How a Canadian Migratory Bird Inspired My New Lifestyle

For more than 10 years, I’ve been nomadic.

A term that, when paired with “digital,” paints a pretty dumb picture: some shirtless guy or near-topless girl with a laptop in Bali, cold beer sweating in a glass full of ice, scamming money from clueless Western clients to fund the fantasy.

That was never me (because now I’m a Canadian migratory bird).

During my travels: I worked. I moved around. I built a business from scratch in Japan. I taught myself everything else on the road—from WordPress to copywriting to systems that sell.

Over that decade, I returned to Canada twice (and not by choice):

• The first time — my bike broke down in Shenzhen, China and it was beyond repair. My cross-Asia bicycle tour ended abruptly. So I came home and registered a company.
• The second time — I was deported from Indonesia during COVID. I’ll share the details soon (subscribe to my newsletter for updates on that story).

Now, its the third time. I returned to Canada on May 3, 2025, and this time is different.

This time, I return with intention.

I’ve always believed in the balance between choice and chance.

And, if I’m being honest, the nomadic life—at least the way I was living it—was fun but full of chaos. I recommend everyone try it, especially when you’re young. But for me, it no longer fuels my creativity.

In fact, it drains it.

I’m at a stage in my life where I want stability—I want to start nesting, if you know what I mean *wink wink*.

So, after a decade of learning what works—and what doesn’t—I’ve come to accept the truth:

• Some environments are not productive or healthy.
• Some people are not ideal partners (romantically or professionally)
• Some opportunities are not profitable or prosperous.

At least not for a Canadian migratory bird like me.

Red-Winged Blackbird as Lifestyle Model

Most people don’t think of birds when designing a lifestyle. I do.

At least, a chain of events after my return to Canada triggered an “ah-ha” moment that led to the discovery of my new lifestyle model.

First—I started a 100 Day Fitness Challenge.

It’s a mix of long-distance cycling, running, and backyard bodyweight workouts to strengthen my core and my cardio as I prepare for an Iron Man before I turn 40.

During my rides, part of my route is next to the Grand River (there’s a fantastic trail running from Downtown Galt to my parents’ place).

Along the way, I see dozens of Red-Winged Blackbirds.

Okay, so then I was being targeted on IG with an open job ad by Bïrch.

And that’s how I landed on my new personal brand mascot and a lifestyle that’ll have me escaping Canada’s winters every single year.

About the Red-Winged Blackbird

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The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is one of North America’s most widespread and recognizable migratory birds. Males are known for their striking black feathers and bright red-and-yellow shoulder patches, called epaulets, which they use for territorial display. Females, by contrast, are brown with streaks and often resemble large sparrows.

These birds migrate seasonally, traveling up to 800 miles between their southern wintering grounds and northern nesting sites. They follow established flyways and typically return to the same locations year after year—a behavior rooted in memory, not randomness.

Red-winged blackbirds often nest in wetlands, grasslands, and marshy areas, though they can adapt to parks and farmland if necessary. In Canada, they’re among the first migratory songbirds to return in spring, sometimes arriving when snow is still on the ground.

Their return is marked by distinctive calls—most notably the male’s “Ooo-kuh-REEE” song, performed from high perches to stake out territory and attract mates. Males defend their nesting areas with these displays, often chasing away rivals and intruders—including humans wearing red.

Outside of nesting season, red-wings flock together, especially during fall and winter, when they shift their diet from insects to plant-based foods like corn, rice, and wild seeds. Their internal systems even adapt—their gizzard enlarges to grind tougher seeds during the colder months.

Why the Red-Winged Blackbird Fits My Personal Brand and Lifestyle

I’ve always been drawn to two colors: yellow and red.

• Yellow because it’s tied to writing. Think For Dummies books, highlighters, legal pads. It’s loud, functional, and easy to spot.
• Red because it’s Canadian. It’s bold, high-energy, and unapologetic.

Then I saw the red-winged blackbird.

Black body. Red and yellow epaulets.

Migrates away from Canada for the winter.

It wasn’t just a match—it was me in bird form!

My *New* Migratory Lifestyle Model (Inspired by the Red-Winged Blackbird)

📍Summer to Fall – Canada Base

• Live and work from southern Ontario (or another Canadian city)
• Build and manage client relationships
• Focus on training, health, and productivity (e.g. 100 Day Challenge, Ironman prep)
• Enjoy seasonal weather, long days, and high-output routines

🛫 Late Fall to Spring – Escape the Cold

• Migrate to a warmer location: Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Okinawa, etc.
• Maintain remote client work (Fractional Copywriter model)
• Stay lean, creative, and inspired by new environments
• Rest, rebuild, and explore—without fully “starting over” each time

🔁 Repeat Annually

• Same migration route, same rhythm
• Travel by memory, less by impulse
• Maintain consistency in work, income, health, and identity

🧠 Core Principles

• Seasonal rhythm > perpetual hustle
• Stability during the productive months
• Freedom when the cold hits
• No burnout, no freelancing chaos
• Build a business around when and where you thrive

So yeah…

That’s the low-down how a Canadian migratory bird is officially my brand mascot and a reflection of how I intend to live my life… until I find my nesting partner *wink wink*.