Power Portraits

Sometimes we recognize what makes us feel like ourselves before we understand why. Winston was perfect as the Belted Kingfisher, a color that’s helped him sit quietly beside the water for a long time, watching and waiting.

Sometimes becoming yourself happens quietly. And sometimes it arrives in emerald green with bright red hair. Jade was perfect as the Mallard – a creature that reminds us our appearance—and our lives—were never meant to stay fixed.

The Eastern Meadowlark doesn’t hide because it’s timid. It simply knows that beauty doesn’t need to shout. When Ashley chose the Eastern Meadowlark, it felt immediately right.

Angela holds space with quiet strength and effortless grace. Like the Blue Jay, she stands out — not by force, but by presence — learning to shine on her own, clear, bold, and unmistakably herself.

Xandra stepped onto the boardwalk at Pickerel Lake wrapped in rich browns, oxblood, and cerulean blue — embodying the wild turkey with boldness, grace, and grounded joy. As the wind caught her scarves like wings, she became a reminder that coming home to yourself can be its own kind of flight.

Kes moved through Huff Park like the American Kestrel itself — quick, observant, playful, and impossible to ignore. Wrapped in earthy browns and blue-gray tones, they embodied the fierce little falcon with startling grace and childlike joy.

Denisha stepped into the wetlands wrapped in jewel tones inspired by the Bufflehead duck — vibrant, playful, and full of contrast. As the sunlight filtered through the trees, she softened into the landscape and seemed to grow taller with every step.

Wren and Justice moved through the evening at Rockford Dam like two birds returning to the same branch — teal and gold flashing against the rushing water. Distinct on their own, but luminous together, they carried the kind of ease that only comes from being deeply known.