“This year, I am pleased we have managed to put a species in first place, which although one of the largest birds of prey in Germany, is nevertheless not easy to observe. Because the golden eagle is now essentially only in the Alps,” Jessel told the around 60 guests who had come to Bonn besides prize winner Hornisch and the GDT representative Paul Kornacker at the opening of the exhibition. She expressed her hope that the BfN’s sixth exhibition and its impressive competition photos could “at least make a small contribution” to drawing attention to endangered species such as the golden eagle and to awakening understanding for their protection.

“Even as a child, I was outdoors a lot with my parents,” explained Hornisch, who said he had always been interested in nature and had therefore decided to study biochemistry in Garching near Munich so he could work as a natural scientist in the future.

It was already noticeable that as a 14 or 15 year old, he spent a lot of time observing birds, recalls Hornisch with a grin. He had already started at this time to capture and describe the birds in his area on camera. Artistic photography emerged later. Today, when he has “catalogued” nearly all birds, he is most excited about capturing special moments in nature.

This is how his winning photo came about on a week-long hike with friends from the GDT youth group. The moment when the golden eagle, searching for prey, glides through an opening veil of mist, persuaded the members and jury of the GDT to choose his as the winning photo from among the 4500 entries.

The photos are on display until 28 September from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (except on public holidays) at BfN, Konstantinstraße 110.

(Original text: Stefan Hermes / Translation: kc)