World Curlew Day

Happy World Curlew Day — and a wee Curlew Challenge for you!

Today, 21st April, is World Curlew Day, and I couldn't let it pass without inviting you to join in a creative challenge!

Growing up, I didn't really know what a curlew was. Not properly. My mum — who had the most beautiful singing voice — taught me traditional folk songs from an early age, and two in particular mention curlews and have stayed with me: Highland Lullaby and Dream Angus.

I'd harmonise alongside her, and those songs painted pictures in my imagination of something wild and haunting. The curlew was part of that world, conjured from melody and memory, long before I ever laid eyes on one.

I will always remember the first time I saw a curlew grazing at Lufness here in East Lothian.

A whole 'curfew' of curlews! With their long, curved bills and their plaintive calls. Suddenly, all those songs came flooding back to me, along with memories of my mum.

She's been gone a long time now, but moments like that remind me that some threads never break. The songs are still there, and so is she.

That feeling inspired my Curlew project a few years ago. My sister and I each have one of the two original curlew paintings I made—a little keepsake of everything the curlews mean to us.

So, in honour of World Curlew Day, I'd love to invite you to take part in a Curlew Challenge! I've attached a photo of a curlew below. Have a go at painting it in whatever style feels right to you and share it with the group.

The curlew deserves our attention. As one of the UK's most at-risk birds, your creative efforts can help raise awareness and inspire others to protect this beautiful species.

Happy painting, and happy World Curlew Day 💙

Kat 👩🏼‍🎨