Montgomery Parks is inviting the public to experience the beauty of North America’s waterfowl through a special art exhibit opening this week in Wheaton.
Beginning Tuesday, March 3 and running through Friday, March 20, visitors can view the Federal Duck Stamp Art Exhibit at the Montgomery Parks Headquarters lobby at 2425 Reedie Drive. The exhibit features detailed wildlife paintings created by finalists in the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp contests.
Among the featured works is the winning painting by wildlife artist James Hautman, depicting three buffleheads, the smallest species of duck in North America. The piece will appear on the 2026–2027 Federal Duck Stamp, a collectible stamp that also plays a major role in wildlife conservation funding.
The exhibit highlights the extraordinary craftsmanship of artists who specialize in capturing the intricate details of birds and their habitats. According to Montgomery Parks waterfowl expert and former Federal Duck Stamp Contest judge Jen Scully, the display offers visitors a rare chance to see these nationally recognized works up close.
“This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the remarkable detail and craftsmanship showcased in these works,” Scully said. “Each piece reflects the beauty of these birds and the habitats they rely on.”
The Federal Duck Stamp contest dates back to 1934, when Congress passed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act. The program requires waterfowl hunters to purchase an annual stamp as part of their license to hunt. Over the past nine decades, the program has raised more than $1.2 billion for wildlife conservation, helping protect more than six million acres of wetlands habitat across the United States.
The Montgomery Parks exhibit is free and open to the public on weekdays during lobby hours from 7am to 6pm.
