Gaithersburg Resident Wins DNR Photography Contest (PHOTO)

Female Red-Winged Blackbird by Santosh Shanmuga
PHOTO | Maryland Department of Natural Resources

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the winners of its 12th annual photo contest, with Santosh Shanmuga of Gaithersburg claiming top honors for his Female Red-Winged Blackbird taken at Swan Harbor Farm in Harford County. The winning images will appear in the winter edition of the agency’s seasonal magazine as well as its 2016 calendar.

“I’m so excited, and very grateful for this opportunity,” Shanmuga said. “I hope people look at these photos and take the time to get outside─it really is so amazing out there!”

As the grand prize winner, Shanmuga will receive $500, a 2016 Maryland State Park & Trail Passport, a lifetime subscription to the magazine and five copies of the 2016 calendar.

According to DNR, this year a new record was set for the number of photographs entered. Approximately 200 people entered more than 1,100 photographs.

Photo contest judges selected one additional photo from each category, and DNR Facebook followers are encouraged to “LIKE” their favorite by the end of September. The photo with the most likes will also be featured in the calendar.

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