winner for capturing the intensity and complexity of life in the wild. 
This year’s contest was judged by Kym Clark, @kym_clark