Acrylic painting of three buffleheads by James Hautman of
Chaska, MN. Copyright James Hautman, used with permission.
WHEATON, Md. – Montgomery Parks celebrates the beauty of birds with a free exhibit featuring artwork from finalists in the Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests. Beginning Tuesday, March 3, 2026, visitors can view beautifully detailed paintings created by some of the nation’s top wildlife artists, including contest winner James Hautman’s painting of three buffleheads, North America’s smallest duck. Hautman’s painting will be featured on the 2026 – 2027 federal duck stamp.
What: Federal Duck Stamp Art Exhibit
When: Tuesday, March 3 – Friday, March 20, 2026
Where: Montgomery Parks – Wheaton Headquarters
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Md., 20902
Details: Free and open to the public weekdays during lobby hours, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
“This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the remarkable detail and craftsmanship showcased in these works,” said Jen Scully, Montgomery Parks waterfowl expert and former Federal Duck Stamp Contest judge. “Each piece reflects the beauty of these birds and the habitats they rely on.”
The Federal Duck Stamp art contest started in 1934 with the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, requiring hunters to purchase a yearly stamp as a license to hunt waterfowl. The program has raised more than $1.2 billion for wildlife conservation and funded the protection of more than six million acres of wetlands habitat for wildlife across the country.
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, including 416 parks. The department is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org
Accessibility
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.
###