Every April 8th is observed as Draw a Bird Day. It’s a day that encourages people of all artistic skill levels to try their hand at drawing a bird. It’s not actually about who can draw a feathered friend better, but more about having a little bit of fun.

This holiday has been observed since World War II, and millions of people all over the world have participated in it. For those interested in observing this day, all they need to do is pick their favorite bird subject. It can be a dove, a turkey, or a penguin. It really doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they have a good time.

The History of Draw a Bird Day

This holiday can be traced back to a 7-year-old girl named Dorie Cooper who was visiting her uncle at a hospital in the United Kingdom in 1943. Her uncle had stepped on a land mine during the war and lost his right leg.

She visited his hospital room and attempted to cheer him up by asking him to draw a picture of a bird. This little distraction worked, and he temporarily forgot about his injuries. Did her uncle do a good job of drawing a bird? No, and Dorie even told him that he wasn’t a good artist.

Every time Dorie visited her uncle, she would cheer him up by having him draw a picture of a bird. Soon, the practice was extended to other wounded soldiers. It didn’t take long for this practice to then spread beyond the confines of the hospital and be used as a way to cheer up people all over the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, at the age of 10, Dorie would be killed in a car accident. As a tribute to the impact she made in her short life, her coffin was filled with bird drawings from soldiers, doctors, and nurses from the war. Her act of kindness and the holiday it inspired would continue to help those who need to be cheered up. And we can’t think of any better reason to celebrate Draw a Bird Day than that.

Observing Draw a Bird Day

This day is easy to celebrate. All that needs to be done is to encourage someone who is feeling down to draw a picture of a bird. Perhaps that person is a good friend, a coworker, a relative, or even yourself. Everyone who draws their own unique bird picture can then post it to the internet using the hashtag #DrawABirdDay.