The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is conducting its annual art contest to select the design for the 2020-2021 upland game bird stamp.
This year’s stamp will feature the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura). These popular migratory upland game birds are found throughout California. Common in grassland, cropland and open woodland environments, they are often seen foraging on the ground for seeds.
The characteristic sound of a mourning dove taking flight is generated by special flight feathers which vibrate rapidly to create a whistling sound, which increases in pitch when a dove is startled by a predator, communicating danger to other birds nearby.
Entries must include at least one mourning dove, preferably in a habitat or setting representative of California. Entries will be judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.
The contest will be judged in December by a panel of experts in ornithology, conservation, art and printing.
An upland game bird validation is required for hunting migratory and resident upland game birds in California. Money generated from stamp sales is dedicated to upland game bird-related conservation projects, education, hunting opportunities and outreach. CDFW sells 150,000 upland game bird validations annually.
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For contest details and entry forms, see wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.
Anyone who buys an upland game bird validation may request their free collectable stamp by visiting wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/collector-stamps.