We are diving into some of the beautiful birds Lewis and Clark discovered and introduced to Western science. Also, look at my page Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook for more ideas.
Too, look at my page Free Bird Unit Study and Lapbook And Fun Edible Bird Nests.
Watercolor painting is a wonderful way to slow down and truly observe the details of the natural world.
As you paint Lewis’s Woodpecker, you are not just creating art, you are connecting with a fascinating moment in American history, scientific discovery, and wildlife observation.
This beautiful bird carries the name of explorer Meriwether Lewis, a reminder that art, science, and exploration have intertwined since long before us.
Lewis’s Woodpecker is one of the most unusual-looking woodpeckers in North America. Unlike most woodpeckers with their bold black-and-white patterns, this bird displays a dark greenish-black back, soft pinkish-red belly, gray collar, and a deep red face.
This beautiful coloring makes it an ideal subject for watercolor, where soft blends and layered washes can capture its stunning sheen.
BOOKS ABOUT LEWIS AND CLARK’S JOURNEY
First, look at these books about the journey of Lewis and Clark to add to your day.
14 Lewis and Clark | Sacagawea Exploration Unit Study Resources
Lewis and Clark is one of the most significant periods in American history and you can spend weeks exploring the lands and people west of the Mississippi with these fun books and resources.
Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Clark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.
Explore one of the most recognized figures in American history with this biography of Sacagawea. Kids will learn about her crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and her influential legacy. The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers.
Commissioned in 1803 by President Thomas Jefferson to explore and open up this vast territory, Lewis and Clark felt it was the realization of a lifelong dream. Against the hardships of the wilderness, possible attack by hostile Indians, sudden blizzards and terrifying natural obstacles, these two men led the Corps of Discovery ably and nobly to complete their mission. Their Corps included American Indians from the Sioux, Mandan, Shoshone, Clatsop and Chopunnish tribes. Sacajawea, the only woman on the trip, was a Shoshone woman who contributed invaluable service as interpreter and guide. Daugherty's evocative sepia and black ink illustrations depict individuals of humor, vitality, passion, and strength.
From the New York Times bestselling author the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time.
The only book ever written that tells the eyewitness truth about this famous teenage Indian mother who was indispensable to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
On May 14, 1804, the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois, heading westward under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and his Second Lieutenant, William Clark. While Lewis led the group in terms of rank, the two men became de facto equals, giving their names jointly to a journey that would shape the future of the fledgling United States — the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This book presents journal entries taken directly from the expedition.
Describes how Sacagawea found adventure guiding Lewis and Clark to the Oregon coast.
Take Your Own Journey through History on the Lewis & Clark Trail! Follow the journey of the Corps of Discovery from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello through the Midwest and the Rockies, to the Pacific Ocean and back with this detailed chronicle of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This third edition of the classic guidebook features accessible text that combines the historical sites and color maps that merge the past and present in a user-friendly and entertaining way.
In this epic graphic novel, follow the dramatic story of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In 1804, these two explorers, along with their "Corps of Discovery," traversed the unmapped American West, leading to scientific discoveries, interactions with Native nations, and route to the Pacific Ocean. Dramatic illustrations and fast-paced text provide a "you-are-there" experience. With extensive back matter, including a bibliography, extended reading list, glossary, and further Internet sources, young readers will gobble up this action-packed comic book about one of history's most compelling moments.
In The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad, readers ages 9 to 12 can delve into the explorations of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other explorers. They can learn about the more than half a million people who followed during the nineteenth century. What challenges did these pioneers face on the 2,170-mile journey? How were Native American tribes and nations affected by this mass migration? Primary sources allow readers to feel like a part of the Oregon Trail experience while biographical sidebars will introduce the compelling people who were part of this time in U.S. history. Investigative, hands-on projects and critical thinking activities such as writing a treaty and researching artistic impressions of the Oregon Trail invite readers to further their understanding of life on the trail, early towns and forts, and the Transcontinental Railroad that followed the wagons into new lands and territories that would eventually become states.
A trade paperback edition of the award-winning tale of the journey of Lewis and Clark. When Seaman, a Newfoundland dog, met his new master in August of 1803, he didn't know that he would spend the next three years on an adventure of more than 8,000 miles to the Pacific Ocean and back. Seaman's Journal is based on actual entries in Meriwether Lewis s journal describing Seaman, and it presents an account of the Lewis and Clark expedition as seen from the viewpoint of Lewis s dog. Join Seaman before the trip as preparations take place. Meet the Native American guides and friends they encountered along the way. And read of Seaman s love for Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman whose husband acted as interpreter and guide. Ages 5-8.
Describes the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
Following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery as they navigate the muddy Missouri River and begin a great adventure, this activity book is set against the background of the vast North American continent. It takes children from President Jefferson’s vision of an exploratory mission across a continent full of unique plants and animals through their dangerous and challenging journey into the unknown to the expedition’s triumphant return to the frontier town of St. Louis. Twenty-one activities bring to life the Native American tribes they encountered, the plants and animals they discovered, and the camping and navigating techniques they used. A glossary of terms and listings of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, and related websites round out this comprehensive activity book.
Sacajawea was a brilliant, multilingual Shoshone girl who was torn from her home at a young age. In 1804, she set out with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, acting as an interpreter and guide across hundreds of miles of unmapped land to reach the Pacific Ocean. Almost 200 years later, she became the first Indigenous woman to appear on a US coin. This is her story.
Even more surprising than its coloring is its behavior. Lewis’s Woodpecker often catches insects in midair, flying more like a swallow than a typical woodpecker
ABOUT LEWIS’S WOODPECKER BIRD
Instead of constantly drilling into trees, they frequently perch on exposed branches, scanning the air for insects before swooping down to catch them. It also feeds on berries, nuts, and acorns, storing food in tree crevices for later use.
These birds prefer open woodlands, especially areas with dead trees, which provide nesting sites.
As the Corps of Discovery traveled westward across unfamiliar territory, they carefully recorded the plants and animals they encountered. Lewis’s Woodpecker was first documented during the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806).
Meriwether Lewis was particularly detailed and diligent with his notes, describing new species with detail even though he had no formal training as a naturalist.
This woodpecker was later named in his honor, preserving his contribution to early American natural history.
But there is much more to it than just art, you can expand upon your study and dive into multiple subjects.
- Art: Study color blending, feather texture, and light reflection through watercolor techniques.
- Science: Observe bird anatomy, behavior, habitat, and diet.
- History: Explore how early explorers documented wildlife and why their journals mattered.
- Geography: Locate where Lewis’s Woodpecker lives today and trace the expedition’s route on a map.
Lewis’s Woodpecker was just one of many birds documented during the expedition. In fact, the explorers recorded over 100 animal species, including several birds previously unknown to science at the time.
10 MORE BIRDS LEWIS AND CLARK DISCOVERED
Studying these birds alongside your watercolor project helps place your art in a larger historical and scientific context. Choose as many as you like to recreate in watercolor to go along with Lewis’s Woodpecker.
Western Kingbird- This energetic flycatcher with a yellow belly and gray head was recorded in the open areas of the West.
Clark’s Nutcracker- Named for William Clark, this gray-and-black bird is important to forest ecosystems because they help in spreading pine seeds. Their relationship with whitebark pine trees is a great example of mutual dependence in nature.
Western Meadowlark- Famous for its beautiful song and bright yellow chest, this bird was well described by Lewis and Clark during their journey through the plains.
White-crowned Sparrow- This small but distinctive bird with bold head stripes was another important addition to early American bird records.
Western Tanager- With its bright red face and yellow body, the Western Tanager stands out as vividly as Lewis’s Woodpecker and makes an excellent subject for future art studies.
Mountain Bluebird- This vivid blue bird was noted during the expedition as the explorers moved into the Rocky Mountains. Its bright coloring makes it stand out in journals and makes it a beautiful subject for art or nature study.
Clark’s Nightingale– Despite its name, this bird was not a true nightingale. Early explorers often used familiar European bird names to describe unfamiliar North American species. Today, Clark’s Nightingale is known as the Western Scrub-Jay.
Western Grebe- This elegant waterbird with a long neck and striking red eyes was documented as the expedition encountered western lakes and waterways.
Long-billed Curlew- Recognized by its very long, curved bill, this shorebird was described by the explorers as they crossed open plains and wetlands.
Black-billed Magpie- A highly intelligent bird with bold black-and-white markings and a long tail, the magpie was often mentioned because of its curiosity and bold behavior around camps.
MORE WAYS TO DISCOVER WITH LEWIS AND CLARK
- What Plants And Animals Did Lewis And Clark Discover on Their Famous Trek & Bitterroot Craft
- Easy Lewis And Clark Map Activity For Young History Buffs (Free Maps)
- Unit Study Ideas | Lewis and Clark Exploration Lapbook
- 22 Free Lewis & Clark Activity Posters (You Don’t Want to Miss These)
- Mighty Mississippi book & Sediment Activity
- Cooking on the Trail
- Lewis and Clark Expedition – The Ultimate Guide
- Lewis and Clark Louisiana Purchase Edible Map
- Hands-on History. Make a Char Cloth
- How To Make An Easy Ink pot & Quill Pen with Berry Ink
- Free Westward Ho History Cards
- 10 Westward Expansion History Fun Coloring Pages
- Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook
- Spectacular Lewis And Clark Plants Drawings | 7 Quick Botany Art Lessons
LEWIS WOODPECKER WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL
Lewis’s Woodpecker reminds us that discovery is not just about traveling to new places, it’s about paying attention to what is right around you.
Through watercolor, you practice the same careful observation that early naturalists relied on. Each brushstroke becomes a quiet exploration of color, history, and the beauty of God’s creation.
You will need:
- Watercolor Paper
- Paintbrushes
- Sharpened pencil
- Fine line black pen
- Water
Using a sharpened pencil, sketch out the general shape of the woodpecker’s head and body, don’t worry about drawing it exactly, we just want to figure out our proportions.
Once you have the rough shape and size set you can add more curve and detail for the head, wings, tail, etc.
Erase the lines until they are light and can barely be seen, this faint outline will help you form your bird with watercolor.
Start with the lightest watercolor, this would be around the neck, a very light grey collar.
Now paint the green areas, with a light wash, you can darken with additional layers later.
You can wait for your painting to dry between colors or use a blow dryer to make it go faster.
Once the paint has dried to the touch, carefully brush the pinkish-red on the face and belly.
Once the red has dried, paint in a black beak.
And feet.
Go back over the green areas to darken, switching between at least 2 shades to give it more depth, use darker green to help outline the wings, tail, and give the appearance of feathers.
Continue to let dry and layer until you are satisfied with the dark green.
Let the bird dry and “paint” all the area around it with clean water, then add light blue paint and smooth it around to create a sky. The water helps it stay light and loose.
Once the sky is dry, paint on a limb for your bird, including two tones for the wood and leaves.
