Our New Mural

Tori Shao painting,  photo courtesy of Carol Roll

by Ellie Yamanaka, Communications Manager

Birds Connect Seattle hired local artist Tori Shao to create a feature mural for our new headquarters. Our mural highlights two local bird species, the Swainson’s Thrush and the American Bittern, as well as showcasing additional native bird and plant species throughout the work.

American Bittern | Margo Burnison | Audubon Photography Awards

Tori Shao is a Seattle-based illustrator and landscape architect with a passion for exploring the intricate ways in which we connect with the world around us: through nature, the built environment, or the stories we share. Born and raised in Washington, her work is inspired by the state’s rich tapestry of diverse ecologies, geology, flora, and fauna. Working across many mediums, her pieces explore themes of community, growth, connection, conservation, and diversity.

Tori Shao painting the Birds Connect Seattle mural, photo courtesy of Carol Roll

When told that she had been selected as the muralist to craft this work of art for us, Tori noted, “I am thrilled and honored to be working with Birds Connect Seattle on this project! As an artist and a birdwatcher, the mural I am designing for Birds Connect Seattle aligns with both my creative and personal interests.” 

Early Design Sketch, image courtesy of Tori Shao

In describing the process for designing our mural, Tori noted, “It was very collaborative between me and the rest of the design team. Celebrating birds and their connections to our environment and culture are mutual interests of [mine and Birds Connect Seattle] and it was very fun to explore all the different possibilities.” The Salmonberry and Swainson’s Thrush were featured in some of the earliest concept sketches Tori provided when presented with the opportunity to create our mural. 

Red-winged Blackbird silhouettes, photo courtesy of Carol Roll

In addition to the Swainson’s Thrush and American Bittern, there are also Red-winged Blackbirds, a Brown Creeper, and a Pacific Wren silhouettes painted into the design. Surrounding the birds is a lush and thriving habitat, featuring native plants such as Salmonberry, Sword Fern, Western Columbine, Wild Ginger, False Solomon’s Seal, Common Cattail, and Yellow Pond Lily. Collectively, these elements are artfully woven together to showcase a thriving and interconnected ecosystem representative of the outdoor spaces that thrive throughout the Pacific Northwest. We hope that this mural stands as a reminder of the connection that we all share with the greenspaces around us, as well as the importance of these ecosystems for both people and birds to thrive. 

Bird Connect Seattle staff members pose in front of the the mural.

The Swainson’s Thrush has been of particular interest to Birds Connect Seattle, specifically through the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring Project, a project documenting bird-window collisions with the aim of reducing urban bird mortality. Thrushes are particularly susceptible to fatal window collisions. As Birds Connect Seattle continues to advocate for bird-safe building standards, we can be inspired every day by this beautiful, larger-than-life Swainson’s Thrush looking over our everyday operations. We hope that this mural can continue to inspire others to love and protect the birds that live around us, as well as spark curiosity to learn more about local bird species. 

Birds Connect Seattle Mural, photo courtesy of Tori Shao

 When the mural was complete, we asked Tori what her favorite part of the design was. She replied, “My favorite part of the mural is the brown creeper and the Pacific wren in the background of the understory scene. I love little details like that for those with an observant eye!” Learn more about our new space and come see our beautiful new mural during our grand opening events. See more of Tori’s art on her website or by following her on Instagram @torikinn.