Campers Get Creative

In between fishing, dip-netting, hiking, and all the other chaos of Marsh Madness Summer Camp, we asked the kids to get creative. Their task was to draw a real or imaginary bird. I’m so impressed by their colorful creations that I wanted to share them here.

We submitted these pictures to Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Nature Investigator Contest. Know a young person who wants to enter? You can find the contest info here: Nature Investigator Contest.

Without further adieu, here are their creations!

Ava G.’s Ruby-throated Hummingbird investigates a slice of watermelon.

Ethan B.’s Ruby-throated Hummingbird likes to stretch its wings. This drawing continues, covering four full pages!

Evan H.’s untitled bird might have been inspired by the Goldfinch.

Kaylee F’s’ Barn Swallow even included sound effects!

Macey C. drew the state bird of Ohio (and Virginia): the Cardinal.

Sam H. created a new species named “the Refuger.” He explained that this colorful bird is only found at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge!

Sydney Y. invented the lovely pastel Rainbow Songbird.

Props to Sophie G. for detailing the natural history of the Twizzled Blue Jay! She writes: “It will go to branches and eat buttercups. It flys all day to find a good tree to rest in and at night if it does not find a tree it will rest in a old foxhole.”

Madison H. drew a family of “Citrus Birds” which nest exclusively in “Magnamolia” trees.

Perhaps taking inspiration from our pollinator garden, Rowan S. drew the male Red-winged Blackbird resting in a tree.

Logan S. included a multitude of species in his piece. How many can you identify?

Feeling inspired? Take a break from your busy summer to draw something from nature!