Mart Smit from the Netherlands so impressed the Bird Watching panel of judges with his photograph of a Whooper Swan that he took home the top title of International Wildbird Photographer 2008 as well as winner of the Under 18s category.

The judges assessed an impressive selection of photographs shortlisted from hundreds of entries sent into the eight categories of the competition. Every category was hotly contested, with the judges forming their individual opinions before discussing them with the group. View all the winning entries >