Nearly half of North America's birds are at risk of disappearing. But in one Minnesota town, artists are painting a different picture.

In the heart of Hopkins, vibrant feathers and bold colors fill downtown. The city is the first in Minnesota to join the National Audobon Bird Mural Project.

Francoise Shirley is the local voice leading the effort, partnering with the city, the Hopkins Public Art Committee and the Land of Lakes Bird Alliance to make the vision a reality.

"It was really disheartening for me to hear about what was happening to them," Shirley said. "When I heard about the bird mural project, I thought, I live in Hopkins Minnesota where they're already doing murals, and I know this is something that this city can get behind."

Three Minnesota artists brought the idea to life:

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