Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Souris Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation donated prizes for each category:

Adult - 1st prize - Sherri Gallant
Adult - 2nd prize - Shane MacClure
Adult - 3rd prize - Melissa MacInnis

University - 1st prize - Garry Gregory
University - 2nd prize - Jenna Francis
University - 3rd prize - Erica MacIsaac

High School - 1st prize - Kaylee Campbell
High School - 2nd. prize - Brittany Peters
High School - 3rd. prize - Jane Hanlon

Elementary - 1st. prize - Jayne Robertson
Elementary - 2nd. prize - Joel Dunphy
Elementary - 3rd. prize - Cole MacDonald

Most Promising Youth Photographer - Jayne Robertson

This is the report of the judging panel for the 2008 edition of the Souris & Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation photo contest. This contest opened on January 1, 2008. It closed at midnight November 15, 2008 Atlantic time. Through the services of flickr.com, we viewed 1485 photographs one at a time as they were uploaded. At the close of this event, we reviewed our work. It was a difficult task. Thank you for your patience and support. Each photograph was awarded points out of a maximum of 99. 808 of the photographs were awarded marks of 80 or higher. 201 of the photographs were awarded marks of 90 or higher. The grand prize winner came from a final pool of 61 photographs. Many hours of discussion ensued before we arrived at this decision.

A contest such as this is subjective. Different judges would make different choices. A thank you to each photographer must be extended. Each photograph captured in Eastern Kings County makes each entrant an automatic winner. Eastern Kings is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, arguably in the world. Each photgrapher should be proud. Each should give themselves a pat on the back.

Our recommendation to the photographers is for all to continue their efforts. Practice enhances the experience. The quality of the submissions in 2008 is several steps higher than 2007. We suggest to all photographers to read the rules before they enter any event. Several of the photographs did not receive the highest mark possible, for the photos were not sent at their original size directly out of the camera. For verification purposes all photographers should ensure the date setting is precise within the camera. We urge all photographs entering this event must have the date stamp turned OFF within the camera used.

One photograph overall, caught our attention. Patience allowed the humour in the situation to be recorded. We ask you to share a photo of two fox pups in the adult set. Look at their eyes. Timing is everything. Capturing the moment is photography.

It is to our understanding that another contest commences January 1, 2009. We wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Sincerely yours,
Dr. Hajnii Bahasara al Assad, BA, MEd, PhD Copenhagen, DK
Dr. Heather J. Fortingall, BA, MFA, PhD. Sinaloa, MX
Dwayne MacGregor, BSc, MFA Canton, OH
November 28, 2008