A trio of tundra swans winging their way through a gray sky in the shadows of Rocky Mountain peaks is captured brilliantly in the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp.
The winning artwork is by Florida artist John Nelson Harris. His painting of a three tundra swans was selected from among more than 50 submissions from artists around the United States. Harris is the designer of more than a dozen conservation prints and stamps, including duck stamps for California, Oklahoma and Washington. He’s been the winning artist for the Montana Migratory Bird Stamp for two years in a row.
FWP launched the Migratory Bird Stamp contest in 2024 to help raise additional awareness and appreciation for wetlands conservation and the benefits of intact wetlands to people and wildlife. The Montana Wetlands Protection Advisory Council selected the winner in of this year’s contest in February.
“Intact wetlands are critical pieces of habitat for wildlife and they’re important for landowners,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Water is critical and therefore wetland conservation is an important part of what we do as an agency.”
Wetlands are critical for many wildlife and aquatic species, as well providing 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.
The 2025 Migratory Bird Stamp is not required to hunt migratory birds in Montana.
This year, all hunters who purchase a Migratory Bird Stamp will be sent an email with the winning artwork and offering them a sticker sheet.
Additionally, people want to support wetland conservation but don’t hunt, they can purchase a sticker sheet and other promotional items through Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation.
For winning the 2025 Migratory Bird Stamp contest, Nelson receives a $2,000 prize paid for by contributions from Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Audubon and Ducks Unlimited.
For more information of the contest and to view the submissions, click here.
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