Celebrating Art and Wildlife Conservation
Wings That Shape Our World
Birds have shared the skies with life on Earth for over 150 million years, carrying seeds across continents, balancing ecosystems, and connecting land, water, and air. From soaring raptors to tiny songbirds, they help control pests, pollinate plants, and signal the health of our environment. Yet today, many bird species are declining at alarming rates due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human interference. Through art and storytelling, we can honor the beauty of birds in flight and remind ourselves that protecting their future is inseparable from protecting our own.
THE VANISHING POINT:
AVIAN SPECIES ART CONTEST
The Vanishing Point invites young artists from around the world to take part in this international competition, dedicated to raising awareness about endangered avian species. This contest is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including those enrolled in primary or secondary schools or the home-school equivalent. College and university students are not eligible to participate.
Participants will be judged in four age groups, with Gold and Silver Awards, as well as Honorable Mentions, recognized in each group.
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Grades K-2
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Grades 3-5
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Grades 6-8
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Grades 9-12
Give wings to your imagination as you make a difference for endangered birds!
The 2025 Vanishing Point Art Contest
*Please review the rules and guidelines thoroughly before entering the competition.
Eagles inhabit vast open landscapes and rugged terrains, often far from dense human settlements, and include a diverse range of species adapted to life as aerial predators. This group encompasses powerful hunters like the bald eagle and golden eagle, soaring specialists that ride thermal currents, and migratory species that travel great distances in search of food. Eagles play a crucial role in terrestrial ecosystems, regulating prey populations and serving as indicators of environmental health.
Owls are masters of the night, inhabiting forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban edges across the world. With their silent flight, keen hearing, and exceptional vision, they are uniquely adapted to hunting in darkness. This diverse group ranges from small, elusive screech owls to large, powerful species like the great horned owl and snowy owl. As vital nocturnal predators, owls help control rodent populations and maintain ecological balance, making them an essential indicator of healthy ecosystems.
Perching birds, also known as passerines, make up the largest and most diverse group of birds on Earth. Found in nearly every habitat—from dense forests and wetlands to cities and farmlands—these birds are known for their complex songs, agile movements, and close interactions with their environments. This category includes familiar species such as sparrows, robins, finches, and warblers, many of which play key roles in seed dispersal, pollination, and insect control. Though often small in size, perching birds are essential to ecosystem stability and serve as sensitive indicators of environmental change.
Parrots are a diverse and colorful group of birds, including macaws, cockatoos, and lovebirds, found across tropical and subtropical regions. Known for their intelligence and strong beaks, they play a vital role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds, pollinating plants, and maintaining habitat balance. With many species threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, parrots are not only beautiful but also essential indicators of environmental health.
Cranes and herons are elegant wading birds, found in wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks around the world. From the towering sarus crane to the graceful great blue heron, these species use their long legs and necks to hunt fish, amphibians, and insects, playing a key role in controlling populations and maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Many cranes and herons face threats from habitat loss and water pollution, making their protection vital not only for biodiversity but also for the health of the wetlands they inhabit.
Waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and swans, are birds adapted to life on lakes, rivers, and wetlands across the globe. Skilled swimmers and foragers, they help maintain aquatic ecosystems by grazing on vegetation, dispersing seeds, and controlling invertebrate populations. Many waterfowl species face pressures from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, making their conservation essential for the health of freshwater environments and the diverse life they support.
Hummingbirds are tiny, dazzling birds found primarily in the Americas, renowned for their iridescent feathers and incredible hovering flight. Feeding on nectar and small insects, they are essential pollinators for countless flowering plants, helping sustain diverse ecosystems. Many species face threats from habitat loss and climate change, making their protection vital not only for their survival but also for the plants and habitats that depend on them.