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Draw a Bird Day

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Draw a Bird Day is a heartwarming bird holiday celebrated every year. This special day is not just about the art of drawing birds, but it also embodies a deeper meaning of hope, joy, and the therapeutic power of art thanks to its unique origin story.

illustration of a man's hands holding a pencil and drawing a bird with pencils and erasers on the tabletop nearby

When is Draw a Bird Day?

Draw a Bird Day is celebrated every year on April 8, and its origin dates back to difficult days in Britain during World War II.

In 1943, the holiday was inspired by a little girl named Dorie Cooper. In England, Dorie visited her uncle, a wounded soldier in the hospital, who had lost his leg in the war.

To cheer him up, she asked him to draw a bird. Moved by her innocence and optimism, he drew a simple picture of a robin. This small act brought a smile to his face and sparked a movement within the hospital.

Other soldiers also started drawing birds, finding solace and distraction in this simple activity. On days that Dorie visited, the hospital had bird drawing contests and soon the ward was filled with bird drawings.

Sadly, Dorie was killed in 1946 at the age of 10 after being struck by a car. Her funeral procession was attended by soldiers who tossed bird drawings into her grave, honoring her memory and the joy she brought to them.

How to Draw a Bird

Draw a Bird Day has evolved over the years into an international event, bringing together people of all ages and from all walks of life. To participate, all you need to do is draw a bird! There are no rules regarding the type of bird or the medium used; it can be as simple or as detailed as the artist wishes.

Drawing a bird can be a fun and creative activity. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you draw a basic bird:

Step 1: Draw the Body

  • Start by drawing an oval shape for the bird’s body. This doesn’t have to be perfect; a slightly elongated oval is a good start.

Step 2: Add the Head

  • Draw a smaller circle or oval for the head, connecting it to the body. Make sure the head is proportionate to the body.

Step 3: Draw the Beak

  • Add a small triangular shape on the head for the beak. The base of the triangle should be on the head, pointing outward.

Step 4: Add the Eyes

  • Draw a small circle for the eye, placing it above the beak. You can add a tiny dot inside for the pupil.

Step 5: Sketch the Tail

  • Draw a series of connected, slightly angled lines at the back of the body to form a tail. It can be as long or as short as you like.

Step 6: Draw the Wings

  • Add a wing by drawing a curved line starting from the top of the body. Then, draw another curved line from the bottom of the body to meet the first line, forming a wing shape.

Step 7: Add Legs and Feet

  • Draw two straight, parallel lines down from the bottom of the body for the legs.
  • At the end of each leg, add small lines for the feet.

Step 8: Detailing

  • Add details like feathers by drawing small lines inside the wing and tail.
  • You can also add a few lines on the body for texture.

Step 9: Final Touches

  • Erase any unnecessary lines to clean up your drawing.
  • You can add a background like branches or clouds if you want.

Step 10: Coloring (Optional)

  • Color your bird. Be creative! Birds come in all sorts of colors, so feel free to use your imagination.

Tips:

  • Start with light pencil strokes to make erasing mistakes easier.
  • Look at pictures of birds for inspiration, especially for coloring and additional details.
  • Practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first few birds don’t look exactly how you want.

Draw a Bird Day is more than just a day for art; it’s a day that celebrates life, resilience, and the human spirit. It reminds us of the power of simple gestures and how art can be a universal language for healing and connection. This day encourages people to explore their creativity, to share joy with others, and to remember a little girl whose visit to a hospital brought about a tradition that continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.

More Bird Holidays

BirdTipper features a long list of bird holidays throughout the year including these special observances:

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