I fell for birds over wildlife, despite my deep fondness for elephants since childhood, because of their sheer omnipresence and variety. The surprise of finding different species, their myriad habits (and habitats) and their range of songs is just too wide to not stop and take notice. Most importantly, while wildlife is barricaded within boundaries of a national park or sanctuary, birds can be found anywhere and everywhere. I don't have to plan a trip to Ranthambore or Gir to notice them. I can find them sitting on my window sill, or a tree outside.
Birds are not just free in spirit but also free in their beings. They can take off and be anywhere any time. It resonates with the kind of free being I wish to be, not just a free soul within the barricades of the society like most of us, bound by jobs and lifestyles, are.
-