Birds represent the souls journey through this life. The many ups and downs that we all experience and the lesson that underneath all of the organic  
matter, we are spiritual beings. They remind us to hope and to embrace our dreams. Man has always longed to fly, to soar nearer to Divinity and
through the medicine of birds we can achieve that.
Many paths teach that traveling deities and higher spirits take the form of birds. It is what gives birds the unique ability to carry our voices to the Divine.
If you find that bird medicine is with you, ask yourself if you need to let yourself "fly" a little more. Do you hold yourself back? Or on the other side of
that, do you need to ground a little more? In either direction, bird teaches us to embrace our inner spirit and explore it freely but without spending too
much time in the clouds.
Blackbird
It is important to note that not all blackbirds are black, there will be subtle differences in the lessons each species brings. As with any
bird, animal or stone, a good way to gauge the difference is to compare the dominant color to the chakra definitions. For example,
redwinged blackbird would represent clearing the seed chakra, opening to financial wealth and sensuality. It can also represent the
relationship you have with your mother.  Note the symbolism of their colorations and environments. Blackbird brings omens,
mysticism, reveals a fear that is ruling you, and opens you to receive new adventures and life experiences.
Bluebird
Bluebirds are part of the Finch family. They sing beautiful, happy songs and bring to you happiness, confidence and fulfillment in your
quest. They represent happiness and the innocence of childhood. Fun, sweet, peaceful and beautiful, Bluebird comes into your life to
remind you to not take life so seriously and allow happiness to become part.
Blue Jay
Blue Jays are actually in the crow family. Given their aggressive behavior, this should not really surprise anyone. The lesson they bring
is to use your voice wisely. Do you need to be more aggressive? Are you being a doormat? No matter how big your aggressor is, learn
from the Jay who does not give up or back down. Conversely, perhaps you need to explore if you are being too aggressive yourself.
Do you need to back down from someone? The true lesson is responsibility, wisdom and balance in the use of your inner strength.
Canary
Canary is a finch that has been bread to be solidly yellow. Reflecting the energies of sun and happiness, the bright yellow of canary
also represents the solar plexus chakra. Canary teaches you to listen to your personal intuitions and react to them. Instinct is
intrinsically important to every creature on this planet, why would you choose not to listen to yours? They have a beautiful singing
voice and bring to you the reminder that the vibrations of sound are healing and added empathy for others.
Cardinal
Cardinal is one of my favorite birds. There cheerful red color brings a smile to the long face of winter. When cardinal shows up you
are being called to raise your self esteem.  I had a friend point out an old wives tale that if you see a cardinal cross to your right then
money is coming in and to the left it is going out. I have paid attention to this over the last few months and it has proven to be
accurate.
Chickadee
Chickadees are all about the truth, if they are showing up for you then you need to pay attention to what is going on around you.
Chickadee warns that there is likely deception in the mist and conversely Chickadee may be telling you that you need to be more
honest yourself. This may also be revealing a tendency within yourself to deceive others. Open yourself up to the freedom that comes
in truth and honest expression.
Crow
Crow is a messenger to the Divine. They are highly intelligent and mischievous. Being very aggressive, they are fearless. Crow also
brings messages from past life to present and is a tool for communicating with crossed over loved ones. To send a message to the
other side, look into the eye of crow and speak your message and to whom it is for and when crow flies off, he will deliver it. With
crow, there is also an underlying warning against participating in gossip.
Crane
Being beautifully graceful, nothing instills creativity more so than Crane. If Crane shows up for you, you will soon rediscover parts of
yourself that you had forgotten. Crane also teaches the balancing of work and family life and recognizes that not every woman can
be the master of both worlds. Crane lets you know that it is not failure it is just different from the standards of today. There is no
fault in staying home to rear your children, it is not a sign of weakness. Just as it is not wrong to work, crane lets you know that you
are free to follow the beat of your own wings in making familial choices.
Duck
Ducks are very adaptable, learning to master many terrains. Duck can move easily between land, air and water, bringing you the
ability to shift between many different vibrations.  If duck has shown up for you, you will learn how to master all that is around you,
internally, spiritually and externally as well. Duck helps you to do this easily and will help you to release your fears  through its
comforting presence.
Eagle
Majestic, Beautiful, Astounding, all words that come to mind when thinking of the Eagle. They are capable of reaching heights that
were once only imagined by humans. If Eagle has shown up for you, embrace the flight of the Divine and receive the messages being
sent to you readily. Eagle has keen eyesight and awareness, through the medicine of Eagle, you will also be able to spot problems
long before the occur, listen to your inner voice.
Finch
Finches are all fun loving little birds with beautiful songs. When finch shows up you will find yourself in a more diverse environment
than you have experienced before. Open up and be receptive to new cultures and ways of life. Finch can also symbolize a need to
release narrow minded thought patterns. In order to be open to new people and places, you must remove the fears associated with
these new experiences.
Goose
When Goose enters your life you can expect a period of fertility and growth. Abundance, well being and conformity are all aspects of
goose. Sometimes goose may be letting you know that it is okay to conform while other times it will bring you a warning against
conforming too much and too easily. Find your own path, but don't go so far off that you are left in the back of the v and ultimately
get left being. Goose also brings fidelity in relationships and the magic of the inner child.
Grackle
Grackle teaches that things are not exactly as they seem. Examine your relationships closely and those around you. Is someone
keeping something from you or are you hiding your feelings from others in ways that you should not? Some things need to be
expressed and not held in, come out of your shell, speak what is on your mind and socialize a little more. Grackle is also all about
getting heard, if you find that you are feeling that no one is listening to you, grackle will teach you to speak up and be heard.  Your
voice matters.
Grosbeak
Grosbeak brings healing to old wounds and family situations. Our home life is the foundation by which we all function. If things at
home are out of whack then every area of your life will be as well.  When this little songbird shows up it is letting you know that you
need to paycloser attention to what is going on at home. Be certain that you are paying enough of the right kind of attention to
those that you love most...your children and your mate. That doesn't mean you should ignore the needs of the self, but find the
balance.
Grouse
Grouse reminds you to listen to your inner beat. Are you spending time in meditation or prayer? Are you making room for the sacred
in your life? Grouse have a beautiful dance that they perform and they remind you to participate in life while maintaining respect for
the Divine. After all, life is a dance that is meant to be respected and participated in, so get up and dance! Use the energy of rhythmic
dance for spiritual connection, meditation and manifestation.
Hawk
We are fortunate here to have a wide variety of hawks living in our area.  There is nothing so beautiful as to see a hawk soar through
the air, gliding on the currents as it pleases. Hawks are the great protectors of the Universe and if you find yourself visited by Hawk
then know that your Guides are looking out for you. If you see a hawk in passing then make a mental note of what was being said at
the time, notice the things around you in  that moment. Expect your life to intensify as you become more aware of the shadow world
that exists around  you. Hawk is vision, messages from Creator, guidance, protection, clarity and wisdom.
Heron
Heron teaches us t listen to our own inner intuition. Heron brings to us the reality that we are all capable of utilizing the gifts of
divination, all we have to do is be quiet and listen. With the  reconciliation of the conscious and the subconscious, heron ushers in
the time to learn respect for Divinity and find comfort with yourself and in your own gifts bestowed upon you by the Divine. Know
that you can reach deep into your subconscious and tap into the collective consciousness, enhancing your life and spiritual well being.
Hummingbird
As I was out walking my son, two little hummingbirds circled his stroller. This brought a bit of joy to an otherwise ordinary day and
was of course very joyous to watch him crack up laughing as they flew around him. And that is the energy that they bring, happiness,
a light spirit and healing.  Independent, tireless, able to maneuver in all directions and adapt to many surroundings, hummingbird
lets you know that even in the harshest of times, perseverance and laughter will win out.
Kestrel
Kestrels are the unassuming guardian of many wires and posts from sea to shining sea. Fearless and certainly not shy, they embody
gracefulness in flight while maintaining  a fierce hunting ability. Kestrels can actually hover above their pray in the manner of owls
and I have seen them take off in this manner roadside. If we adapt the control of the Kestrel to our lives, we will find that we will
accomplish more and be more effective in doing so. Clarity of mind and judgements, flexibility and control are the lessons of the
Kestrel.
Loon
Loons truly produce the creepiest sound I have ever heard. You would not expect such a sound from such a modest bird but it is a
sound that one can never forget. This eeriness is a symbol of its link to the dream world It was believed that the loon carried the
souls of the dead to the next world and I can fully understand where that belief came from. When Loon shows up, pay attention to
your dreams and freely explore new ways of thinking. Loon also teaches us to hold on to our hopes and dreams.
Meadowlark
Meadowlarks are bright little rays of sunshine bringing a reminder that the only thing there is to fear is fear itself. Confidence,
wisdom, and learning to trust your own instincts are messages brought on the wings of Meadowlark. Meadowlark reminds you to be
happy in your life and is the reigning royal of summer. Enjoy life and know that no matter where you are on life's journey, you are
exactly where you are supposed to be at just the right time for this learning path of life.
Mockingbird
Among the most annoying and yet fascinating of birds, mockingbirds are very curious and highly intelligent birds. They are quite
comfortable living around humans and have a tremendous ability to adapt. It is not uncommon to hear the M B version of car alarms,
babies crying and alarm clocks, of course we are all familiar with the taunting of kitties as they meow from on high, daring them to
come and play.  Their mimicry teaches the ability to adapt to any situation. Intelligently manipulating the environment to more
easily  protecting your territory as well as overcoming the fears that would otherwise restrict you.
Oriole
Orioles are happy birds colored by the sun in bright orange and yellow. Orioles are blissful happiness, ushering in a period of relief
and merriment. Include oriole in any work that you do to ensure a light hearted and cheerful demeanor. Representing the stability of
love and a strong relationship at hand,oriole lets you know that you are on the right path to lasting love. Oriole also keeps you from
getting tied up in the seriousness of a focused relationship and all other things that come with growing up by helping you to
rediscover your inner child and teaching you to lighten up and let the sunshine in.
Owl
Owl has certainly been given a bad reputation over the course of time, carrying with it many negative associations. This is mostly due
to owls lack of need for the spotlight, hunting in the dark and mostly keeping away from the prying eyes of humans. Make no
mistake, they are perfectly happy living in your barns and attics, but prefer to do so anonymously. Owl is associated with death and
surely this can be possible, but owl is not limited to dark omens. Owl is also all about strength, wisdom and clarity. Owl comes on the
scene to help you peer into the dark corners of your life and see the things that re hidden away. It is also beneficial to explore your
darker side, what is holding you back? Secret desire? Fear? Establish your own inner truth .Owls are silent and expedient hunters and
this is an important tool to use in life. Those with owl would do well to learn when to be still and silent, in observation of life around
you. Owls are generally solitary so don't be surprised if you find yourself or someone around you with Owl preferring their own
company over that of others. Owls typically despise large crowds.
Peacock
Peacocks are ferociously protective. Anyone who has spent any time at all around them learns quickly not to mess with them.
Through this innately protective attitude  we learn strength and the vigilant  protection of our territory. The beautifully mesmerizing
colorations of  peacock brings it the association with feminine Goddess energy, psychic vision and balance of the chakra centers.
Confident, strong, and stubborn, peacock is exactly the energy you need to bring balance into your life and to help you to overcome
feelings of inadequacy.
Pelican
If you have ever had the opportunity to watch pelicans in the wild then you know how interesting they truly are. They are buoyant,
flexible and adaptive. Unselfish almost to a flaw Pelican makes room for others and exhibits a consideration that is not generally seen
in the animal kingdom. It is not unheard of to see Pelicans sharing cooperatively. Pelican is a reminder to us that we can pop out of
or rise above any challenge that life hands us. Pelican also lets you know that it is okay to let others help you just as you should help
when it comes to your attention that someone is in need. Pelican is also a harbinger of unselfish behavior....learn to share.
Pheasant
Pheasants, like turkey represent abundance and good harvest. It is not a coincidence that these birds are often seen at holiday
celebrations. The greens are reds in the beautiful tail pheasants are most associated with fertility and family. Fertility is just anther
way to reference abundance whether it is in family or material goods. Love and appreciate that which you have, stand in the place of
gratitude. Pheasant teaches  you to be a little more loving while focusing on your home life.  
Pigeons
Pigeons are often viewed as nasty pests. In fact I myself am guilty of this as we have a mass ton of them that like to live in our attic. It
is easy for me to see and understand why so many initially dismiss this bird as the mouse of the bird world. But pigeon teaches us
many valuable lessons. They will always return to their homes and in this we may find ourselves lost and looking for our way back
"home". Even if you do not physically have a childhood home or otherwise to return to, you can embrace your heritage and the
comforts of the memories of your family. Pigeons will huddle together during a storm so the reliance of these memories will weather
you through your storm. Pigeons also multiply quickly and for this they are representative of fertility and abundance.
Quail
Quail has a very distinctive call and can help you to discover your souls name. This is a name that is carried with you from lifetime to
lifetime. They will react quickly and unexpectedly when in danger,taking off in a loud explosion. This behavior distracts and confuses
its predators allowing it to reach safety. Quail teaches us nourishment, to care for our bodies physical well being, fosters in
abundance, and the ability to react quickly and with confidence when in danger.
Raven
Quoth the raven," I am a mysterious bird and you may never understand all of my mysteries." Poe's fascination with the Raven and
its association with the macabre is of no accident. Raven is representative of both life and death. Raven clears away those who will
not walk in light and the benefit of the Universal all while ushering in new, productive life. Raven is our communication to the other
world. They can be trained to speak and will often mimic the calls of other animals teaching us diversity and adaptation. On the
other side of that coin, Raven also is the master of disguises and can blend into any situation as needed. Raven is an important tool in
working with the Spirit realm as it is comfortable, as is  its crow cousin, traveling between the two. Raven teaches mediumship,
finding the light in darkness, adaptation and knowing when to let go of lost causes.
Robin
Robins are nearly everywhere. They are thought of as the heralds of spring and will bring the new growth of spring into all areas of
your life. Robins are very territorial and will defend their area in song as opposed to force. Males will have great singing matches and
the one that out sings the other keeps the space. This teaches us to not be afraid to sing our own song and to pursue it with all
energy, seeing all obstacles as all talk and no action. Robin will show you how to correctly pursue your dreams.
Sparrow
Sparrows are very common but in this we should not perceive weakness. They are not afraid to stand up to any predator and have
been known to triumph in the face of great opposition. I have seen sparrows drive hawks away from their nests, daring to bully the
bully. This lends hope to all of us (regardless of our station in life) that we can persevere in a dignified and triumphant way in the face
of any obstacle. We can each fight Goliath and win.
Starling
This is another one of those birds that are thought of as dirty, annoying and a force to be treated as vermin. The lesson here is that
even in those that we would view with such negativity, there is worth to be found. The lesson here is that there is power in numbers,
If you have been entirely too withdrawn and find that you are having a hard time in succeeding on your own, Starling will teach you
how to seek out the right kind of help and to surround yourself with it. On the other hand, Starlings can be great bullies in their
group and thus warns against developing "mob mentality".
Stork
Universally we all recognize the stork to represent fertility. Storks are very doting parents and teach us to care more deeply for our
little ones. Stork is closely associated with humanity and there for seen as a door way into other worlds. Stork carries a link to the
subconscious and encourages the healing and reconciliation of the conscious mind with the subconscious.
Swan
Beauty, grace and self confidence are the lessons brought by swan. Graceful under all pressures and in all circumstances, swan
teaches us to maintain our composure and to express our inner magical self. Swan is the herald of the artisan as well as the voice for
the inner child. Be free in your expressions and from this you will find happiness and access to the mysteries of creation.
Swift
When I was a little girl, I thought that these were actually bats, Swifts are on the scene at dusk and often make their homes in
chimneys or other tight spaces. They are very agile and will respond to any situation with speed and intelligence. If swift is showing
up for you then you should be sure that you aren't acting too slowly in life and there for missing out on unseen opportunities.
Vulture
I love to watch turkey vultures circle over head. I realize this has not so savory purpose to it but in flight they are quite stunning.
Vultures represent purification They are  the great recyclers of the bird world, consuming things that would kill most other animals.
They are equipped with many bacteria fighting characteristics which is what enables them to do this in great health. When vulture
shows up for you, you may want to ask yourself if you are being wasteful? Are you taking life and the comforts now available for
granted? In the death that is consumed by the vulture, it receives life and so from this we see that all old things must pass away to
allow for the new to come in.
Woodpecker
Everyone is familiar with Woody but did you know that Woody was literal modeled after the Pileated Woodpecker which does
indeed sound like it is laughing like a crazy person. When we become stagnate and unmoving, woodpecker may show up to teach
you to beat to the rhythm of a different drum and in turn to follow the beats of your own heart. Woodpecker also reminds you that
you need to assess the people and circumstances around you. Make certain that everyone around you is supporting your path and
not intentionally blocking you. Drum beats are very clearing in and of themselves and the clearer your vibration becomes the more
easily and fluidly these blockages will fall away.
Life's short...fly groovy!
ShyOwl's Nest
Birds