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SatApr 8

Draw a Bird Day – April 8, 2023

Draw a Bird Day is celebrated every year on April 8. This day is not about drawing or artistic skills, but about having fun and sharing drawings of birds. There is no need in being an expert in drawing to celebrate this day. The key is to spread joy and pleasure as everyone shares their drawings regardless of how they look. It is a movement that originated in the U.K. in the 1940s. You are free to sketch any type of bird. You have the option of drawing a chicken, chaffinch, peacock penguin, or puffin. You’ll be astonished at how many different kinds of birds there are if you do an internet search.

History of Draw a Bird Day

Draw Bird Day originated in 1943. It is said that Dorie Cooper — who was 7 years old — visited her uncle at the hospital in the U.K. Dorie´s uncle was wounded in the war, having lost his right leg to a land mine. When Dorie came to the hospital, she asked her uncle to draw a bird to cheer him up and make him forget what he had been through in the war. After seeing her uncle’s picture, she started laughing and exclaimed that he was not a good artist.

Although the picture of her uncle was not very good, she decided to hang it in her room. Her uncle’s spirits were lifted by Dorie´s action. She demonstrated being an empathetic person being only seven years old. Every time Dorie came to visit her uncle thereafter, other wounded soldiers also had their day brightened by the event and held drawing contests to see who could produce the best bird pictures. The entire ward’s walls were decorated with bird drawings within several months.

Three years later Dorie was killed in a car accident and her coffin was full of bird drawings made by soldiers, nurses, and doctors from the war. Draw a Bird Day is celebrated to express joy in the simplest of things in life and as a way to help soldiers to forget the war at least for a short time. Dorie helped her uncle to forget the war by something as simple as drawing birds.

Draw a Bird Day timeline

1943
The Hospital Visit

The then seven-year-old Dorie Cooper visits her uncle at the hospital and asks him to draw a bird.

1946
The Car Accident

Dorie is hit by a car and dies; at her funeral, there are many bird pictures and drawings.

1947
Draw a Bird Day is Celebrated

From 1947 onwards, the day is celebrated every April 8 to commemorate the very simplest of things in life.

2011
Draw A Bird Day On Twitter

The day starts being celebrated on Twitter with the hashtag #DABDAY.

Draw a Bird Day FAQs

Where can you send your bird drawing?

You can post your drawing on “Twitter” using the hashtag or send it by email to a magazine or newspaper.

How can you draw a picture of a bird?

Choose a good quality pencil and paper. Then, sketch the basic form of the bird you are trying to draw, and finally, erase and redraw as needed.

Which bird is the easiest to draw?

This answer depends on the person. If you are a good artist, all types of birds will be easy. But if you are not good at drawing, you better start drawing a penguin.

Draw a Bird Day Activities

  1. Draw your bird

    There is no better idea than drawing and sharing your bird drawing. You can draw whatever bird you like, for instance: a woodpecker, hummingbird, or parrot.

  2. Make an appointment to go birdwatching

    You can go birdwatching in a park or forest near to you. You'll be astounded by the variety of birds you'll see.

  3. Make sure to use the hashtag #DABDAY

    As it is an ornithological day, it’s the perfect opportunity to tweet, so make sure to use the hashtag. Get your friends and family to use the hashtag also!

5 Interesting Facts About Birds

  1. There are numerous species

    The are approximately 10,000 different types of birds all varying in size and color.

  2. They are experts in migrating

    A lot of birds migrate from one country to another depending on the season, this has to do with the weather and the availability of food.

  3. They are very good at communicating

    They chirp and sing for many reasons, such as, to warn other birds of danger, and to scare predators.

  4. Some birds can mimic humans

    Birds such as parrots, crows, and ravens have proven they have an ability to ape humans.

  5. Ostriches have unique features

    Ostriches have the largest eyes and legs of any mammal on land.

Why We Love Draw a Bird Day

  1. Birds are beautiful

    Birds are beautiful creatures. Their existence and chirping enhance the beauty of nature beauty.

  2. Watching birds can help you relieve stress

    Watching birds in their habitat is an effective and reliable way to gain perspective and relieve stress. Getting out into the fresh air is great for the mind, body, and soul.

  3. Provides an intimate connection

    Birdwatching is important because it provides an intimate connection between people and their natural environment. People who share a connection with nature and spend time observing wildlife have a stake in ensuring its preservation.

Draw a Bird Day dates

YearDateDay
2023April 8Saturday
2024April 8Monday
2025April 8Tuesday
2026April 8Wednesday
2027April 8Thursday

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