2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest Results

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest! Nearly 100 photographs were submitted by amateur photographers from 13 states, showcasing the beauty, personality, and uniqueness of Cape Coral’s iconic burrowing owls.

The annual contest celebrates both wildlife photography and CCFW’s ongoing commitment to conservation and education. Winning photographs were selected in two categories: Youth (ages 7–17) and Adult (18 and older). The Adult Division Grand Prize-winning photograph will be featured on the official T-shirt for the 2027 Burrowing Owl Festival, while the Youth Division Grand Prize-winning photograph will appear on the official T-shirt for 2027 Ground Owl Day.

This year’s contest also highlighted the growing interest in Cape Coral’s burrowing owls beyond Southwest Florida. 43% of entries were submitted by photographers outside of Cape Coral, reflecting the widespread appreciation for this threatened species and the community’s conservation efforts.

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife extends its sincere thanks to all photographers who participated and shared their talent. We also want to thank Ascendium Education Group for sponsoring the 2026 Burrowing Owl Photo Contest and supporting our mission to protect and promote local wildlife.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners:

Thank you to every photographer who participated in this year’s contest. Your creativity and passion captured the beauty of these incredible birds through your lens. We are excited to share the winning images and recognize the talent behind each photograph.

Awards