Submit Your Best Shot for the 2026 Coffee with the Birds Mug





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For Immediate Release: October 15, 2025

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Calling All Bird Photographers!

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is inviting all bird photographers, amateur and professional alike, to submit their best bird photos taken in Ottawa County during 2025 for a chance to be featured on the 2026 Coffee with the Birds Mug Club [ [link removed] ] limited-edition mug!

The Grand Prize Winner’s photo will be featured on our collectible mug, available exclusively at the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]. In addition, four honorable mentions will be recognized and celebrated.

Last year’s contest drew a record-breaking 141 entries, and we’re excited to see what 2025 will bring! See past winners and enter the contest at: news.miottawa.org/mugclubcontest [ [link removed] ]

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How to Enter:

* Submit up to *three original bird photos* taken in Ottawa County in 2025 between November 1, 2024 and October 31, 2025
* Upload your images at news.miottawa.org/mugclubcontest [ [link removed] ] 
* *Deadline:* October 31, 2025 
American Avocet

The 2024 Mug Club Photo Contest winning photo was an American Avocet by Ryan Bebej.

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2026 Mug Reveal & Season Kickoff Event

*November 25, 7-9 PM at Hemlock Crossing County Park*

Celebrate the start of the Coffee with the Birds [ [link removed] ] season at this special event! Be the first to see the winning mug design revealed, connect with fellow bird lovers, and enjoy an entertaining birding presentation. Mugs will be available for purchase at this event! 

For just *$25*, Mug Club members receive: 


* The exclusive 2026 mug featuring the winning photo 
* Access to special birding perks and events throughout the year 
* Entry into door prize drawings at Coffee with the Birds events 
* A chance to support local birding programs! Every membership directly funds birding education and engagement efforts in Ottawa County 

Learn more about the contest, birding events, and how to join the Mug Club at: miottawa.org/birding [ [link removed] ]

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Coffee with the Birds Events

Enjoy coffee and baked goodies as you watch and learn about the birds at the feeders with fellow enthusiasts and a knowledgeable naturalist.

Can’t attend in person? Session 1 and the “Birding Tidbits” presentation will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel [ [link removed] ]. "You do not need to be a Mug Club member to attend these events! "

*Upcoming Coffee with the Birds Dates & Topics* 


* *December 6, 2025:* Bird Profile of the winning photo's species 
* *January 10, 2026:* Photo Contest Winner Interviews 
* *February 14, 2026:* Birding Resources - Merlin Bird ID App 
* *March 14, 2026:* Birding Story – Finding the Five Northern Owls – Sax-Zim Bog, MN

"Note:Seating is limited in the Wildlife Den (approx. 35 seats); overflow space is available in the Great Room with live streamed feeder views and staff support. "

Register at: bit.ly/birdingprograms [ [link removed] ]

A special thanks to Rick Veldman of Kestrel Imagery [ [link removed] ] for once again providing professional live-streaming services this season!

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Press contact: Rylie Dorman, (616) 994-4774
Website: miOttawa.org/birding [ [link removed] ]








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*"Images included with this press release may be reproduced for editorial use."*

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Operations, improvements and programs are funded by grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you pay $26 annually investing in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you. Learn more about the 7,000 acres of park land in Ottawa County at miOttawa.org/Parks [ [link removed] ]

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Ottawa County Parks &
Recreation Commission



 

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The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson John Teeples | Vice-Chairperson Josh Brugger | Jordan Jorritsma | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Phil Kuyers | Doug Zylstra | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel 

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