Bahrain-based wildlife photographer Dr Ajay Kumar Singh has taken second place in the 2025 National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Photo Contest bird category with a stunning image of migratory Greater Flamingos at Eker Creek in Tubli Bay.
In an interview with the GDN, the 57-year-old revealed that capturing the award-winning photograph took nearly five years, perfectly blending the elegance of wildlife with the glow of city lights and high-rise buildings.
“The reason it took so long is that all the elements had to come together at the same moment,” said Dr Singh, who works as an Interior Ministry geographical information system specialist.
He explained that he finally captured the photograph one morning in December 2023, shooting from Eker towards Nabih Saleh. “The street and building lights needed to be visible at the same time as the Greater Flamingos, which only happens during low tide,” he said.
During high tide, Greater Flamingos move to other coastal areas, making timing crucial.
To add to the challenge, the photograph was taken just 15 minutes before sunrise, when street lighting was already dim, creating difficult low-light conditions.
The Indian national, who holds a PhD in geology, used a Canon R52, canon 400mm lens and canon 2x extender to capture the moment.
Greater Flamingos of Askar taken by Dr Singh
Greater Flamingos migrate to Bahrain in large flocks during the winter season, taking refuge in coastal areas such as Tubli Bay, Arad Bay and Eker Creek for food and rest. However, global pollution and habitat loss are increasingly threatening their numbers.
These striking birds derive their pink colouration from feeding on algae and brine shrimp in shallow waters, making them a key highlight of Bahrain’s winter birdlife. They are also widely found across North Africa – including Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt – and throughout large parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
“The goal with this photograph was to showcase how wildlife and modern urban life coexist,” Dr Singh said, adding that he had applied to the competition in March, was notified in August that his entry had made the final list and learned in October he had been placed second in the bird category.
“The results were not announced publicly until December,” he noted.
Dr Singh with his camera
Dr Singh also mentioned that he had submitted the photograph to several other competitions before, but this was the first time it had won an award. “It really depends on the judges and what they feel is the best,” he said. “It felt amazing for my photograph to be recognised like this.”
For his achievement, he will receive $250 along with a certificate.
Having photographed wildlife for around 15 years, Dr Singh says the ‘challenges’ of the art drew him into the arena. “Wildlife photography is very demanding – you can’t just assume all the right elements will come together for the perfect shot.
“It takes patience, persistence and an acceptance of unpredictability. And that’s exactly what I love about it.”
Dr Singh has also written Socotra Cormorant: The Jewel of Bahrain, a 168-page book about the famed feathered species.
This was Dr Singh’s second book and follows Greater Flamingos: Images from the Wilds of Bahrain published back in 2017.
The NWF Photo Contest is a prestigious annual competition celebrating nature photography, open to amateurs and pros worldwide, featuring themes like wildlife, habitats, and conservation, with cash prizes, publication opportunities in National Wildlife Magazine, and a mission to inspire action for wildlife by showcasing stunning images from backyards to wild lands.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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