We asked kids to draw ducks, and we were dazzled by their entries.

by JULIE DO, COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

The results of California Waterfowl’s Draw-a-Duck Contest are in, and the winners are:

Top left: Patrick Driscoll, 2nd grade (K-3 category). Top right: Alyssa Madding, 6th grade (4-6). Bottom left: Braden Rouse, 9th grade (7-9). Bottom right: Haylee Menne, 11th grade (10-12).

CWA Staff Favorite: Sejal Sran, 6th grade

Using CWA Education Coordinator Molly Maupin’s “How to draw a duck” tutorial, participants went all out to create their very own duck drawings for the contest.

Patrick Driscoll, winner of the K-3 category, shows off his watercolor of a green-winged teal.

Students had a great time drawing all sorts of waterfowl. "This is awesome,” said parent Chris Driscoll, whose son Patrick won in the K-3 category. “He probably painted two dozen more after we found out about the program! Patrick took three days to finish his GWT to get all the colors ‘just right’ since none of the watercolors we had were correct,” he said.

Parents were just as happy with this activity as their kids. The ongoing COVID-19 shelter-in-place order has many parents working remotely while their children learn at home, and spending time making art is the perfect way to help kids stay occupied. (To find more K-12 activities to do at home, visit our Parent Resources page.)

“Thank you for giving our students something exciting to do during this difficult time!" said one parent.

Another was pleased with the timing, coming early in the shelter-in-place order. “I look forward to getting both our kids involved in future events online and in the field,” another said. “Thank you!”

California Waterfowl’s education team teaches students how to draw ducks primarily as part of the Junior Duck Stamp Program, where art and science meet in a drawing lesson that teaches kids about the importance of wetlands and waterfowl.

Art is not just a fun way to pass the time and encourage students to create something on their own; it also provides a way for them to take inspiration from nature and learn about the anatomy and natural habitat of waterfowl. Students start caring about ducks a lot more when they gain hands-on experience with ducks by drawing them.

“Teaching students at a young age about wetlands and waterfowl instills a passion for conservation that we hope will continue on through adulthood and important decision-making. The goal is to make this generation of small humans educated so that they can be informed adult humans when it comes time for voting, career choices and so much more,” says Molly.

CWA’s staff also joined in on the fun, drawing a series of waterfowl that ranged from adorable to tasty-looking. Check out their art on Facebook.

Congratulations to the winners, who will each receive a free California Waterfowl Sprig membership, and thank you to everyone who participated!