The winner is stunning, but it isn't my favorite.

I like the katydid nymph in the flower best. It combines vibrant color with tranquility of composition, and a broad perspective with a tiny subject. The balance of colors and shapes (the stamen heads and the nymph are almost a match in their color; all are made up of ovals) and their diagonal opposition is just sublime.

I understand why the owl got the prize. "[J]ust before I ducked" is very dramatic as a circumstance. It's also an image of frozen motion, which is quite compelling. I could say, though, that that image was delivered to the photographer, but the man who took the photo in the flower had to be paying attention to find his little gem.

Thanks for a delightful link, Lindy!