Teresa Madgwick, Adolescence (October theme: Light and Dark)

This image shows a young Hooded Plover in "adolescence" stage, no longer a fledgling but not quite an adult. The plumage has changed considerably but is not yet that of an adult which will be indicated by a completely black head or "hood". At this stage, adult life is not assured and I have chosen this photo to show not only light and dark feathers but also that life for this vulnerable bird is not assured.

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