Montana Art Contest Unveils a Stunning New Migratory Bird Stamp

Picture a drake and hen northern shoveler as they float peacefully on a pond. It’s hard not to admire their tranquility.

MONTANA FWP "STAMP" OF APPROVAL

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that artist Kim Diment captured this scene perfectly in her prize-winning entry in the 2026 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp art contest. Diment’s artwork was among the 60 submissions for this year’s contest. She describes her work as “capturing the personality and spirit of the animals she portrays.”

Montana FWP launched the Migratory Bird Stamp contest in 2024 to raise awareness and appreciation of wetlands conservation and the benefits of intact wetlands for people and wildlife. The Montana Wetlands Protection Advisory Council selected the winner of this year’s contest.

ABOUT THE BIRDS

Our lovely spokesmodels are a drake and hen northern shoveler. It’s hard not to notice the uniqueness of their bills. Also known as spoonbills, these dabbling ducks often stop in Montana to breed during their long migration through the central and western parts of the United States.

MT FWP

Wetlands are critical for many wildlife and aquatic species. They also provide critical ecosystem functions like flood control, groundwater recharge and water purification. FWP’s Migratory Bird Wetland Program helps landowners and other conservation partners develop and fund projects that protect, conserve, enhance or create high-quality wetland habitat.

For winning the 2026 Migratory Bird Stamp contest, Kim Diment receives a $2,000 prize paid for by contributions from Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation and Montana Audubon.

HOW TO GET THE STAMP AND SHOW SUPPORT

Migratory bird license buyers will receive a follow-up email from FWP with instructions to opt in to receive a free sticker sheet of the winning artwork. The sticker sheet is currently in preproduction and will be sent out this summer.

People who want to support wetland conservation but don’t hunt can pre-purchase a sticker sheet through the Montana Audubon website.

LOOK: Stunning animal photos from around the world

From grazing Tibetan antelope to migrating monarch butterflies, these 50 photos of wildlife around the world capture the staggering grace of the animal kingdom. The forthcoming gallery runs sequentially from air to land to water, and focuses on birds, land mammals, aquatic life, and insects as they work in pairs or groups, or sometimes all on their own.

Gallery Credit: Nicole Caldwell

Filed Under: Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks

Categories: Missoula News