Prime Hook photo contest exhibit to run through Dec. 11

Edward Crawford's “Roseate Spoonbill” was named the Best in Show Award winner for the Friends of Prime Hook Nature Photography Contest.

Crawford was one of many winners in the annual competition sponsored by the Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. In all, 28 photographers submitted 139 photos for this year's contest.

The exhibit will be on display at the refuge auditorium through Saturday, Dec. 11, and the public is encouraged to come view some of the best local photography in the region. 

Crawford's “Roseate Spoonbill” was photographed at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge earlier this summer. A small group of about four of the pink-colored spoonbills has been feeding in the shallow pools of Bombay Hook, which has proved exciting for local birders. The tropical spoonbills are rarely seen this far north and are more typical of Florida or Gulf Coast regions. There has been speculation that the birds were blown north by strong tropical storms or hurricanes.

Judges praised his work for its focus, clarity and lack of distracting background.

This year's judges were Ed Norman, Ken Arni and David Koster.

To learn more, go to friendsofprimehook.com.