Latvian National Museum of Nature Announces “My Bird 2026” Photo Competition
The Latvian National Museum of Nature is calling on Latvian photographers to submit their best bird photographs for the annual “My Bird 2026” competition. Now in its 24th year, the contest aims to celebrate the diverse avian life of Latvia and foster appreciation for nature. The winning photographs will be showcased in a special exhibition opening on April 11th.
Competition Details
The competition is open to photographs of wild birds taken within Latvia between January 1, 2025, and March 22, 2026. Participants can submit one to three color prints (30×40 cm) to the Latvian National Museum of Nature or by mail. Entries must be received by March 22, 2026.
Age Groups
Photographs will be judged in four age categories:
- Children (up to 12 years old)
- Young People (13–20 years old)
- Adults (21–49 years old)
- 50+ Group (50 years old and older)
Judging Criteria
The competition committee will evaluate submissions based on several factors, including the bird species depicted, artistic composition, and the photographer’s demonstrated understanding and respect for nature. Dmitrijs Boiko, head of the Zoology Department at the Latvian National Museum of Nature, noted a particularly high number of birds are being observed at feeding stations this winter, due to the return of classic Latvian winter conditions. The museum hopes to spot a wide variety of species represented, including those returning for the spring migration. LSM English
Important Restrictions
The Latvian National Museum of Nature emphasizes that photographing near bird nests or disturbing feeding birds is prohibited, and any submissions depicting such activity will be disqualified. LSM English
About the Latvian National Museum of Nature
The Latvian National Museum of Nature too hosts an exhibition featuring nearly all bird species found in Latvia – 292 species out of a total of approximately 360. The exhibition includes commonly seen birds, as well as rarer sightings like the rosy pelican, griffon vulture, and little bustard. Latvian National Museum of Natural History
Further details and the full competition rules are available on the museum’s website: www.dabasmuzejs.gov.lv