Canadian National Wildfowl Carving Championship 2026

      This annual event has become an eagerly anticipated date in my calendar; this year was no exception. Wood carvers and bird lovers of every type mingle together in celebration of this unique art form, with deep camaraderie and intense competition operating in equal measure. 

     Miriam had donated a quilted wall hanging as a raffle prize and I was delighted to be greeted by it as I walked through the door.

     I always arrive thirty to forty-five minutes before the judges are required to gather for the group picture, to get a general impression of the show, and to get a sense of the mix of carvings entered into competition.

      Beginner and novice carvers are anxious to prove their worth, highly ranked artists eager and proud to display their creative mastery of the art. 

     It bears reminding my readers that all of these carvings start out as a block of wood! And from the intermediate level up, every component is made and painted by the carver, every feather, every twig, every petal. 

     Look closely if you will at the incredible detail below and imagine the patience and skill required to achieve the results.

     Ken Hussey has become an accomplished exponent of the genre known as Contemporary Antique; it would not be overly hyperbolic to suggest that he has become Canada's leading figure in this category.

     The aim is to recreate the style of the working decoys used from the mid 1850s onwards. This form of primitive art is uniquely appealing, and some original decoys from the period sell for staggering sums.

     Ken always sets up a "workshop" at the show where attendees may watch him at work, transforming a block of tupelo, the preferred wood for carvers, into an object of great beauty.

     It always seems to me that this is an exceptionally fine way to educate (and entertain) an inquiring public.

     Each year, I look forward with renewed pleasure to seeing him ply his trade.

     I found this representation of an American Woodcock (a favourite bird to encounter in the wild) exceptionally appealing, imagining it gracing my shelves at home.

     I don't recall having seen a carved Herring Gull before.

     In the category of Decorative Life-size Floating Ducks, the carvings are not only required to be accurate as to size, but also to be able to float in a manner exactly as they would in real life. Not too high in the water, not too low, not prone to lean or tilt - truly to become a sitting duck!

     

     Intense scrutiny and discussion go into determining the winner.

     I was not involved in judging this segment of the competition, but I watched with interest. All of the entries had great merit, but I found the American Wigeon with head tucked under the wing absolutely outstanding. 

     Bruce Mifflin, one of my fellow judges, was awarded second place in the category for these miniature Common Goldeneyes.

     In the category "Interpretive Stylized," carvers may let their flight of fancy soar.

     Given the state of the world today, I thought this creative piece was especially relevant.

     Here's your challenge. Identify the bird and the moth!

     I was privileged once again to join Jeff Krete on a team of judges, along with Bruce Mifflin mentioned above. Jeff is a world champion many times over, a carver of consummate skill, extraordinary creativity with the ability to produce excellence every time. I have always thought, since first meeting him, that he brings an intellectual quality to his work that sets him apart.

     When he puts his glasses on you know he is getting down to serious business!

     Here's Jeff's entry into the 2026 championships, a magnificent Northern Raven.

     I know how difficult it is to photograph black birds and capture the intricate details of the plumage, let alone create one in such exquisite detail.

     Here is a close up of the landscape features.

     Pay close attention next time you see a raven in flight, or a diurnal raptor for that matter. You will notice the emarginated primaries that act as individual aerofoils, facilitating maneuverability.

     To have captured this is to have seized the essence of the bird in my estimation.

    Truly an extraordinary piece of art in every respect.

     I will leave you with a random selection of some of the other pieces in the show that caught my attention, in no particular order.

     There is more - much more. You'll have to come out to see it for yourself next year. Reserve June 4, 5, and 6, 2027 right now!

     See you there!