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By Kate Dalgleish, Director of Annual Giving
Every year, we’re blown away by the breathtaking bird photography submitted to Birds Canada for our annual calendar. These photos do so much more than fill a calendar; they bring birds to life, inspire awe, and help us tell the story of conservation across Canada.
With only 12 months in the year, choosing the final calendar selections is always a challenge. Behind the scenes, our team combs through hundreds of submissions, narrowing them down with great care and balancing species, seasons, and regions to create a diverse representation of birds in Canada.
We’re so grateful to every photographer who shares their passion and skill with us. Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the incredible photos that didn’t end up in the final calendar for 2025. We think you’ll agree that each of these photographs deepens our appreciation for birds.
Trumpeter Swan by David Eaton
What we loved: This gentle moment of a young Trumpeter Swan cygnet reaching for willow leaves completely charmed us. The soft texture of the cygnet’s down, the calm water, and the presence of the adult swan in the background make this a storybook image of new life on the water.
Why it wasn’t selected for the calendar: We had several baby bird photos under consideration for the spring months, and ultimately selected two that featured more dynamic interactions: an Eared Grebe with chicks on its back, and a Red-breasted Nuthatch feeding its young in a tree cavity. It was a tough choice, and this serene swan moment was very nearly included.
Pine Grosbeak by Janet Hill
What we loved: This is a beautifully composed winter scene featuring a female-type Pine Grosbeak, a choice we appreciated, as males often take the spotlight. The frosted branches add texture and depth, and the lighting captures the quiet stillness of a cold winter morning.
Why it wasn’t selected for the calendar: Passerines like the Pine Grosbeak are often well represented in the calendar, so this year we took the opportunity to feature some different groups, including an Iceland Gull in Quebec (our first gull in the calendar), and a nearly spherical Rock Ptarmigan in Yellowknife. This photo was a strong contender, and we’re glad to feature it here.
Prothonotary Warbler by Katherine Waybrant
What we loved: We loved this Prothonotary Warbler singing its heart out. In the dim light of the wooded swamps and sloughs it calls home, this species seems to glow. These endangered birds are monitored through our Ontario Forest Birds at Risk program, and this image captures both their vibrancy and vulnerability.
Why it wasn’t selected for the calendar: Warblers are always well-represented in submissions; they’re often stunning, charismatic species that highlight the richness of Canada’s ecosystems. This year, we chose to feature a warbler in fall plumage to showcase a different side of their beauty. Additionally, to give more photographers a chance to be featured, we only include one image per contributor, and Katherine’s excellent photo of a White-throated Sparrow was selected for October.
Common Loons by Mark Peck
What we loved: We love loons! As do so many folks in Canada. For over 40 years, dedicated volunteers have monitored and stewarded Common Loons and their habitats through the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey. Watching loon chicks grow and gain strength is a powerful experience for anyone who’s spent time near a lake. This photo beautifully captures the very start of that journey.
Why it wasn’t selected for the calendar: We could easily make an entire calendar of loon photos. They’re consistently among the most striking submissions. But in an effort to showcase a broader range of species and stories, we chose a photo of an Eared Grebe with growing grebettes for the final selection.
African Fish Eagle by Roshan Panjwani
What we loved: This photo offers a striking look at an African Fish-Eagle lifting off from its perch beside a quiet lake in Botswana. The lighting brings out the crisp contrast of the eagle’s white head and chestnut body, and the composition gives a strong sense of the bird’s power and presence. It’s always interesting to see the species that capture photographers’ attention beyond Canada.
Why it wasn’t selected for the calendar: Our calendar features birds that can be spotted in Canada, so species that never occur in Canada aren’t included, even though we enjoy seeing them. Submissions like this one remind us of the global diversity of birdlife and the shared awe birds inspire around the world.
We want to thank everyone for sharing photos! Your work makes a difference.
Even if a photo doesn’t make it into the final calendar, it often finds new life in other ways, from our newsletter stories to social media, educational materials, and conservation reports. Every image helps bring people closer to birds and reminds them of the beauty and diversity we’re working to protect.
So please, keep sharing your moments with us by submitting photos for the 2026 calendar. You never know how your photo might inspire someone, or which bird it might help protect.