Backyard Birds: Junco in Flight

Sitting in the garden, I noticed two Juncos in flight overhead. They were catching the wind with their widespread wings, swirling around each other as if to dance. I watched until they were out of sight and imagined what it would feel like to fly with them. The grace and beauty of their synchronicity in flight had me reflecting on my new creative journey. I was no longer flying against the wind or fighting to be set free from my unfulfilling career. I was free to decide what came next and open to all the possibilities.

Allowing my creative calling to guide me feels a lot like flying with the wind at my back. I can go with the flow of the breeze and I’m in sync with all things around me. Ignoring my creative future is similar to flying against the wind. It’s exhausting and feels as if any sudden turbulence could send me crashing to the ground. Even small changes can feel catastrophic.

The Juncos weren’t fighting the wind, they were doing what they were meant to do, fly. When the wind changed, they turned with it. They adapted. That’s when I realized the parallels in life. When the wind changes in life, you need to be flexible to shift or correct course too. When challenges arise, don’t fight them or let them send you out of control. Instead, focus on what you can change, shift your mindset, learn from the experience no matter how painful, and find new ways to overcome the obstacles you face. Most importantly be prepared to adapt to whatever challenges you face so you can catch the wind again.

Inspired by watching the Juncos in flight, I chose to sketch this female Junco flying high with wings widespread and tail feathers ready to change direction with the wind.

This is the fifth sketch in my Backyard Bird series, titled Junco in Flight. Interested in purchasing a limited edition matted print of this high-flying feathered friend? Click here to see print availability.

If you liked this sketch, the story behind it, or something I wrote that helped you fly higher, I’d love to hear about it. Follow me on social media and subscribe to my posts to see what comes next in the Backyard Birds series!