Fine Feathered Friends - The Symbolic Meanings of the Birds I Love to Paint

Different varieties of birds often find their way into my work. You could say that they are frequent flyers in my mind. 
 
Birds have a way of bringing people together. 
 
Young and old can sit together to watch birds, and contemplate life as they flitter about the trees singing their birdsong.
 
When I was a child, I'd sit with my grandparents on their back porch. We'd spend hours out there watching and listening for the birds. Dink, my grandfather, could identify each of the different sounds and could mimic the birds perfectly. Gran, my grandmother, knew the name of every bird.
 
Other than their beautiful colors and flying patterns, great symbolism and folklore is tied to birds. bThese meanings are passed down from generation to generation and that legacy is what brings me back to our fine feathered friends so often. 

Cardinals 

Seeing a Cardinal is often considered a sign of vitality and life, as their bright red color stands out even in the bleakest of environments. Cardinals are frequently seen as spiritual messengers, symbolizing a connection with loved ones who have passed away, offering comfort and assurance. Their presence can also signify renewal and the importance of staying strong and resilient through life's challenges.

Shop Canvas Prints and prints on paper featuring the Cardinal. 

Blue Jays

Blue Jays are highly protective of their territory. These vibrant birds are often associated with clarity of thought and the importance of communication. Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness, suggesting that seeing one might be a reminder to use your voice and be confident in expressing yourself.

Shop Canvas Prints and prints on paper featuring the Blue Jay.

 

Great Blue Herons

Seeing a Great Heron often symbolizes self-determination, patience, and the ability to adapt. These majestic birds are known for their calm, deliberate movements and their ability to thrive in various environments, reflecting a sense of balance and inner tranquility. The presence of a Great Heron can be a reminder to remain patient and methodical in pursuing your goals, trusting that slow and steady progress will lead to success.
Shop this canvas print featuring the Great Heron.

Goldfinches

Seeing a Goldfinch is often associated with joy, positivity, and the beauty of life. These bright, cheerful birds symbolize lightness of being and the importance of appreciating the simple pleasures in life. The presence of a Goldfinch can be a reminder to find joy in your daily routines and to focus on the positive aspects of your experiences.

Shop Canvas Prints and prints on paper featuring the Goldfinch

 

Hummingbirds

Seeing a Hummingbird is often seen as a symbol of adaptability, strength, and the enjoyment of life's simple pleasures. These tiny, agile birds are known for their ability to hover in one place and their swift movements, symbolizing the need to be flexible and to embrace change with grace. Hummingbirds also represent joy and playfulness, reminding us to savor the sweetness of life and to find beauty in every moment.

Shop this Canvas Printfeaturing the Hummingbird

 

Shop new Flying South apparel 

Birds are just special. The deep meanings they carry can help us move forward with positivity and optimism. Maybe one of these birds sparks a new sense of strength and resilience inside of you. And just maybe seeing one of these fine feathered friends daily whether out in the wild or on the walls of your home can give you the boost of confidence you didn't know you needed. 

We have a wide variety of canvas prints and apparel depicting birds and flowers in our online shop as well as prints on paper featuring the Songbird Symphony Collection through the Laurel Mercantile Co.

 

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