The judges agreed that when it comes to prairie-chicken photos, Stephens’ shot was special. It has compelling action, elegance, grace and great lighting, but it’s the vibrant blue sky that really sets it apart. Honorable mentions were given to James Claassen, Phil Frigon, Matthew Gerlach and Jim Griggs. The winning images and all the judge’s picks can be viewed on TNC’s Kansas website.

In their own words, the photographers caption the winning images:

“Two male greater prairie chickens dancing in Smith County Kansas in late March after a dusting of snow,” wrote Dale Stephens, winner of First Place.

“This is the late evening in April at the Lake with the planned pasture burn creeping along the ridge of the hill at the end of the lake,” relays Bruce Hogle, winner of Second Place. “The evening was cool and got downright chilly by 1:30 a.m. when we finally quit photographing. Driving back from a ranch outside Elmdale, I spotted the red glow, which looked like there might be a chance it would be reflecting in the lake, and it was!”