A perfectly timed photo of a confused-looking gannet has won the public vote at the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards.
Photographer Alison Tuck received the Sterna People’s Choice Award for her image titled “Now where is my nest?”. The humorous wildlife photo beat 40 other shortlisted entries in an online public vote, making it one of the most popular awards in the competition.
A Windy Day at Bempton Cliffs Created the Perfect Comic Moment
The winning image was captured at Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, a famous seabird colony known for its dramatic coastal views and large numbers of nesting birds.
On the day Alison took the photo, strong winds caused seabirds to scramble for nesting material. In the middle of the chaos, one gannet appeared hilariously confused, creating the perfect comedy wildlife moment.
The result was a charming image that connected with voters around the world.
Alison Tuck Celebrates Her Comedy Wildlife Awards Win
Alison said winning the public vote meant a great deal to her, especially after already reaching the finals and receiving a Highly Commended recognition.
“Winning the Sterna People’s Choice Award means a lot to me,” she said. “It was really exciting to get into the finals with my gannet and I was honoured to get a Highly Commended.”
She added that being chosen by the public made the award even more special.
“I am really chuffed and grateful to all the people who voted for me — not forgetting to mention how much fun I had. It is The Nikon Wildlife Comedy Awards after all!”
About Photographer Alison Tuck
Alison Tuck is a UK-based photographer with a lifelong passion for wildlife photography. She first exhibited her work at the age of 15 and has since developed a reputation for capturing nature in all its forms.
Her photography ranges from tiny insects to large mammals, showing both the beauty and personality of the natural world.
For winning the Sterna People’s Choice Award, Alison received prizes including a photography bag and a fine art print of her winning image.
Other Funny Wildlife Finalists Delighted Audiences
The public vote featured 40 shortlisted images, including several memorable finalists.
Among them were Valtteri Mulkahainen’s “Smile, you’re being photographed”, Geoff Martin’s “Hornbill in a hurry”, Kalin Botev’s “Monkey Circus”, and Lars Beygang’s “Outdoor smoking zone”.
Each image captured the lighter side of wildlife, reminding viewers that animals can be just as expressive, awkward, and funny as humans.
2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards Now Open for Entries
The 2026 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards is currently open for entries, welcoming both images and videos from photographers around the world.
The competition is free to enter and accepts work taken with any camera brand. Entries are open until June 30 through the official awards website.
There are several categories and prizes available, including a week-long safari in the Masai Mara with Alex Walker’s Serian for the overall winner.
Wildlife Photography With Humor and Heart
The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards celebrate more than just funny animal pictures. The competition also highlights the importance of wildlife appreciation, conservation, and connecting people with nature.
Alison Tuck’s winning photo of a confused gannet is a perfect example of how one lighthearted moment can make people smile while also drawing attention to the beauty of the natural world.