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PLAYTIME ON THE ICE

Rachel Spencer

United States of America

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At the Edge of St. Andrews Bay, King Penguins gather to enter and leave the icy waters, their distinctive forms standing out against the snowy peaks and kelp laden rocky shore. The harmony of life and landscape reflects nature's resilience in one earth's most remote and breathtaking places

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Honorable Mention

Where Peaks meet the Icy Edge

At the icy edge of South Georgia's St. Andrews Bay, a group of King Penguins gather in quiet purpose, their black and white forms striking against the snowy peaks and kelp-laden rocks. The harmony of life and landscape reflects nature's resilience in one of earth's most breathtaking places.

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Where Peaks Meet the Icy Edge

On a hill in Rocky Mountain National Park, two young elk clash in the golden evening light, their antlers locked in a test of strength. A third watches in the fading backlight, witnessing the ritual of power and dominance.

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Nominee

Dusk Duel

Rendered in sepia, the timeless struggle of two musk oxen comes alive in shades of brown and gold. Their battle, set against the quiet Alaskan tundra, captures the raw power and resilience of nature, undiminished by the muted tones of the season.

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Tundra Warriors

In the stillness of the Alaskan wilderness, a solitary musk ox stands tall, embodying quiet strength and resilience. Its powerful presence commands the rugged landscape, a symbol of endurance in the untamed wild.

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Silent Power

In the soft glow of the setting sun, a trio of female musk oxen stands protectively around their young, their silhouettes etched in sepia against the Alaskan tundra—a serene moment of strength and nurturing in the fading light.

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Evening Gaurdians

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On the Rocks

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Sunrise Gathering

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Taking flight

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Life on the edge

This Polar bear family  casually laid down to take a short rest after walking along the sea ice. The king of the arctic has no fear.

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Mother and Cub

This cub had been playing with a piece of ice when he "accidentally" dropped it and decided to dive in to retrieve it

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Diving in!

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Sleeping Beauty

This polar bear cub had been playing with a piece of ice when he "accidentally" dropped it. This seems to be a popular game from human babies and dogs to Polar Bears!

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Oops! I dropped it

People's Vote Award