Bright and early last Monday morning, six massive bamboo bird sculptures “landed” at Blithewold, the creations of The Myth Makers, Donna Dodson and Andy Moerlein.

This internationally-known, award-winning duo creates monumental sculptures from bamboo, inspired by their love of the natural world. In addition to bamboo, the sculptures are made from colorful up-cycled items and range in size from 15 to 30 feet tall.

The Myth Makers have completed over 50 projects over the past 13 years, working in 18 states, plus Switzerland, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The Myth Makers creative team visited Blithewold earlier this year and spent two days working with the Visitor Experience and Horticulture teams to select the perfect spots on the property to install the sculptures. That early planning allowed everyone to move quickly when the surprise news was received that there was a rare opportunity to have the sculptures this summer instead of next.

“From the start we found that Donna and Andy’s sculptures were the perfect fit for Blithewold. The scale of this property is perfect for these colossal pieces of art,” said Tree Callanan, Director of Museum Operations and Communications “Looking out at the Sandhill Crane from afar, you’d never guess it was well over 30 feet tall. We love that its height is such a surprise once you get right up to it.”

The exhibit officially opened on Saturday, July 27, and will run until next year, August 11, 2025. According to Callanan, the birds will be an integral part of this year’s Sparkle! attraction over the holiday season.

In addition to the Owl and the Sandhill Crane on the Great Lawn, a 15-foot-tall Eastern Bluebird greets guests at the Visitors Center. Gracing the front lawn is a 20-foot-tall Peahen, with a 20-foot-long tail that has doors and a tunnel-like interior that invites guests to wander in and out. Stroll up the path a bit to the Water Garden and you’ll find a striking 20-foot-tall Queenfisher whose crest is spiked with dozens of blue pinwheels. The Bamboo Grove contains one final surprise visitor.

 Blithewold is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about The Myth Makers visit themythmakers.org; for more information about Blithewold visit blithewold.org.