Webinar

Learn to Draw Sandpipers

September 2025

Join us to draw one of our smallest and sweetest birds — the sandpiper!

Scientific illustrator Dr. Julius Csotonyi will guide us through a detailed drawing of these shorebirds, and Kris Cu from Birds Canada will share with us about the importance of protecting these birds. We will learn more about sandpipers and form deeper understandings of the pressures they face during this drawing discussion.

Explore resources from the art lesson

Send your artwork to your local representative to help care for at-risk ecosystems. You can find your local representative here.
Learn more about the Fraser River Estuary, an important habitat for many shorebirds, and how you can help protect this coastal area.
Call for a provincial law that prioritizes biodiversity and ecosystem health. You can send a letter using our letter-writing tool.
Learn how to say “sandpiper” in the language of the Indigenous community on whose territory you live. Visit FirstVoices.com to find words, songs and stories about the ocean from different First Nations.
Check out more of Kris’ work, including photography and bird tours!
Learn more about our education program.

Did You Know?

B.C. is the most biodiverse province in Canada but doesn’t have a provincial law to protect endangered species or their habitats. Let’s change that.

take action for biodiversity today

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Julius Csotonyi

Dr. Julius Csotonyi is a scientific illustrator and natural history fine artist. He has a scientific background in ecology (MSc) and microbiology (PhD) which has taken him to study sensitive ecosystems, from sand dunes in the Rocky Mountain parks to hydrothermal vents at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

These experiences have fuelled a strong resolve to work toward preserving the earth’s biota. Painting biological subjects is one means that he uses to both enhance public awareness of biological diversity and to motivate concern for its welfare.

He paints murals and panels that have appeared in numerous museums (e.g. the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History), press release images for scientific publications, books, stamp sets (e.g. the 2018 “Sharks of Canada” set for Canada Post), and coins for the Royal Canadian Mint. His work is viewable on his online gallery, http://csotonyi.com

Kris Cu

Kris Cu grew up in the bustling city of Manila, the Philippines, and loved watching the Pied Fantails forage around his neighbour’s garden. Upon moving to Canada, Kris completed a Biological Sciences degree from Simon Fraser University and is now the Digital Media & Outreach Specialist for Birds Canada. In his spare time, Kris is also a wildlife photographer, birding guide and overall nature enthusiast!