Young artists in Georgia now have a chance to showcase their talent in the 20th annual Youth Birding Competition T-shirt art contest. This event invites kids and teens to create artwork of native birds, with winners getting their designs on official shirts and cash prizes, running until January 31, 2026.
What the Contest Offers Young Artists
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources kicked off this popular contest to spark interest in local wildlife. Kids from pre-K to high school can enter by drawing or painting a bird species native to the state.
The goal is to celebrate Georgia’s rich bird life, which includes over 400 species. Past contests have featured birds like the red-breasted merganser, drawn by 14-year-old Erin Moore from Marietta, who won in 2025.
Entries must focus on birds not used before, avoiding non-native ones like pigeons or parrots. This rule keeps the spotlight on Georgia’s natural heritage.
Artists should aim for accurate details and simple backgrounds that show the bird’s habitat. Bold colors work best for printing on T-shirts.
How to Enter and Key Rules
To join, participants take a clear photo of their flat artwork and submit it online. The deadline is January 31, 2026, and each person can send only one piece.
No need to join the actual birding competition in April 2026, though it’s encouraged for a full experience. The birding event lets teams spot as many species as possible in 24 hours across the state.
Here are some quick tips for a strong entry:
- Choose a native Georgia bird from the approved list.
- Use paper or canvas, keeping it 2D.
- Make the bird the main focus with high contrast for better printing.
- Avoid 3D elements or domesticated species.
Entries get judged in four age groups: primary (pre-K to second grade), elementary (third to fifth), middle school (sixth to eighth), and high school.
Prizes and Recognition for Winners
Winners in each division receive Amazon gift cards, with the top prize being $100 for the grand winner. Their artwork appears on the 2026 competition T-shirts, worn by birders statewide.
Runners-up get $40 cards, and other first-place artists earn $60. This setup rewards creativity at every level.
Last year’s contest drew over 100 entries, showing growing interest. For 2026, organizers expect even more as awareness spreads through schools and nature groups.
| Age Division | First Place Prize | Grand Prize Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (Pre-K to 2nd) | $60 Amazon Gift Card | Eligible for $100 and T-Shirt Feature |
| Elementary (3rd to 5th) | $60 Amazon Gift Card | Eligible for $100 and T-Shirt Feature |
| Middle School (6th to 8th) | $60 Amazon Gift Card | Eligible for $100 and T-Shirt Feature |
| High School | $60 Amazon Gift Card | Eligible for $100 and T-Shirt Feature |
This table highlights how prizes work, making it easy for families to see the rewards.
Why This Matters for Georgia’s Youth and Environment
Events like this build a love for nature among young people. Birding helps kids learn about conservation, especially with challenges like habitat loss facing many species.
Georgia’s diverse ecosystems, from mountains to coasts, support birds like warblers and eagles. Contests tie into broader efforts, such as the state’s wildlife action plan, updated in 2025 to protect biodiversity.
Similar programs nationwide, like youth art contests in nearby states, show a trend toward engaging kids in environmental stewardship. This one stands out for its focus on accurate, educational artwork.
Parents and teachers praise it for combining art with science. One educator noted how it inspires students to research birds, boosting both creativity and knowledge.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Birding Event
The art contest leads into the main Youth Birding Competition in spring 2026. Teams of two to five youths compete to identify the most birds during peak migration.
No prior experience is needed, making it accessible. Registration details come later this year, with past events drawing hundreds of participants.
This year’s push aligns with growing interest in outdoor activities post-pandemic. Birdwatching surged in popularity, with apps and local clubs seeing record sign-ups in 2025.
For questions, reach out to coordinators like Tim Keyes. His team ensures the event runs smoothly, fostering lifelong nature enthusiasts.
Share this article with young artists you know, and comment below on your favorite Georgia bird. Your thoughts could inspire the next winner.
