Kilpatrick Wildlife Art - Wetland Exploration

Kilpatrick Wildlife Art - Hal D. Kilpatrick, Jr.

Wetland Exploration & Art Class

Hal Kilpatrick giving instructions on

how to correctly draw the body of a duck.

Hal showing the students from St. Joseph's School, Boynton Beach, FL how to draw a duck's back

One January, a class of local fourth graders, their mothers and teachers were treated to a morning of exploration at Wacodahatchee Wetland Preserve** with Hal Kilpatrick as their guide and instructor. The morning was spent observing, identifying and sketching various wetland birds and waterfowl. The kids were fortunate to be able to have close encounters with Blue-wing Teal Ducks, Blue Herons, Tri-Colored Herons, Cormorants, Purple Gallinules, Ibis, Florida Mallards, alligators, turtles and many other wetland species. The Great Blue Herons and Cormorants were actually nesting within 10 to 15 feet of the observation platform, so the kids were able to see their young.

Once back at school, the kids were given instruction on finishing their sketches with watercolors by Hal Kilpatrick. Some children were interested in sending their finished pieces in as entries in the Junior Federal Duck Stamp Competition. "It is always very rewarding to introduce children to the wetlands and see their enthusiasm for nature. To bring nature and art together was a great experience for all of us. I think the Moms liked it just as much as their children and I think they asked just as many questions. We all had a great time out there. Many thanks to St Joseph's Episcopal School, School of the Arts for helping bring this together for the students. The day was a great success.

Taking a picture with Emily,

one of the fourth grade students.

Hal Kilpatrick at Wakodahatchee, St. Joseph's School, Boynton Beach, FL, Emily, 4th grader

**The Wacodahatchee preserve is a highly recommended location for viewing local and migratory birds and waterfowl in Southeast Florida.