National Geographic’s Photographer Of The Year Winners – 2016

National Geographic represents the epitome of excellence in nature photography and this year has been no exception!  The stunning images submitted over 11 weeks have been judged and winners announced.

CLICK HERE FOR GALLERY

My personal favourite was the drongo struggling for a meal amidst a bushfire.  Such a brave little guy!

Having clicked through all the galleries, I am amazed by the variety and quality of each photo and the skill of the photographers.  I don’t think I would have a chance but if you do, then read up on the rules and get ready for next year!

Free SPG Online Game – Win Points & Rooms

SPG is running an online game that for once is open to people other than USA residents!  It is free, only takes a couple minutes a day so why not go for it?  Click on the link to play, you’ll need an account if you don’t already have one.

Online Prize(s)
• One Free Night Award: 33 Awards available for any SPG participating category 1-5 hotel or resort. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $171.00. Award will be available in the SPG member’s account within three weeks from the Game Period end date. Award must be consumed by March 31, 2016.
• Starpoints: 561 Awards Available: 25,000 Starpoints: ARV $625.00; 10,000 Starpoints: ARV $250.00; 5000 Starpoints: ARV $125.00; 1000 Starpoints: ARV $35.00.
• Starpoints will be added to member’s account within three weeks from the Game Period end date. Use and expiration of Starpoints is pursuant to the terms and conditions of the SPG Program.
• American Express $10.00 Gift Card*: 165 total Awards. One (1) per winner.
• Amazon $25.00 Gift Card*: 330 total Awards. One (1) per winner.
• Amazon $50.00 Gift Card*: 825 total Awards. One (1) per winner.
*Gift Cards are only available to US residents. Gift Card will be sent via mail to the address member has provided on their SPG profile at www.spg.com. Allow three to four weeks for Gift Card delivery from Promotion Period end date.

Complete T&C’s

Screenshots from the game – my last unsuccessful attempt!  Play twice a day and don’t forget your friends & family members!

spg1 spg2 spg3 spg4

Win 1 Million Qantas Points

Brush up on your writing skills, you could be one of 9 winners of 1 million Qantas Frequent Flyer Points!

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Rules:
* The promoter is Qantas Airways Limited (ABN 16 009 661 901) of 10 Bourke Road, Mascot NSW 2020 (13 11 31). The promotion commences at 7.00am (AEST) on 1 June 2014 and closes at 11.59pm (AEST) on 15 June 2014 (Promotion Period). Entry is open to all (Eligible Entrants) Entrants under the age of 18 must get permission to enter from a parent or guardian. To enter, you must complete the online entry form at qantas.com/news and in 200 words or less tell us how one million Qantas Points would change your life, or the life of someone else. All entries must be the original work of the entrant. There will be nine prizes. Each Prize consists of one million Qantas Points. The maximum total prize value is AU$22,844.50 based on a sample of the Qantas Frequent Flyer Awards that could be obtained by redeeming through the Qantas Frequent Flyer program (as full defined in the terms and conditions of the program available at qantas.com/terms and the value of a QFF membership. Judging will take place between 26 June 2014 and 3 July 2014 at 10 Bourke Road, Mascot NSW 2020 and the winner will be notified by email or phone by 7 July 2014. Terms and conditions apply, visit qantas.com/newsterms for full terms and conditions.

^ Complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership is offered by Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901. This offer is available until 30 June 2014, but may be withdrawn at any time. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Qantas Frequent Flyer membership and the earning and redemption of points are subject to the terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program and each application is subject to approval by Qantas.

La Quinta Facebook Game Wins Free Points & Stays

Since La Quinta only has domestic USA properties, it will be of limited use to eco-travelers unless you need an airport stay or a stay for some other reason.  There’s a LQ less than a mile from my Mom’s house so they come in very handy for me!  Free points are free points!  The game continues until 31 Jan and most people get 1000 LQ points the first day and between 100-300 points every subsequent day so you will end up with at least enough points for a free night at a lower tier property.  A list of all properties is on the La Quinta website.

Using my link to join the game gets me 30,000 tokens (30 spins).  You will then get your own link to share on Facebook or Twitter.  If you are not already a member of La Quinta Rewards, the game will prompt you to sign up or log in if you are already a member.

A few lucky people will win instant free nights!

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You get 5000 tokens (5 spins) per day.  The bonus wheel can give you more tokens.

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After you win some points, answer an easy question for more points.

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Share on Facebook or Twitter to double your points.

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MTTW Parrot Calendar Contest Results

Thank you to all who entered.  I will now make a list of everyone who entered a bird species and give one extra entry to those who included the scientific name together with the common name.

  1. Martine Jakobsen
  2. Lacey Seymour
  3. Lacey Seymour
  4. Janina Mees
  5. Ellen Selden
  6. Ellen Selden
  7. Axel Keim
  8. Axel Keim
  9. Rebekah
  10. Rebekah
  11. Hiro Sim
  12. Bluecat
  13. Bluecat
  14. Mary Ann
  15. Mary Ann
  16. Dondi Visser
  17. Dondi Visser
  18. Brown-throated Conure
  19. Janet
  20. Ruth
  21. Ruth
  22. Isis Nicole

And using the Random.org generator, we have a winner!

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Entry #2 – Lacey Seymour, who chose the beautiful Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Cacatua leadbeateri

Congrats Lacey!  I will email you for your address and order the calendar to be shipped directly to you from World Parrot Trust’s shop.

Thank you again to all who entered, I really enjoyed seeing your favourite birds!  Stay tuned for my next contest which will probably happen in mid-December.

 

MTTW Contest! Win A WPT Wild Parrot Calendar!

I’ve seen a lot of other bloggers run contests so I am going to try it!  In my first ever contest, you can win a beautiful 2014 calendar from the World Parrot Trust!  Each month shows a photo of a stunning wild parrot to brighten your home or office year round!

***WINNER ANNOUNCED***

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To enter, all you have to do is post your favourite bird species in the comments below.  If you are a first time commenter, it will go to the moderation queue (spam blocker) so don’t worry.  I will approve it as soon as I wake up in Australia and see it.

I need to be able to contact you so please make sure you use your real email (no one sees it but me).  You don’t have to use your real name as your commenting name if you don’t want to.

One entry per person.  If you also include the scientific name of the bird, you will get 2 entries.  Example:  Scarlet Macaw, Ara macao.

The contest ends on Sunday 24 November, 6pm Brisbane Australia time.  That will be Saturday midnight 23 November for Americans PST.

I will use the random number generator to choose the winner, then contact you for your shipping address.  I will buy the calendar on the World Parrot Trust’s e-store and have it shipped directly to you.

 

“Beauty of Costa Rica” Photography Contest

Hurry because the last day to enter is 31 Oct.  Who wants to win a FREE 5 night stay at Selva Verde, Costa Rica?  Airfare not included, but we know how to get there on the cheap!  Good luck to all who enter!

Show us your best “Beauty Of Costa Rica” photos for a chance to win a 50% off coupon for a 3 night stay at Selva Verde OR this month’s book title: The Wildlife of Costa Rica: A Field Guide by Fiona A. Reid, Twan Leenders, Jim Zook & Robert Dean

Winners will also be entered into a draw for the Grand Prize – an all inclusive 5 night stay for 2 at Selva Verde!

6 days 2:27:41
Left Until Contest Ends

ENTER NOW!

How To Enter

  1. “Like” Selva Verde on Facebook.
  2. Upload your photo of a “Beauty Of Costa Rica
    (Please note – only one entry per day).

Enter Now!

“Beauty Of Costa Rica” Photo Contest runs from
Sept 1, 2013 to Oct 31, 20135:00pm PST.

Contest Prizes

“Beauty of Costa Rica”
Contest Prize

One winner will be randomly drawn from all eligible contest entries. If you win, you can choose from one of the following two prizes:

50% Off on Up to 3 Nights at Selva Verde

  • 50% off meals and accommodations
  • Based on availability
  • Discount applies to 1 room only
  • Discount does not apply to ground transfers, tours, or taxes
  • Good for travel within 12 months of Jun.30, 2013.

OR

“Beauty of Costa Rica” Book Selection:

2013 Grand Prize

One lucky Grand Prize Winner will be selected from all 2013 mini contest entries by a panel of expert judges.

The Grand Prize winner will win a FREE 5 night stay at Selva Verde Lodge in Costa Rica, including:

  • 5 night stay for 2 at Selva Verde
  • Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner for 2
  • Ground transfers from San Jose
  • All taxes
  • An art piece from a Sarapiqui artist (to be announced!)
  • Based on availability
  • Good for travel anytime within 2014

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Facebook. You are providing your information to Selva Verde Resort and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used to determine the winners of this contest.

Website: www.selvaverde.com | Phone: 1-800-451-7111 | Email: info@selvaverde.com

 

CONTEST: Ever Wondered What It Would Be Like On Assignment As A National Geographic Photographer?

This is your chance to go to Oman and be mentored by Nat Geo veteran and host of National Geographic Channel’s Pure Photography series, Jason Edwards!

Applications close January 14th 2013, at 2pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (GMT +11)

We know that you have been patiently waiting all year for this one
WorldNomads.com and National Geographic Channel are giving one aspiring photographer the opportunity to accompany renowned wildlife and natural history photographer, Jason Edwards, on assignment in Oman. Find out firsthand what life is like in the field for a travel photographer and learn the tricks of the trade during this 8-day mentorship experience.
For more information, visit their website.