Earlier this year, I found myself lost in thought, seated on my couch and gazing out the window, drawn by a beautiful sound. The melodious chirping of birds filled the air, and my eyes followed the song to a little bird perched on a branch above my house. As I watched it take flight and disappear into the distance, the image of that little bird stayed with me.

Inspired, I began capturing images of the birds around my compound. Each photograph filled me with a sense of wonder at the diversity of life surrounding me. It is easy to forget, amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, that we are just one small part of a much larger system. A nagging sense of freedom and ecological humility weigh heavily on my mind. It reminds me that we are not the masters of nature, but rather, we are akin to it.

As I watch the birds soar and the insects move about, I am reminded that they are free to live their lives without the constraints that we humans often face. They are simply free to be.

Perhaps, then, we can learn something from the birds and other creatures that we share this planet with. We can learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and recognize our place within it. We can learn to live with greater humility and respect for the environment that sustains us and cherish the freedom that comes from being a part of this incredible system.

So far, I've seen ten different bird species, From the Red-billed Fire finch to the streaky seedeater, the Kenya Rufous Sparrows, the Variable Sunbirds, the Hamadan Ibis, the African Paradise Flycatcher, the olive sunbird, the Baglafecht Weaver, the Black Kite, the White-browed Sparrow-weaver, and the Abyssinian Thrush. It's not just the birds—it's the flowers, insects, and so much more. Each sighting is a testament to the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world.

As I continue to observe the birds in my compound, I know that for as long as there are birds in the sky and trees to perch on, there will always be a reason to hope, dream, and strive for a better world.