23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Biodiversity

This moment on the beach brought together an unexpected trio: a heron, a ruddy turnstone, and a laughing gull, each with its own rhythm and place in the coastal ecosystem. Capturing multiple species in a single frame is increasingly uncommon today, a quiet reminder of the fragility of this ecosystem. Scenes like this highlight the importance of protecting our habitats so these species can continue to thrive.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Alabama, United States of America
Copyright: © Corina Simian