2026 Overall Photo Winner | Redhead | Steve Jessmore

“Looking for a space” by Steve Jessmore | MAPA26 Overall Photo Winner

The story behind Steve’s winning photo
“Ice still clinging to its feathers, a Redhead duck comes in for a landing shortly after sunrise on an open stretch of the Torch River.
Winter is my favorite season to photograph birds. The crisp, cold mornings are beautiful, and pockets of open water draw migrating species south. Combined with snow, ice, and early sunlight, the season can be magical. On this morning, I arrived at the river about 30 minutes before sunrise and found most of it frozen, with only a narrow ribbon of open water winding through the center. To my surprise, hundreds of Redheads had gathered there. As the first sunlight reached the river, small groups would lift off, circle overhead, and then return, searching for an opening among the crowded flock. About 20 minutes after sunrise, I captured this bird as it dropped back toward the water, ice still clinging to its plumage after a frigid night.”

Steve Jessmore
Steve Jessmore is a Michigan-based conservation storyteller whose work celebrates birds, wildlife, and the natural places that surround us. After a 35-year career as a newspaper photojournalist, he turned his attention to long-term projects that inspire appreciation, stewardship, and connection to nature close to home. His work has been recognized nationally and published by organizations including National Audubon, Smithsonian Magazine, and Ducks Unlimited. His favorite places to photograph are Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids and the Torch River from shore and especially by kayak. Steve lives in the Grand Rapids area with his wife Brenda and dog Izzy.

2026 Overall Video Winner | Ospreys | Richard Bagdasarian

“Osprey Breakfast is Served” by Richard Bagdasarian | MAPA26 Overall Video Winner

The story behind Richard’s winning video
“‘Osprey Breakfast is Served’ was captured at Kensington Metropark. One of the juvenile ospreys was in the nest, and the other two siblings were perched on the nearby tree line. The adult male osprey was flying in from behind the nest with a fresh catch, and the juveniles spotted him coming. They all rushed in at the same time to claim breakfast. I saw the adult early on and started recording, and then the chaos ensued. At one point you can see one of the juveniles biting the dad’s foot! Taken in 4k with Nikon Z8 and Nikon 800mm S lens.”

Richard Bagdasarian
Richard Bagdasarian is a dentist from Commerce Township that also has a passion for wildlife photography. Inspired by Michigan’s incredible diversity of resident and migratory birds, he spends his time capturing their beauty and behavior through both photos and videos. Richard recently began exploring bird videography and has found it to be a fun and rewarding way to tell birds’ stories. He especially enjoys using slow motion to reveal details and behaviors that are impossible to see with the naked eye, creating mini documentaries that allow nature to speak for itself. Richard looks forward to continuing to explore Michigan’s parks and sharing more of the remarkable wildlife they have to offer.

2026 Photo Honorable Mention | Northern Yellow Warbler | Glen Noyer

“Northern Yellow Warbler in Flight” by Glen Noyer | MAPA26 Honorable Mention

The story behind Glen’s winning photo
“‘Northern Yellow Warbler in Flight’ captures a brief moment of movement during spring migration. I was hoping to photograph more than a perched bird and was fortunate to capture the energy and beauty of the warbler in motion.”

Glen Noyer
Glen Noyer is a microbiologist living in Mattawan, Michigan, with a passion for bird photography and videography. As a brain tumor survivor living with limited peripheral vision, he finds peace and inspiration in nature and enjoys sharing the beauty and behavior of birds through both photo and video. Glen’s profile photo features him beside a mural of his winning photo in Sacramento, California. A wonderful story of how a bird photographed in Michigan found its way across the country.

2026 Photo Honorable Mention | Great Blue Heron | Jocelyn Anderson

“Great Blue Heron Reaching for the Moon” by Jocelyn Anderson | MAPA26 Honorable Mention

The story behind Jocelyn’s winning photo
“While walking down the boardwalk at Kensington Metropark, I noticed that the still-visible moon might line up with a Great Blue Heron nest and a standing nestling. I figured out the best spot on the boardwalk and lined my camera up so the moon would be positioned between the nest branches. As I was waiting for the moon to lower, the Great Blue Heron nestling sat down in the nest, making the bird hard to see. I thought the opportunity was gone and was a bit bummed, but then a Great Egret flew past which made the Great Blue Heron stand up and flare their wings. I was able to get photos of the moment after all.”

Jocelyn Anderson
Jocelyn Anderson focuses on capturing moments of wildlife through photography, from dramatic action to quiet glimpses of animals simply being. For Jocelyn, photographing birds is an opportunity to be fully present in the moment. Whether watching a Black-capped Chickadee feed her young or witnessing a Cooper’s Hawk on the hunt, time spent in nature brings her both peace and excitement. While wildlife photography can be incredibly challenging, she finds it equally rewarding and hopes her images inspire others to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

2026 Photo Honorable Mention | Blue Jay | Malissa Bossardet

“Blue Jay Among the Flurries” by Malissa Bossardet | MAPA26 Honorable Mention

The story behind Malissa’s winning photo
“‘Blue Jay Among the Flurries’ was photographed at Kensington Metropark during a winter snowfall. I was spending the morning watching and photographing birds when this Blue Jay landed on a weathered stump as snowflakes drifted through the woods. In a split second, it tossed a seed into its beak, creating a moment that highlighted the bird’s personality. The falling snow, soft background, and the Blue Jay’s vibrant colors came together to create an image that reflects why I love photographing birds—the opportunity to capture a story unfolding in nature.”

Malissa Bossardet
Malissa Bossardet is an avid bird photographer from Bloomfield Township. She spends countless hours in the field observing and photographing birds in their natural habitats, seeking to capture both their beauty and personality. Whether photographing a courtship display, a parent feeding its chicks, or a quiet moment in nature, Malissa stives to use light and composition to create images that help others connect with and appreciate the lives of birds.

2026 Photo Honorable Mention | Mallard | Steve Jessmore

“Hen Mallard Marsh Explosion” by Steve Jessmore | MAPA26 Honorable Mention

The story behind Steve’s winning photo
“Autumn is one of my favorite times to photograph from a kayak. Most of the boat traffic has disappeared, the water is calm, and wildlife seems more at ease. I often find female birds more interesting to photograph than their colorful male counterparts. Their subtle browns and tans blend beautifully with the season’s muted palette.
While slowly drifting along the shoreline of the Rapid River, I spotted several Mallards resting in the shadows. I focused on a hen and waited. Moments later, she exploded into the warm afternoon sunlight, framed by a backdrop of autumn browns. The strong late-day light added drama and helped bring the scene to life.”

2026 Video Honorable Mention | Blue-winged Warbler| Glen Noyer

“Blue-winged Warbler, Babbling Brook” by Glen Noyer | MAPA26 Honorable Mention

The story behind Glen’s winning video
“‘Blue-winged Warbler, Babbling Brook’ was created to capture both the bird and its surroundings. The combination of birdsong and flowing water reflected the peaceful experience of being present in that moment.”

Thank you to our 2026 Michigan Audubon Photography Awards Sponsors