Still Perch Beneath the Florida Sky

Still Perch Beneath the Florida Sky by Kathy Corey is a piece that invites you into a quiet moment of observation—an encounter with nature rendered in oil on linen at a modest 20 by 16 inches. The painting centers on a Mangrove Cuckoo, a bird whose subtle beauty and reserved nature have long captured my attention.

This bird is portrayed perched calmly on a slender branch, set against a backdrop of clear, expansive Florida sky. Its plumage commands focus with a vivid orange torso contrasted by deeper brown markings on its wings and head. The tail feathers offer a striking pattern of black and white, adding a graphic element that draws the eye. Sparse green leaves cling to the branch, bringing a natural freshness to the composition without overwhelming the scene. The overall effect is one of quiet presence and stillness—a snapshot of a fleeting, serene moment in a coastal habitat.

Her inspiration for this work grows from a series dedicated to the Mangrove Cuckoo, a species native to the Florida Keys. These birds are elusive by nature, often settling quietly in dense mangroves where their discreet song punctuates the air. Their slender forms, distinctive markings, and low, croaking calls have been sources of both fascination and challenge. The bird’s tendency to remain still for extended periods captures that sense of peaceful watchfulness beneath the vast Florida sky.

Technically, the process demanded close attention to the bird’s unique traits: the contrast between its buffy underside and darker upper plumage, the detailed black-and-yellow bill, and especially the tail’s bold patterning. Balancing the intricate textures of feathers with the simplicity of the sky and foliage was key to conveying the quiet dignity of this often-overlooked species.

Still Perch Beneath the Florida Sky stands as more than a naturalistic study; it is an homage to the subtleties of life on Florida’s coastal edge. She hopes it evokes for you not just the image of a bird, but a moment of calm connection—a reminder of the delicate ecosystems thriving quietly, often out of sight, and the patience it takes to truly see them.