Photography Contest

26th Annual Photography Contest

Contest Information

To celebrate National Wildlife Refuges and the beauty of nature, Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge invited all photographers to enter the 26th Annual Nature Photography Contest. All photos must have been captured on the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Photos taken elsewhere were not eligible. Entries were accepted July 10 - September 1, 2025. Participants could submit up to eleven entries, with a maximum of 1 entry per category.

The categories include Eagles, Birds (Other than Eagles), Mammals, Reptiles & Amphibians, Insects & Arachnids, Native Plants, Landscapes & Reflections, Sunrises & Sunsets, Refuge in Winter, Funny Nature, and People Enjoying Nature. All ages and abilities are welcome to enter!

A panel of judges will review photos for content, clarity, composition and overall impression. 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and Honorable Mentions will be chosen for each category. Top winners will be displayed in our 2026 Photo Contest Calendar, available for presale starting in mid September.

Order Your Calendar!

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest Calendar
This "12x9'' wall calendar features the winning photos of the 26th Annual Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest. All photos were taken at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge! The calendar includes all major holidays - and fun days celebrating conservation and wildlife! The larger size allows for plenty of space to write in reminders and appointments. Calendars are printed locally in Northwood, OH.

Calendars are available for pre-sale September 15 - November 12! Limited quantities will be available in The Rookery Nature Store after that date.

We are pleased to share the winners of the 25th Annual Photography Contest featuring the natural beauty of
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Best of Show

The Watchful Mink by Derek Tsang

1st Place | Mammals | Teen 13-17
Location: At the Start of the Wildlife Drive Route
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge