Seeing eye to eye, Michael Eastwell, UK – conservation, silver award

Southern boobooks (Ninox boobook), the smallest Australian owl species, are often brought to veterinary hospitals after car accidents. Their large, outward- projecting eyes, which are adapted for low-light hunting, make them vulnerable to injury. In this image, Dr Luke Gregory is examining an owl named Rocket, focusing on the posterior eye, where injuries can be less visible. Location: Bonorong wildlife hospital, Brighton, Tasmania, Australia

Photograph: Michael Eastwell/Bird photographer of the year 2023