Leeds photographer nominated for major honour with picture of birds in traffic lights

James Kearsley, 28, took the photograph outside the University of Leeds building in February 2020.

The picture - which went viral on social media at the time - has now been nominated in a category of the Bird Photographer Of The Year awards - with James' snap being one of the chosen handful out of more than 60,000 entries.

The awards are open globally with competitors entering from across the world.

The mistle thrush bird became very popular in the city after taking up residence in the traffic lights.

Many birdwatchers swarmed the traffic lights to take amazing photography and video footage in February.

James told the Yorkshire Evening Post he was 'absolutely over the moon' to be nominated for the award - with winners set to be announced later in 2021.

James said: "The competition is open worldwide to anyone and to any photos of birds, this year there were over 60,000 entries into the competition, I am not too sure how many make the shortlist but I know it is not many.

"I've been doing photography for about 6 years now.

"I'm absolutely over the moon, this is the first time I've entered this photo into a competition and to get shortlisted in one as prestigious as this makes me so happy."