chinh nguyen, Red-capped Plover chick (ANIMAL & NATURE 2025)

I photographed this red-capped plover chick on a beach north of Perth using a 560mm lens over a few weeks. These tiny shorebirds are masterfully camouflaged, their downy plumage blending seamlessly into the sand and pebbles to avoid detection. From the moment they hatch, they must fend for themselves, foraging without parental feeding. Though fiercely independent, they remain vulnerable for several weeks until they gain the strength and agility needed to navigate their coastal world. Their quiet resilience speaks to the tenacity of Australia’s beach-nesting wildlife.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.