I was invited to attend a conference focused on bird species diversity, with an emphasis on bird migration and the environmental ecology of the Greater Bay Area. Several professional scholars gave lectures before me, including prominent figures from political and environmental management fields, as well as adult experts specializing in bird ecology conservation. As a youth representative from the Greater Bay Area, I had the opportunity to deliver my speech at the conference.
While my knowledge of birds cannot match the expertise of those professionals, I believe my advantage lies in approaching the topic from a perspective that is closer to the lives of other students. As a student myself, I can make bird knowledge more relatable and encourage my peers to care about and protect the environment. My words and actions are likely more accessible and easier for them to connect with.
During my speech, I summarized my birdwatching experiences and tried to use interesting bird facts to spark the attendees' enthusiasm and interest in birdwatching. One of the earlier speakers, an ecology and birdwatching enthusiast who is also a biology teacher at the host school, said something that left a deep impression on me: "Learn to watch birds, and you’ve secured a lifelong ticket to nature’s theater."
If we think of nature as a grand stage, birds are indispensable performers, whether in terms of their roles or their behaviors. They illustrate a vital aspect of nature—the sky. Whether soaring through the blue skies of the plains, flitting in the shadows of dense forests, or perching on small trees near water, birds are everywhere. Unlike human performances, bird behavior is untrained, driven purely by their instincts as creatures of nature. Isn’t this the finest performance nature has to offer us? Observing these free spirits—soaring, hunting, nesting, flying solo, or gathering in flocks—requires no formal attire or extravagant spending. All it takes is a leisurely walk by a forest or river, equipped with a camera or binoculars, to truly experience nature in a relaxed and intimate way.
This speech allowed me to deepen my understanding of nature through different perspectives and gave me profound inspiration. As a student, having the opportunity to hear the insightful thoughts of adults is truly a rewarding experience.
