Winning wildlife photos on display at Prime Hook through Dec. 8

Dan Laughman of Magnolia won Best in Show at the 16th Annual Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography Contest with his image of a butterfly on bright coneflowers titled "The Swallowtail."

The photo won praise from judges for its focus, depth of field, color and composition. "It works," said Judge Ed Norman. That delicate photograph with its razor-sharp focus and lines which draw in the viewer won the top prize, but it is only one of many outstanding photos on display at the refuge.

Relative newcomer Matthew Trucks took home the top awards for both Delmarva Scenery and The Beauty of Prime Hook.

As always, the student categories provided some of the most dramatic images and prove that photography has a very bright future. Mallory Lemin won first prize while Weston Williams won a pair of prizes, and Sara Figurski was also a winner. Sara and her father Scott both competed and won this year. There were no junior student entries this year, but the senior student competition was fierce.

The annual contest showcases some of the finest nature photography on the Delmarva Peninsula and often attracts more than 200 entries in seven different categories. This year's show features photographs from 30 different photographers, including a number of outstanding bird and wildlife photos.

Photos can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day until Sunday, Dec. 8. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.friendsofprimehook.com or visit the refuge office.