We have been blessed with an abundance of birds in our garden. Years ago, Henriette and I said we would never be those people — the ones who stop to look at birds, identifying different sparrows, doves, and pigeons, or getting excited when spotting something new.

And then we spotted our first Namaqua Dove.

Now we are those people.

We spend hours exploring the great outdoors, searching for elusive avians. Life becomes infinitely more exciting when your own back garden can give you so much pleasure. Our home in Stellies has already gifted us over 45 species, including Henriette’s favourite — the Malachite Kingfisher.

Life becomes infinitely more exciting when you learn to notice the small things.