I took this picture of a sparrow at the local bird park. He was only visiting and compared to the mostly larger, mostly more colourful and/or exotic he looked almost ordinary. But I find his long, thin claws fascinating and I adore the yellow base of his beak. In his way, he’s unique. And, of course, he’s free.

I learned to appreciate even the common sparrows from a friend, who is the current world record holder of having the most birds species logged (10,000 species this year). He’s seen the most exotic world all over the world, sometimes arranging a whole holiday around seeing one particular bird. I’ve been on walks with him and seen him getting satisfaction out of watching sparrows and wood doves and crows.

Monday Portrait

.

.

..