Last spring I studied abroad in Tanzania. I keep getting notifications from Facebook reminding me that "one year ago today" I was in Tanzania learning Swahili and studying wildlife on a safari. It's a rather stark contrast to now, as I am currently struggling to stay awake in my genetics lecture in the very cold and very flat state of Ohio. However, I have no complaints and I am indescribably lucky to have had that experience.

Looking back through my pictures from the semester, I realized that my time in Tanzania was a formative fifteen weeks filled with people, animals and lessons I will never forget. Another thing I noticed while reminiscing, was that all my pictures of birds were gorgeous. I took countless non-flattering photos of my classmates, giraffes, wildebeest and other mammals (I even have photos of a hippo spraying poop into another hippo's mouth).

In contrast, every time I pointed my lens at a bird, it was already dolled-up en vogue just waiting for me to take the shot. I swear these birds don't have a bad angle! So, if you have even a modicum of self-confidence, let me shatter it with nine portraits of birds than are prettier than you. (All photos were shot by yours truly, now might be an opportune time to mention that I am a photographer)

1. Blacksmith Lapwing

Impeccable one-footed balance and grace that would put any Instagram-famous yoga couple to shame.

Location: Ngorongoro Crater

2. White-headed Buffalo Weaver

This stunning individual maintains a desirable figure despite stuffing its face with insects churned up by buffalo herds all day.

Location: Tarangire National Park

3. Grey Crowned Crane

Grey Crowned Cranes are incredibly beautiful dancers and they perform in all their glory during mating season.

Location: Ngorongoro Crater

4. Verreaux's Eagle-owl

The accent color on this Kingfisher absolutely blue me away!

Location: Tarangire National Park

5. Brown-hooded Kingfisher

The accent color on this Kingfisher absolutely blue me away!

Location: Tarangire National Park

6. Silverbird

Step aside gold...silver is the new face of elegance; oh, and did I mention her sidekick orange.

Location: Tarangire National Park

7. Helmeted Guineafowl

Fact: these birds were locally referred to as "bad luck chickens." Rumor: this hottie was the inspiration for Ludacris's song 'My Chick Bad.'

Location: Tarangire National Park.

8. Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill

Some people like their beaks with curves and this hornbill has the IT-factor!

Location: Tarangire National Park

9. Speke's Weaver

I saved my personal favorite for last because this bird is absolutely gorgeous (it is also the bird that sh*t on me and three of my friends).

Location: Enashiva Nature Refuge.