Stunning photograph of pink birds gliding over shark-infested waters wins major competition

A stunning photograph of a flock of pink birds gliding above a shark hunting in shallow waters has won a prestigious international competition.

The striking aerial image shows roseate spoonbills flying over a lemon shark hunting mullet in a mangrove-lined bay.

But while it may give the appearance of a peaceful and balanced habitat, the powerful shot carries an important message.

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Mark Ian Cook’s photograph documents what could be the last of the Florida Everglades’ iconic birds, whose very health and survival is intrinsically linked with the health of the famous wetlands.

“Historically, Florida Bay was the primary nestling region of the roseate spoonbill in the US, but this species is becoming increasingly rare there as sea level rise negatively impacts their important mangrove foraging habitat,” Cook told What’s The Jam.

“Spoonbills are tactile foragers, meaning they feed by touch.

“However, for this foraging method to be successful, the birds need relatively shallow water with very high densities of fish.

“This becomes particularly critical during the energetic bottleneck of the nesting season.

“With climate-change induced sea-level rise, these critical lower water depths in the mangroves are increasingly failing to be met, fish densities are insufficient for effective foraging, and fewer birds are able to breed.”

Despite years of successful restoration and recovery efforts – bringing Florida’s spoonbill population back from a mere 15 pairs in the 1800s – rising sea levels are now significantly impacting the behavior of these birds in an area where a few centimeters makes the difference between a species thriving or leaving.

Cook has been named Mangrove Photographer of the Year 2025 for his image, which is called Birds’ Eye View of the Hunt.

The 11th annual contest received a record 3,303 entries from 78 nations.

Judge, photojournalist and marine biologist Sirachai ‘Shin’ Arunrugstichai, said of the winner: “What a scene.

“I love the convergence of all the elements in that exact moment.

“It clearly shows the diversity of life that live and die, both aerial and aquatic in the same space and time, that all depends on the mangrove ecosystem.”

Judge Tanya Houppermans called it an “extraordinary perspective showing just how dynamic mangroves can be”.

She added: “What makes the photo especially impressive is that while there is a lot of action taking place with the flight of the spoonbills and the predation by the lemon shark, the brilliant multi-layered composition allows the viewer to take it all in without being overwhelmed.

“Really an exceptional image.”

According to the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, more than half of global mangroves are at risk of collapse by 2050.

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