MILTON — Ed Norman has won the “Best In Show” category for the second consecutive year in the Friends of Prime Hook U.S. Wildlife Refuge Nature Photography Contest.

The annual contest showcases nature photography on the Delmarva Peninsula and attracted approximately 235 entries in seven different categories. This year’s contest opened on Oct. 23 with a reception at the refuge auditorium. It is open until Dec. 11.

The contest is open to all photographers, with separate categories for students. There are several categories with many chances to win awards for photographers of all ages and abilities. Categories include the Beauty of Prime Hook, Native Flowers and Plants, Native Birds, Native Wildlife and Delmarva Scenery.

Photos can be viewed dailfy from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 11. There is no admission charge.

The annual contest is sponsored by the Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge.

Visitors are asked to vote for their favorite photo, which will then receive a “People’s Choice Award” at the conclusion of the show.

Weston Williams, 11, had the winning photo in the junior student category. He is a double award winner this year. (Submitted photo)

Mr. Norman’s photo of a young fox won high praise from this year’s judges. The photo won particular attention for it’s near-perfect focus from each hair on the fox’s neck to the front of its snout and teeth.

“It just grabbed me,” said one judge.

“He knocked it out of the park,” added another.

Also winning high praise was 11-year-old Weston Williams. Weston is a double winner in the junior student category and his spider web photo was praised for its’ near perfect lighting. He also won the junior category last year.

Sara Figurski won the senior student category for a photograph of a cardinal set against a snowstorm. She is a fixture in the annual contest and has won prizes for several years. Her father, Scott Figurski, also entered this year’s competition.

Winners

Best in Show: Ed Norman, “Portrait of a Young Fox”

Native Birds: 1. Charlie Walker. 2. Ed Norman. 3. Geoffrey Blakely. Honorable Mentions: Charlie Walker (two awards)

Native Wildlife: 1. Arno Loessner - “Let’s Play.” 2. Geoffrey Blakely. 3. Dan Laughman. Honorable Mentions: Dave Tally and Keri Fisher

Native Plants and Flowers: 1. Deb Payette, “Nature’s Firewall.” 2. Geoffrey Blakely. 3. Keith Steck. Honorable Mentions: Sandy Morgan and Robert

Pilkington

Delmarva Scenery: 1. Dave Tally, “Bombay Hook Sunrise.” 2. T.J. Williams. 3. Susan McFarlin. Honorable Mentions: Dave Tally, Dottie Teixiera and Ed Norman

Beauty of Prime Hook: 1. Deborah Felmey, “Road Less Taken.” 2. Robert Pilkington. 3. Sue Eberhart

Junior Student: 1. Weston Williams, “Tangled Web.” 2. Weston Williams. 3. Liberty Diaz Hanzer. Honorable Mention, Christian Davis

Senior Student: 1. Sara Figurski. 2. Nishant Carr. 3. Jeremiah Davis. Honorable Mention, Jeremiah Davis.

Judges were photographers David Koster, Ken Arni and Ron MacArthur. Kevin Fleming also donated photography books as prizes and Apple Electric offered advice and possible help to improve lighting in the auditorium.

For a full and complete listing of the contest rules, go to www.friendsofprimehook.com or visit the refuge office.