For many years I failed to embrace the seasons. I am a “summer” girl through and through. It’s understandable… I grew up in the Midwest. Winters are harsh and, for a woman who loves sunshine, t-shirt weather, and running horses in green fields, it’s a long, cold, dark season. My love of sun and dislike of cold was a piece of what first led us to Africa. December and January in Africa are heavenly for this summer soul.

I’m not sure exactly when I began to appreciate all the seasons and the roles they play in our lives. But I know it was in nature that I learned to embrace them. Watching the cycles in wildlife has taught me to see beauty not only in times of abundance, but also in the quieter transitions—between plenty and rest, vibrance and retreat.

One striking example for me has been the wattled starling. For years I photographed them without realizing I was often looking at the same species in different “seasons” of life. In breeding season, the males are flamboyant, wearing their bright yellow wattles like costumes for a grand performance. Outside of breeding, they almost seem like different birds altogether—plain, subdued, barely noticeable, blending into the background.

They may not be as glamorous as lions or lilac-breasted rollers, but these starlings offered me a glimmer moment—a reminder that transformation is woven into the very fabric of the natural world. They don’t give a thought to their shifting identities; they live fully in each season. And slowly, I’ve been learning to do the same—meeting each season with curiosity and gratitude.

Savoring the Seasons

Listening is the Secret to a Deeper Safari Experience