Arms of Allan Burnell Bird

Blazon

Gules a sea-griffin Or holding between its claws a star Argent, all within a tressure palisado Or;

Symbolism

The sea-griffin combines several references to Mr. Bird’s work and interests. In its role as a guardian, a griffin (or, more specifically, a hippogriff) has an association with security and intelligence work, and therefore represents Mr. Bird’s career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The wings of the griffin refer to his love of flying, and the fishtail to his interest in scuba diving. The palisado tressure, inspired by the CSIS badge, gives the idea of a fence and therefore of protection. The eight-pointed star is another symbol associated with intelligence services.