Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
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23rd Annual Photography Contest

To celebrate National Wildlife Refuges and the beauty of nature, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge invited all photographers to enter the 23rd Annual Nature Photography Contest.  All photos must have been captured on federally managed public lands (learn more here). Photos taken on other sites (state managed lands, metroparks, local parks, etc) were not considered. 
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This year's contest is virtual.  Participants could submit up to four entries, with a maximum of 1 entry per category.  Judges will review the photos in early September. View the list of 2021 contest winners here.

The People's Choice Award winner will be announced during National Wildlife Refuge Week on October 15, 2022.

To view last year's winners below, simply click on the photo and scroll right. Depending on your connection, you may need to refresh to view all photos.

2023 calendars featuring winners of the 2022 Photo Contest will be available for pre-sale through October 23. Calendars will ship or be made available for pickup in November.

People's Choice
"Freedom!" by Deanna Perkins

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Best of Show 
"Crane Creek Sunrise" by Dave Smith

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Birds

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​1st Place: "Cedar Waxwing", Jeffery Vogelpohl
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2nd Place: "Owl and Chick" by Fred Drotar
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3rd Place: "Flight at Sunset" by Jamie Cunningham
Seven honorable mentions were selected in the Birds Category. *Click the photos to view larger*


Landscapes and Plants

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1st: "Crane Creek Sunrise" by Dave Smith
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2nd Place: "Invigorating" by Amanda Bisang
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3rd Place: "Grand Tetons Majesty" by Sherri Winegardner​
Four Honorable Mentions were selected in the Landscapes and Plants Category. *Click the photos to view larger*


People Enjoying Nature

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1st Place: "Photographing nature at Seney Wildlife Refuge" by Pam Rogers
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2nd Place: "Shooting the Rapids" by Ben Ayling
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​3rd Place: "White Water Rafting in Tennessee" by Jeralyn Baker
Three Honorable Mentions were selected in the People Enjoying Nature Category. *Click the photos to view larger*


Wildlife other than Birds

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1st Place: "Monarch Migration" by Judy Knipp
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2nd Place: "Assateague Horses and Egrets" by Joan Pearse
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3rd Place: "Raccoon" by ​Michelle Wittensoldner
Eight Honorable Mentions were selected for the Wildlife Other Than Nature Category. *Click the photos to view larger*


Teen Contest, Ages 13-17
Birds

1st Place
"Mother Swan and Babies"
Mia Pesci
2nd Place
"Cranes"
​Jayden Kang

Teen Contest, Ages 13-17
Landscapes & Plants

1st Place
"The Pathway to Nature"
​by Jayden Kang
2nd Place
"Swallow Tree"
​Mia Pesci

Teen Contest, Ages 13-17
​People Enjoying Nature

1st Place
"A Walk in Nature"
​by Jayden Kang

Teen Contest, Ages 13-17
Wildlife Other Than Birds

1st Place
"Golden Sun, Golden Wings"
​by Maya Sarikonda

2nd Place 
"Leopard Frog"
by ​Mia Pesci
​
3rd Place
"The Grasshopper"
by Jayden Kang

Youth Contest, Ages 5-12

1st Place: Landscapes and Plants
"Sea Shell on Dry Land"
​by Daniel Kang
1st Place: Birds
​"Crane Sitting in Green" 
by Daniel Kang
1st Place: Wildlife other than Birds
"Froggy"
​by Daniel Kang
This photo contest is sponsored by the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Questions? Call Aimee at 419-707-7756.
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Friends of Ottawa NWR
14000 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor, OH 43449 

  
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419-898-0014 x13
friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com

 EIN: 34-1904821   
Visitor Center open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm.
  • HOME
  • YOUR REFUGE
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Ottawa NWR Complex
    • Refuge Challenges
    • Recent Sightings
    • Visitor Center
    • Kids Corner
    • Wildlife Drive
    • Endangered Wildlife
    • Endangered Plants
    • Research >
      • Bald Eagle Updates
      • West Sister Island Rookery
      • Blanding's Turtles
    • Gallery >
      • Most Memorable Moments
      • Photos by Friends
    • Wildlife Observation & Birding Tips
    • Timing of Bird Migration
    • Spring Birding Spots
    • Fishing and Hunting Information
    • Refuge Staff
    • EV Charging Station
    • Barn Quilt Trail
    • Know Your Signs
    • National Wildlife Refuge System
  • Who we are
    • Our Story
    • Friends History
    • Network of Friends
    • Strategic Goals
    • Financials
    • Board of Directors
    • Friends Staff
    • Community Partners
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Events >
      • Spring Migration
      • Recycle Round Up
      • Photography Contest
    • Friends Programs >
      • Land Acquisition and Restoration
      • Internship Program
      • Environmental Education Grants
      • Nature Programs
    • Friends Projects >
      • Bird Friendly Facility Project
      • Fox Nature Preserve
      • Marinewood Restoration
      • Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve
      • West Harbor Project
      • Wildlife Drive Improvements
      • Visitor Center Fishing Access
    • Recent Accomplishments
    • Carrying on a Legacy
  • HOW TO HELP
    • Donate
    • License Plate
    • Become a Member
    • Wheels for Wetlands
    • Legacy Gifts
    • Federal Duck Stamp Program
    • Volunteer >
      • Volunteer Portal
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Conservation at Home
    • Say No to Balloon Releases
  • Shop