Established in 1976, this competition seeks to recognise the best and/or the most scientifically interesting bird photograph. Up to three colour transparencies, each taken during 2002, may be submitted by each photographer. Preference is given to photographs taken in the Western Palearctic (Europe, North Africa and the Middle East), but those of species on the West Palearctic List taken anywhere in the world are also eligible. The winner will receive a Sprayway Gore-Tex jacket, an inscribed salver and £100; the two runners-up will receive £50 and £25; all three winners will also receive books presented by Christopher Helm/A&C Black and HarperCollins Publishers. An additional award of an engraved goblet and £100 is presented by The Eric Hosking Trust for the highestplaced photograph submitted by an entrant aged 25 or under. Closing date for entries: 28th February. For full details of the rules, visit our website (www. britishbirds.co.uk), or write to British Birds (BPY), The Banks, Mountfield, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5JY, enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Past winners: Michael C. Wilkes (1977), Peter Lowes (1978), Dr Edmund Fellowes (1979), Don Smith (1980), Richard T. Mills (1981), Dennis Coutts (1982), David M. Cottridge (1983), John Lawton Roberts (1984), C. R. Knights (1985), Alan Moffett (1986), Dr Kevin Carlson (1987), Bob Glover (1988 & 1992), Hanne Eriksen (1989 & 1990), Philip Perry (1991), Alan Williams (1993 & 1994), Mike Lane (1995), Roger Tidman (1996, 2001 & 2002), Jens Eriksen (1997 & 1998), Tony Hamblin (1999) and Alan Petty (2000).