Nature Canada is so excited that this is our 10th annual Nature Photo Contest! To celebrate 10 years of appreciating Canadian nature through photos, we decided to share and highlight our favourite unique photos. These favourites have been featured in past editions of Nature Canada’s calendars!

Sulphurs by Peter Ferguson (2014)

From the photographer:
“On warm, early mornings, you can find resting butterflies—often with dew upon them—in open fields. This pair of Yellow Sulphurs chose to spend the previous night together on a knapweed bloom. I captured this image in Short Hills Provincial Park in the Niagara Region of Ontario.”

Stained Glass Dragonfly by Shauna Howerton (2014)

From the photographer:
“I took this photo on a warm summer day in my garden near Chickakoo Lake, AB. The Variable Darner dragonfly (Aeshna interrupta) was beautifully lit, reflecting the green grass, blue sky, and my pink shirt in the many facets of its wings. The Chickakoo Lake region is an important habitat area, home to an abundance of wildlife and a vital part of the migratory songbird corridor.”

Hummingbird Moth by Tom Lusk (2015)

From the photographer:
“This photo was taken on Hill Island, Ontario, in the St. Lawrence River, on a parcel of land that has been successfully re-naturalized by Parks Canada. Along with native plants and wildflowers though, some invasive species from other parts of the island have taken root—including the Spotted Knapweed. On the positive side, Hummingbird Moths seem to love these “invaders”. I’ve been intrigued by Hummingbird Moths since I first saw one several years ago, and I never tire of trying to capture the perfect shot of these unique little creatures.”

Belted Kingfisher by Tim Hopwood (2017)

From the photographer:
“On an early autumn afternoon, a spur of the moment decision to visit Calgary’s Inglewood Bird Sanctuary led to a chance encounter with this Belted Kingfisher that perched for a few moments above a poplar-lined lagoon watching for unwary fish. The background is the yellow poplar leaves reflected on the still surface of the lagoon – a reflection that you will only enjoy for a brief, but beautiful, week or so in late September.”

Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Landscape by Bill Settle (2017)

From the photographer:
“Spirit Island, AB remains one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies but because it is only accessible by boat, only a fortunate few are able to witness the raw beauty and magnificence of this location during a summer sunrise. Spirit Island remains a true iconic Canadian destination.”

Saw Whet Owl by Robert Berdan (2019)

From the photographer:
“This Saw Whet Owl was photographed in Kananaskis provincial park near Turner Valley. I was with a friend and fellow bird photographer Alan Mackeigan who had been searching the area for owls and shared the location of this owl with me. Nikon 300 mm F2.8 lens.”

Mushrooms in Autumn Forest Blossoms by Bill McMullen (2019)

From the photographer:
“One of my favourite times to be in the forest is autumn. The colours are vivid and the lighting can be striking. This scene was taken at an outdoor education centre as the
maple leaves were near peak colour and the late afternoon autumn light seemed to illuminate the forest floor and especially the numerous mushrooms and other fungi.”

Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird by Keri Fisher (2019)

From the photographer:
“Hummingbirds are very territorial over their food sources, which is why I position many feeders around the yard. This little male became very territorial over the feeder positioned near a large tree, and he would defend it viciously. He had a specific branch in the nearby tree where he would lord over “his” feeder, and this photo was taken when he was taking a break and having a good stretch.”

Gray Treefrog by Edward Busby (2020)

From the photographer:
“While out cleaning up around the gardens in our yard, I happen to spot a tiny frog on one of the Brown-eyed Susans. I was surprised at how small it was and was interested to find out what type of frog it was. I hurried over to get my camera and came back and started taking all kinds of photos. Then off to my right I spotted this one guy happily hanging on to a Hosta leaf, looking somewhat like Kermit The Frog! Later I learned (after using my son’s nature book) that these little frogs were Gray Treefrogs.”

Anna’s Hummingbird by Jennifer Callioux (2022)

From the photographer:
“Hummingbirds are my happy place. Their tiny details and beautiful iridescent colours are absolutely stunning to witness. Depending on the angle of the sun, the tiny bubbles in their feathers reflect various colours with a shimmering effect! You may be surprised that this magically colourful image was taken on a very rainy day. It made for a challenging capture in terms of angles and photo gear, yet added to the wondrous capture of this little beauty. I love to admire the hummingbird balancing tiny drops on the bill, while enjoying the rain shower in a meadow of pink flowers. I feel so fortunate to have spent a minute in this little world.”

Have any of your own photos of unique species that you want to share? Or ocean animals? Submit them or any other nature-themed photos to this year’s Nature Photo Contest.