Honorable Mention / 2023 / Nature / Wildlife

• Photographer
  Ethan Zhao, Hong Kong

Amidst the enigmatic embrace of darkness, a toucan, typically celebrated for its herbivorous grace, emerges as an uncanny enigma. Adorned with resplendent plumage, it cuts through the shadows with an unyielding gaze, its predatory instincts ever simmering beneath the surface, Standing as a paradoxical symbol of nature's intricate tapestry, where grace and instinct coexist, a glimpse into the enigmatic complexities of the natural world.

This shot was taken in early 2023 during the holiday and it was surreal to have finally seen a wild Toucan, a truly mesmerizing presence that meets the eye.