Be Part of the 2026 Birds Canada Calendar!
Buff-breasted Sandpiper Photo: David Scott
Each year, we invite bird lovers across the country to share their favourite bird photos and together, we build a stunning portrait of Canada’s birds, through every season and landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer, a backyard birder with a keen eye, or someone who just spotted their spark bird for the first time, we’d love to see the moments you’ve captured.
Selected images will be featured in the 2026 Birds Canada Calendar, and every chosen photographer will receive complimentary copies to share.
Submit your photo between June 13 to July 11, 2025, and help us celebrate the beauty of birds through your lens.
What We’re Looking For
Our goal is to highlight the diversity of birds and habitats. This year, we’re especially excited to receive submissions in the following categories:
1. Common birds doing uncommon things
American Robins photo: Dan Arndt
2. Bird behaviour
Eastern Kingbird photo: Roberto Haveroth
3. Birds and Plants
Dark-eyed Junco in conifer photo: Thomas Gianoli
These themes help guide our selection process, but the calendar won’t be limited to these categories alone. If you’ve captured a compelling bird moment that doesn’t quite fit into one of these areas, we’d still love to see it.
We can’t wait to view your photos and thank you for everything you do for birds!
How to Submit your photos
Submissions will be accepted between June 13, 2025, at 12:00 a.m. EST to July 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Ensure your photo meets the size requirements of 10.5 inches by 8.5 inches or 3150 pixels by 2550 pixels with a dpi of 300. Photos taken by cell phone will not meet these size requirements.
Your entry must include your first and last name, the species featured, and the location the photograph was taken. Photo files submitted on the website should be named as follows: species_photographer first name – last name__Province (e.g., Common-Murre_Jane-Photo_NL).
Entrants must agree to the Birds Canada Media Use Agreement to be considered.
Winners will be selected by a panel of Birds Canada staff.
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A Note About Ethical Photography Practices
Birds Canada encourages all birders and bird photographers to prioritize the wellbeing of birds and their habitats while enjoying your pursuits in nature. Giving birds the space they need to comfortably go about their natural behaviours is one way we can help them survive, thrive, and raise young, so that we can all continue to enjoy their presence into the future. If you notice a bird reacting to your presence, back away until it resumes what it was doing before or leave the area and take your photo another day. For more information on best practices for viewing and photographing birds please read the Code of Birding Ethics at birdscanada.org.
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2026 Birds Canada Calendar Photo Submission FAQ
What size should my photo be?
Your photo should be 10.5 inches by 8.5 inches, or 3150 pixels by 2550 pixels, with a resolution of 300 dpi.
What file type should I use?
We accept photos in JPEG, PNG, or TIFF formats.
Should the photo be in landscape or portrait orientation?
Please submit your photo in landscape orientation.
Does the photo need to be taken within a certain timeframe?
No, there is no requirement for the photo to have been taken at a certain time.
Do you accept photos from outside Canada?
Yes, we accept photos taken from any location but priority is given to photos of birds found in Canada.
How many photos can I submit?
You’re welcome to submit as many photos as you like. If you’ve taken multiple shots of the same bird in the same location, we ask that you choose your favourite from the series.
How will my photos be used?
By submitting your photo, you are signing the Birds Canada Media Use Agreement, which grants permission for your photo to be used in Birds Canada communications.
For any additional questions or further information, please contact us at donations@birdscanada.org. Thank you for contributing to the 2026 Birds Canada Calendar!