The son of a cabinet-maker, Greg Woodard grew up around wood. After high school, he worked as a switchman for the Santa Fe Railroad and carved birds in his spare time. After 10 years, he was laid off from the railroad and became a full time wood carver.

Working with tupelo gum, he fashions birds to appear as though they are about to take flight. He is especially fond of wood from the tupelo tree, which grows in bayous in the South. The strong dense lumber is ideal for carving details like claws and toenails. He designs the base first and then carves the bird to go with it. He works primarily on commission....