I started by creating a motion guide in Ae using the trim paths effect along with the roughen edges effect. This gave me me full control of the length of the birds trail and the speed of its motion.
After I was happy with the motion I imported the render into Ps so that I could start cel animating on to of the path.
I started by drawing the head and the beak. Then I added the body and the wings on separate layers. I wanted the bird to look kind of multi dimensional, so I added the liquid/trail effect to help sell the style and the motion of the bird.
Simon sê 