Dorian van RaalteYellow-billed Kite

I grew up along the KwaZulu-Natal coast in South Africa, where the yellow-billed kite is a constant presence, always soaring in the sky if you take a moment to look up. From a young age, my parents told me that the yellow-billed kite was my spirit bird, watching over me — a thought that brought me great comfort. Even now, whenever I see one gliding overhead, I can’t help but smile.