Beginning this week, Whidbey Island’s youth in kindergarten through grade 12 are invited to participate in a bird photography contest hosted by the Whidbey Audubon Society.

The contest has three age groups and two categories in each. Each participant may enter only one photo in the appropriate age group and category (cell phone or camera photo). Entries will be accepted until the close of day on April 28. Each age group and category will be awarded a first, second and third place prize.

To enter go to the Whidbey Audubon Society website and download the entry form and the rules, go to www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org. Entry into this contest constitutes acceptance of the official rules. All participants under the age of 18 must have their parent or legal guardian’s permission to enter. The contestant registration form will include the parent/legal guardian statement of permission to participate.

An award ceremony will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. If notified as a contest winner, the student agrees to attend the awards ceremony.

The Wings over Whidbey Bird Festival is a free event starting Thursday afternoon, May 18 through Saturday, May 20 and includes field trips, lectures, the Bird in the Hand specimen library and more. For questions or more information, please email programs@whidbeyaudubonsociety.org or call 360-320-7564.