Rural Community Gateway

And the winner is . . .

We are delighted to announce Richard Chew's 'Red-necked Phalarope' has taken first prize in the 'Going Wild in Rural Scotland' theme of our photo competition. Amateur photographer Richard took this photo at Loch of Funzie, Shetland on 2nd June 2008. If you click on the photos you will be able to see full size images.

The red-necked Phalarope is a rare bird with small numbers breeding on the Western and Northern Isles. There are just 20-30 pairs breeding annually in the UK. You can read more about the red-necked Phalarope on the RSPB website.

Rural Gateway Editor Norette Ferns said, "For our Going Wild in Rural Scotland theme we received around 125 entries and the quality of these submissions was really wonderful. It was hard to pick a winner but we thought Richard Chew's photo of the red-necked Phalarope was really exceptional, especially as it is such a rare bird.

"We'll be putting together a gallery of the best entries soon, so watch this space for more amazing wildlife photos."

How did Richard get the shot?

Richard explains how he got the shot:

 "In early June of this year, I made my second visit to the wonderful Shetland Islands. One of my aims was to visit the northern island of Fetlar, to see and hopefully photograph the extremely rare and beautiful Red-necked Phalarope, an Arctic wader at the southern edge of its breeding range in the far north of the UK.

"On 2nd June, following a lumpy ferry crossing to Fetlar, I made my way through heavy rain and a violent thunderstorm to the RSPB’s reserve at the Loch of Funzie. I was not at all hopeful of seeing the Red-necked Phalaropes which breed there in small numbers.

"After about 15 minutes I heard the distinctive call of a Red-necked Phalarope and then saw the tiny wader fly in and land close to the shore of the loch where it began to feed. I recalled from my previous visit to Fetlar that if you wait quietly, Red-necked Phalaropes will approach within a few feet of you, seemingly undisturbed by any human presence.

"Sure enough the bird moved closer and closer, some weak sunshine appeared for a few minutes and I got my photos . . . perfect!"

Richard Chew is an amateur photographer whose principal interest is the wildlife and landscapes of the UK. You can see more of his great wildlife photos on the Richard Chew Photography website.

Runner up - On the Lookout

Our runner up for "Going Wild in Rural Scotland' is this great photo from Tim Lees called 'On the Lookout'. Tim took this photo of a mountain hare, just starting to lose its winter coat, in Glen Gairn Aberdeenshire.

We really liked the composition in this photo, and felt there was something quite contemplative about the hare!

Next up

The next theme is 'Action and Adventure in Rural Scotland'. We want to see your dynamic and exciting photos of rural sports and activities - everything from kayaking to mountain climbing. And your adventure can be big or small - anything a child's first visit to the beach to a major sporting event. Send your photos to editor@ruralgateway.org.uk by 28th August 2008.

And don't forget young photographers can submit photos under any of our six themes before 15th December 2008.

More about the photo competition.