Wood Stork

Far from the warm coastal wetlands of the Southeast, this solitary wood stork stands quietly among unfamiliar branches, its long journey written into every careful step. Native to the marshes and swamps of the southern United States, wood storks are rarely seen in Colorado, making the arrival of this wandering bird in Broomfield both surprising and unforgettable. For days, locals followed sightings of the lost traveler as it rested along ponds and open water, a glimpse of southern wetlands carried unexpectedly into the Front Range.

This painting captures that unlikely encounter — the elegance of the bird against deep shadows and tangled greenery, poised between resilience and uncertainty. Painted in acrylic with rich contrast and layered detail, the piece tells a story of migration, instinct, and the strange beauty of finding something rare far from where it belongs.