Picture a drake and hen northern shoveler as they float peacefully on a pond. It's hard not to admire their tranquility, and it's hard not to notice the uniqueness of their bills. Also known as spoonbills, these dabbling ducks often stop in Montana to breed during their long migration through the central and western parts of the U.S.
Artist Kim Diment captured this scene perfectly in her prize-winning entry in the 2026 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp art contest. Diment's artwork was among the 60 submissions for this year's contest. She is a Northern Michigan artist who describes her work as "capturing the personality and spirit of the animals she portrays."
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks launched the Migratory Bird Stamp contest in 2024 to raise awareness and appreciation of wetlands conservation and the benefits of intact wetlands for people and wildlife. The Montana Wetlands Protection Advisory Council selected the winner of this year's contest.
Wetlands are critical for many wildlife and aquatic species. They also provide 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.
Migratory bird license buyers will receive a follow-up email from FWP with instructions to opt in to receive a free sticker sheet of the winning artwork. The sticker sheet is currently in preproduction and will be sent out this summer. People who want to support wetland conservation but don't hunt can pre-purchase a sticker sheet through the Montana Audubon website.
For winning the 2026 Migratory Bird Stamp contest, Diment receives a $2,000 prize paid for by contributions from Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation and Montana Audubon.
For more information about the contest and to view all submissions, click here. To see more of Diment's artwork, visit kimdiment.com.