An example of a Yellow-rumped Warbler illustrated by an advanced student for the Songbird Art Contest.

The Songbird Art Contest highlights migrating birds to encourage outdoor participation and conservation learning as students return to school. Wildlife Forever encourages teachers, parents, and students to use the Songbird Art Contest to help children discover and appreciate migrating birds. Students can submit their artwork with a written essay for awards and prizes until November 30th, and winners will be announced on National Bird Day, January 5th.

The official bird species list for the 2021 Songbird Art Contest includes American Robins, Black-Capped Chickadees, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Veerys, and Wood Thrushes.

“Through art and creative writing, the Songbird Art Contest gives students the opportunity to learn about wildlife, connect to nature, and empower a lifelong appreciation for birds,” said Pat Conzemius, President of Wildlife Forever.

The Art of Conservation: The Songbird Art Contest is an art and writing contest created by Wildlife Forever in partnership with the Jay N. Darling Legacy Center, focused on sharing the wonder and species diversity of North American songbirds. To enter, young artists create an original illustration of their choice of a bird listed on the official contest bird list, along with a written essay about lessons learned about the bird and efforts to conserve the species they choose. Entries are judged in 4 age groups: K-to-3rd grade, 4th-thru-6th grades, 7th-thru-9th grades, and 10th-thru-12th grades. And adults shouldn’t feel left out, because the Songbird Art Contest – Adult Division will be announced in 2022.

For more information about the Songbird Art Contest, see https://www.wildlifeforever.org/songbird-art-contest/