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UPY 2026 Behaviour - Highly Commended
'Bait Ball Explosion'
Andy Lambert
The Sardine Run is one of nature’s most spectacular marine events, occurring along South Africa’s east coast, where millions of sardines migrate. This massive movement attracts a remarkable array of predators. After seven quiet days on the boat, we spotted a group of Cape gannets all diving into the water at the same spot. This indicated the presence of a bait ball. Once in the water, it was complete chaos. Cape gannets dove into the water right in front of us at breakneck speed, while common dolphins shot through the sardines with their mouths wide open. Due to the small bait ball, the action was very brief, but fortunately I was able to take the photo I wanted, a photo full of action.
Judge's comment: Very nice image of a rare moment during Sardine Run! As we tend to see only a few images from the South African Sardine Run every year in UPY we really appreciate this amazing and well composed encounter!
Tobias Friedrich
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