Sunrise and Sunset Photos Capture Stunning Wildlife Silhouettes

Dani Tinker | Last Updated: January 8, 2016

A few nights ago I was walking home along a trail. The sun was setting, and the foliage on either side of me was rather dense. As I entered a small clearing, something caught my eye. The remaining daylight created a stunning outline of a deer against the sky. These encounters are certainly something special. This is a collection of sunrise and sunset wildlife photographs previously entered in the National Wildlife Photo Contest.

Giraffes at Sunset — Two giraffes in sunset at Serengeti National Reserve, Tanzania. Photo donated by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Carol Geake.

Wading Heron at Sunset — Wading heron at sunset in Florida by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Alexander Kaufman.

Coyote at Sunrise — Coyote in North Dakota at sunrise donated by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Lori Rothstein.

Humpback Whale Breaching in Sunrise — Humpback whale breaching during sunrise in Mexico. Photo by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Justin Hofman.

Bear in Alaska by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrants David & Shiela Glatz.

Osprey Returns to Nest at Sunset — Osprey at sunset in Delaware by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Richard Davis.

Moose in Wyoming by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Daniel D’Auria.

Spoonbill in Florida at Sunset — Spoonbill at sunset in Florida by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Nancy Springer.

Elk Bugling at Sunset — Elk bugling at sunset in Yellowstone by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Travis Bunn.

Bald Eagle Over Water — Bald eagle in Alaska donated by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Don Getty.

Sandhills in Flight at Sunset — Sandhills in San Luis Valley by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Lauren Lehr.

Sea Lion at Sunset — Sea lion at sunset in Galápagos Islands. Photo donated by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Robert Miller.

Bison Sihlouette — Bison in North Dakota by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Dominique Braud.

Pelican at Sunset — Pelican at sunset in Aruba by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Linda Morneault.

Tips for Sunrise and Sunset Photography

Dawn and dusk are some of the most active times of day for wildlife, a treat if you can take a photo! Review a few expert tips for photographing sunrises and sunsets before heading out on your next adventure.

Be sure to enter your nature and wildlife images to the National Wildlife Photo Contest by July 1st!