BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition 2001

The BG Wildlife photographer of the year Competition is the largest and most prestigious wildlife photography competition in the world. In 2001 photographers from over 60 countries entered more than 19,000 slides.

Competition entry forms for 2002 are now available. Closing date 2 April 2002.

The BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition 2001 at The Natural History Museum, London closes on11th March 2002, when it then goes on tour.

BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition organised by BBC Wildlife Magazine and The Natural History Museum, London. Photo: Norbert Wu, North America, winner of the Underwater World category.

Winner of the Underwater World category Norbert Wu

Weddel seals

The eerie underwater whistles, trills and chirps of Weddell seals filled my ears while I was diving in the Antarctic. These are the only seals that can live in deep Antarctica all year round. When the sea freezes over, they use their strong, angled incisors to carve out breathing holes. The adults in McMurdo Sound were not bothered by my presence, though they wouldn't allow me to swim too close.

This pup, though, was very curious. It grabbed hold of my mask and camera while its mother, floating beneath their breathing hole, kept a watchful eye on us.

Nikonos V amphibious camera UW Nikkor with 15 mm lens; probably 1/125 sec at f4; Fujichrome Provia (RDPII) 100; strobe.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

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