But until recently I never appreciated the existence of my other neighbours – the birds and the insects. I thought nothing of killing them accidentally or destroying their habitat to make vegetable gardens. I ignored them.

One afternoon, I spotted the feathers of one of the many small birds that come twice a day to feed on the sweet nectars of the flowers and trees growing around my house.

When I learned that one of the neighbourhood boys had killed the small bird with his slingshot, I was truly upset.

I rebuked him and told him never to kill birds in the neighbourhood again. I reminded him it was not like a chicken that could feed a whole family and I pointed out my backyard was not his hunting ground.

Since then he has never tried to harm the birds, which came back to feed as usual. There is enough food around the house for them and there is no longer any danger. They can sense that I think.

There is a flowering plant next to my bedroom window and, at very close range, I can watch the birds feed. A small brown female bird and her red spotted male partner, of the species that was killed by the boy, always comes and feeds there.  

But as soon as the male settles, the female always flies in and disturbs him. Why she does that, I don’t know. Maybe jealousy; maybe part of a love game.

I have counted six different species of bird that frequent my backyard. They sing, feed and enjoy themselves all day until they disappear for the night.

A small greenish grey bird has built a nest in the branches of the thickest yar tree near my house. It recently flew off with three mature birds.

Whenever I step into my abandoned vegetable garden, now left to fallow, I see all kinds of insects – including three or four different butterfly species, different kinds of spiders, grasshoppers, ants, bees and many more.

Most times you would forget they are there, but when you step into their habitat they scurry away in every direction. Some fly, some hop, some try to hide, some remain motionless.

When you look more closely you will notice all kinds of tiny little creatures crawling and creeping about. Of all the insects, though, ants are the busiest, never a moment to spare.

I have tried to take pictures of all my neighbourhood friends but some are too fast and escape the lens of my camera. Butterflies, spiders, grasshoppers and the common honey bee are my best models – they do not mind me taking their photos.

Sometimes I sit on a wooden bench in my backyard for many hours enjoying their company. The songs from the tiny birds and insects are sweet to my ears, the colours of the butterflies, spiders and multitude of other insects are beautiful to behold against the green grass and in the beautiful flowers.

It is pleasing to see these children of nature enjoying a life of freedom.

So walk out of the door, step into your backyard and see what I mean.