Every Bird Has a Story

The idea of having larger than life birds adorn a wall somewhere in our city, was presented to us by Brian Voris.  Brian imagined it as dramatic way to draw attention to our colorful wildlife neighbors and the plight of all birds in facing the challenges of climate change and habitat loss.

Of course we were very excited with this opportunity and with Brian’s concept and when the Murales Guadalupe committee offered us a location along the Las Cachinches, we knew the stars were in alignment.

Having our mural located along a stretch of this often over-looked cultural, ecological and historical waterway in San Miguel allowed us to not only spark a deeper connection to birds, but highlight the potential of Las Cachinches as a place for people to connect with nature.

After a call for proposals, by several talented artists, Brian and his wife, Nancy, commissioned local artist, Juan Jesus Valenzuela Martinez, assisted by Carlos Ontiveros, to paint the mural.  The Voris’ were particularly impressed by Jesus’ characterization of the birds in the sketch he submitted as part of the selection process.  Jesus has been painting murals and participating in urban art expositions for over 10 years,  He has completed several striking murals in Colonia Guadalupe in recent years.

On February 19th, 2022 the two artists began to draw in the lines of the birds.  They then began to layer in the colors and details over the course of 10, many of them long, days.

Who are the birds?  They are species that you will commonly find along Las Cachinches and throughout the San Miguel municipality:  Great Kiskadee, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, House Finch and the Broad-billed Hummingbird.  Some have beautiful songs or boisterous calls that let you know they are in the hood, and most of them will draw your eye to their brilliant colors or the striking pattern of their feathers.

The mural, entitled “Every Bird has a Story” includes a QR code that will lead people to a special page on our website that tells the story of each of the birds.  Our desire is to spark people’s curiosity about these birds and help them become better acquainted with all of our local birds; recognizing them not only as “backyard” neighbors, but as a valuable part of our community for the important ecological contributions they make and the joyful moments of wonder they bring to our lives. 

Our vision is that as a community we will commit to restoring and enhancing habitats for wildlife to ensure that they always have a home in San Miguel.