Texas Artist Raylee Schobel Creates Beautiful, Colorful Bird Art

When Texas artist Raylee Schobel first stepped into the world of birding, it wasn’t on a guided tour or at a local park; it was on a whim.

A spontaneous road trip led her to a Master Naturalist group and eventually into the competitive yet community-driven world of birding tournaments.

Now, Schobel is bringing her passion for both birds and art to the 30th anniversary of the Great Texas Birding Classic, designing the official commemorative artwork.

Her work is rooted in printmaking, primarily relief techniques like linocut and wood engraving, while her birding experiences inform her depictions of wildlife. For the Birding Classic, she chose oystercatchers holding an oyster containing a pearl: a symbol of the tournament’s 30-year milestone.

“I wanted it to tell a bit of a story,” Schobel says. “The pearl is kind of a cute reference to the 30 years, but I also wanted to capture the idea of teaching younger people and connecting generations through birding.”

Birding has long been associated with retirees and older enthusiasts, but in recent years, more young people are picking up binoculars and exploring the outdoors. Schobel, a young birder and artist, is part of this growing wave of interest.

“For me, birding isn’t just a hobby — it’s a way to inspire conservation and mindfulness of the world around us,” Schobel says. “It all ties together — birding builds awareness. It helps people notice their surroundings, which naturally connects to caring about conservation.”

Her connection to the outdoors began in childhood, shaped by a love of nature and a sense of peace and belonging she found with wildlife.

“I’ve always felt a little different,” Schobel says. “Nature has just always been grounding for me.”

Schobel hopes her art will inspire the next generation of birders and artists alike.

“It’s good for you — and good for us,” she said, encouraging young people to explore birding and art.

Though she mostly birds around Central Texas, Schobel has traveled widely, finding inspiration in new places. “My favorite place I’ve ever birded was in Ireland during a study abroad trip,” she says. “Seeing all the new species there was amazing. I love exploring somewhere unfamiliar and seeing what birds are there.”

Back home, she frequently visits Spring Lake and the Meadows Center in San Marcos, a favorite local spot to combine observation with creative inspiration. Luckily for Texans, there are plenty of diverse areas for birding across the state.

Schobel’s story is a reminder that conservation and creativity can go hand in hand. Through her art, she connects generations, draws attention to the natural world, and brings fresh, youthful energy to a beloved tradition of outdoors enthusiasts.

The Great Texas Birding Classic, hosted annually by Texas Parks and Wildlife, is the biggest, longest and wildest bird-watching competition in the country. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the tournament draws teams from across the state to identify as many bird species as possible within designated areas. More than a contest, the Classic promotes environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation and community engagement, with funds raised supporting local conservation projects. Sign up by April 1 at birdingclassic.org.