Global Sojourns Photography
Photography & Philosophy
The Sparrow and The Red-Crowned Crane
A small sparrow was weaving her way down along the tree line, darting in-and-out of its branches before quickly changing directions and taking a steep dive over the riverside grasses. With a slight shift of her body she then swiftly rose again, up over the treetops.
The morning air lifting her higher and holding that crispness of winter that she found so refreshing. It was the same bite of cold that sent all her friends south, leaving her alone.
She chirped happily remembering how her loneliness was quickly replaced by the call of adventure. To explore the winter world and its forbidden culture.
The beginning of this quest happened during her migration south, when she became enchanted with the most graceful and serene bird she had ever seen, the red-crowned crane.
The mythical status of the crane was well-known in her world, a symbol of longevity and peace: the prince of all feathered creatures. Until now, their secret world was impenetrable, for as a lowly sparrow such a life was impossible to imagine…until fate intervened.
As was often the case, she was again late and had to wake up early, prior to daybreak, and fly to catch up with her host of sparrows heading south.
She darted around the landscape but could not avoid the feeling her life was about to change. She rounded a bend within eyeshot of her host when she became drawn to the frostbitten dew below; glittering as dawn’s rays were captured in frozen prisms along the river.
She saw this as an invitation of adventure; the chance to create a new path and without hesitation she slightly arched her left wing and veered from her patterned route and soared into a new world.
“They thought that it would be a disgrace to go forth as a group. Each entered the forest at a point that he himself had chosen, where it was darkest and there was no path. If there is a path it is someone else’s path and you are not on the adventure.” – Joseph Campbell
Amid the fog, an impressive red-crowned crane was enjoying his quiet morning. The frost and fog along with the thin shield of ice along the riverbank had made fishing for his breakfast much easier, so after eating his fill he had time to appreciate his surroundings.
He had wandered far from his friends, uncommon for red-crowned cranes of his stature but he did not care. His mind drifted off to a very strange sight, a simple sparrow balanced on a low-laying branch mesmerized by the frozen dew crystals dancing with the morning sun.
While normally a common sight in autumn, he knew a single sparrow perched along the side of the river in the dead of winter was a very, very rare thing.
With a grace he had only recently acquired with age, he danced along the water as if he was the Gene Kelly of the avian world, and called out to the sparrow, “Why, little sparrow, are you resting here along the riverbank as winter takes over the land?”
“You should be well on your way south, along with your friends…”
The sparrow looked up and smiled, “I was, but then I saw this river and the beauty of winter so alive this morning that I thought I would stop and join you.” She opened her throat as to sing a song, but an unexpected shiver interrupted this plan.
The crane looked at the determined sparrow, and said “when I saw you careening through the trees, along the grasses and then skimming over the river, you added rare elegance on a cold winter day…”
The sparrow tweeted happily and briefly the crane thought if birds could blush, this sparrow would look more like the fabled red robin, aglow in feigned embarrassment.
The crane looked into the proud eyes of the sparrow and saw the strength he long admired: a species of bird famous for the fact they would rather starve themselves to death than be bred in captivity.
The sparrow started singing, and the crane could not hide his admiration for the great spirit of this little bird.
As she took off for another quick flight, the red-crowned crane thought about her feathers. Like all sparrows, her feathers were simple and unadorned and fall flat in comparison to other birds, especially the red-crowned crane. Guiltily, he caught himself looking at his reflection in the river.
Humility, such an honest and great trait to have he thought to himself.
As the sparrow alighted on the crane’s back, the crane turned and shook his head slowly and added, “this winter weather has turned for the worse today and seeing as you are only in a light coat of feathers this is not a good thing…”
The sparrow, looked up and was a bit shocked at the increasing chill even with the sun coming up, and merely nodded and fluttered her wings.
A seed of despair entered her mind as she thought about her decision to break from her host, but it was quickly erased with the possibility of the day.
“What you say is true” shivered the sparrow, “I do not fully understand why I did not migrate, yet it does not matter as that moment has passed. Rather, it is our talk and experiencing this winter-wonderland I aspire to…” and quickly she took off in flight to warm herself before resting onto the crane once again.
“My days are filled with song, flight and freedom which makes every day an adventure.” The sparrow chirped and sang proudly, “and while true we are rather insignificant in the avian world, we are rewarded with a richness of life most can only dream.”
The crane smiled at this energy and sang too, although knowing his voice was no match for that of a sparrow.
A sharp chilling wind whistled down the river, and the two birds looked at each other. “What I will do this winter is what I always do. I will share with you my song, my spirit and make do with what life brings my way…” the sparrow gracefully stated.
The red-crowned crane whooped and pranced around, and for a moment the sparrow felt humiliated, scolding herself for even considering why such a regal bird would create even a little time for her.
She took a deep breath and set off into the cold wind to find whatever destiny lay ahead when the crane began to speak.
“To spend such time with a living creature such as yourself, someone with strength, vitality and perseverance seldom found in this world would be an honor for both myself and my friends.” mused the crane.
And as he spoke those words, he struck a pose as if he was courting the queen herself!
The sparrow laughed, and sang a song sweeter than any crane had heard before. In return, the crane broke out into a little jig, not caring how ridiculous he looked. This caused the sparrow to sing even more beautifully.
“There may be mythical stories about us as we keep to ourselves and our population is few compared to sparrows…” the crane spoke breathlessly, “but in the end we are all brothers and sisters.”
The song of the sparrow took on a different tone, and the melody changed as the beak of the sparrow started to chatter a bit more as the icy northern wind swooped in.
The crane laughed, not an unkind laugh, but an admirable one at the courage and spirit of this little sparrow. In front of her stood a brutal day of winter, a day that would certainly lead to her demise, yet she was still full of hope. Inspiring.
The little sparrow flitted around the crane and swept its right wing just over the water causing a ripple…before returning, shivering to his shoulder again; hope and honesty in her eyes.
“Little sparrow, come with me back to my home and you can bathe in our hot springs and dine on our fine grasses…”
Seeing a small sign of relief on her face, the crane added, “your song is angelic, enough to turn any bone-chilling winter into a warm cup of tea…and may I ask in return you teach us your songs of life so we may dance and sing ourselves throughout this winter and learn more of your wonderful world.”
Such words were music to the sparrow’s ears as the cold was quickly making both flight and song difficult. She smiled and tucked herself next to the crane and together they parted~ to make it through the cold of the winter and into the glow of spring.
*** This story was partially inspired by an old Burl Ives children’s song The Robin my twin sister Kim and I used to listen to over and over again when we were young (and for my Mom’s patience for letting us do so). Also it reflects the debate in China of choosing a national bird, with both the sparrow and red-crowned crane being the top choices.
Global Sojourns Photography 
really amazing shots
Thank you very much ~ such a beautiful bird…
Hello Randall,
This is simply amazing. The photography (of course!) and the story. Wow 🙂
I clicked on the link and listened to the song The Robin – so sweet. Ah, childhood memories.
Thank you so much for sharing, and have a lovely weekend!
Best,
Takami
Thank you Takami, enjoyed putting this one together. Was happy to find the song on youtube as well…wish you a great weekend too! Cheers ~
This is a very nice story. Also the song. And the photos are amazing! Very nice way to start the day for me and my children!
Thank you Dana ~ it is a bit of a flashback to my childhood with this post 🙂 Have a great day ~
Thank you. Wish you the same!
Randall, this story and your images are so beautiful and important to me, right now. Your post is the only thing that has cut through my negative thoughts and feelings about returning home tomorrow to Boston after my two weeks in sunny, warm California. Now I actually feel strong and hopeful about what lies ahead for me. Thank you for your spirit, creativity, and talent; you make our world better with your gifts.
Ha, ha…that is truly a difficult situation you’re in, and I hope you can bring the sunshine to Boston on your return. Thank you very much Ann, nothing like a little creativity to turn bad into good 🙂
great writing and photography, i’m a big fan of joseph campbell..thanks
Thank you ~ and agree with you Joseph is a wise man. Cheers!
Beautiful Randall! What a lovely way for me to start the day up here in the north of Iceland! Superb post!
Thanks Adrian ~ north of Iceland I imagine is a perfect place to see the best of winter. Cheers!
super! Gruß Alois
Thank you Alois ~ wonderful birds to photograph.
Reblogged this on Higher Density Blog.
Thank you, much appreciated!
Hi, Randall! I enjoyed your amazing and interesting story and beautiful set of photos! I love this legend and even I painted (used classical
technic) this elegant birds when I lived in China.. Thanks for sharing. Great post. Bye. Kamila
Thank you very much Kamila ~ it would be great to see your paintings of the cranes… 🙂
This is wonderful..and the photos are amazing!
Thank you very much Cathy ~
Unbelievable nature !
Incredible takes too , just loved it .
Thank you very much Nirav ( નિરવ ); beautiful scenes to shoot…
Amazing short story, Randall. The stories of strangers becoming friends. The way you wrote the birds teasing one another, trying to outdo each other all in good humour, was brilliant. Sometimes the smallest person can have the biggest heart and put up the biggest fight, and sometimes the biggest person with the haughty attitude aren’t all that proud as they seem. It’s funny. On some occasions, a bit of conversation with someone or spending five minutes with someone can change our perspective on a certain situation altogether.
I have never been to China and so have never seen the sparrows and red crowned cranes over there. Here in Melbourne it’s the tail end of summer and there are brown sparrows everywhere in the city – on the concrete sidewalks, on the green lawns, indoors in the food court…
Amazing photography. Well done, round of applause for you. Hope you’ve been well, and take care. Happy spring 🙂
Thanks Mabel ~ that was the one thing I was hoping to bring in this fable was perspective and how as individuals we are all unique yet so similar as well. It was a fun story to write, as it was pretty easy for me to imagine it all taking place along this river. I hope all is well Down Under and wish you a great New Year 🙂
At the end of the day, it is difference that makes the world a more interesting place but similarity to make the world turn. I don’t think we could live without difference and similarities between us. The things that we know make for easier stories to tell, if you know what I mean… It’s now officially autumn here in Melbourne. I miss summer already 🙂
I like that thought ~ similarities makes it all work, and differences makes it interesting. Can be applied to almost everything, thanks! Wish you a great autumn (my favorite season).
Richard Bach and “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” will you please move over and make room for Randall Collis and “The Song of the Sparrow”. Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous work, Randall! ❤ Good luck finding a publisher! 🙂
Ah, now that is some worthy praise…and I love the title you came up with, a keeper indeed. “The Song of the Sparrow” and I will be sure to ship you out a first edition should it ever happen 🙂 Thank you very much Dina, enjoyed writing this and imagining myself in the scenes. Wish you all well!
We truly love your work, Randall. 🙂 ❤
Thank you Dina ~ this was a fun write. Cheers ~
You photos always amaze me like no other. You just bring out the best in each photo and I can’t even find any flaws in your photos. I also really enjoy the beautiful story you wrote. Keep it up Randall! ❤
Thank you Khloe, this was a fun story to write up with the Chinese New Year extended holiday still going on, as it reminds me of China. Best to you in the new year!
You’re welcome and thank you for your wishes 😉 I had so much reading it and I saw many of your fellow bloggers loved it as well! You did an excellent job for sure ❤ Wish you a prosperous year! 🙂
🙂 May it be a great Year of the Goat for us all!
Aww thanks! 🙂
Beautiful photos with a wonderful story.
Thank you Maverick ~
Reblogged this on Reason & Existenz.
Thanks Keith ~
Very nice series of this colony of birds on the lake !! Thank you for these beautiful observations atitudes of this bird
Thank you Pat, an incredible and elegant bird.
My God, man! Do you give photography classes? And if so, would you travel to Texas to do it? :0)
I absolutely love your work. My favorite is the capture of the cranes’ breath. Fantastic. Story good, too, of course, but it’s hard to focus on your writing when it’s competing with your beautiful photos…
Ha, ha ~ Vance, I’ve yet to travel to Texas, but from what I’ve heard there is enough to photograph there for a lifetime so I’d be thrilled to come down 🙂 Thank you much and best for a great weekend ~
When it comes to wildlife photography, you’re one of the best out there, Randall. Your photos never cease to amaze me.
Wish I could spend most of my time out in the wild somewhere ~ so much to see and shoot 🙂 Thanks Bama and just a very intriguing bird that it was hard to shoot it wrong.
This post is so poetic and filled with beauty! Amazing photos, Randall!
Thanks Thien, I very much like your description of poetic as that is how I’d describe both the crane and sparrow.
so wonderful, thank you!
Thank you very much ~
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Very fun post Randall. I like the playful tale of adventure, brotherhood, singing and dancing. May we learn these lessons from the crane and sparrow. I’ll have to check out the original tale that inspired you. Gorgeous photos that evoke the stark beauty of winter and the cranes. to adventures, near and far, Brad
Thanks Brad, sometimes the scenes in photography can match a story of adventure ~ happy you enjoyed it!
This post is so beautiful, both words and images. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your talents with the rest of us. 🙂
Thank you very much Lilka ~
Wow…
🙂 Thank you ~
Enjoyed this post very much! Best to you, Dalo!
Thank you Jeffrey ~ wish you a great weekend!
You managed to pluck more strings than usual in this post – friendship, nobility, character, bravery, being versus having, individual versus collective and the illusion of appearances. Your post also ends on a slightly more optimistic note than the song as it suggests that the sparrow, with the help of the crane, will make it through to spring, whereas the poor robin in the song is killed and carried away. As usual the photography is stunning but my favorite is also the crane’s breath. Somehow I can’t imagine the Chinese government having the character to choose the sparrow over the red-crowned crane as their national bird. Governments rarely choose the high road and so, for them at least, appearances matter.
Thank you Malcolm and very keen observations. Yes, I was debating which way to go with the ending and figured I tormented my sister enough when I was young with the ending of that song, so I went the opposite route this time… You picked up on a very important theme: individual vs. the collective and the differences between group, as the Sparrow (the people) and the Crane (the Chinese Gov’t) is a bit how the debate between the two birds is set up in China (there is also the issue that the crane is also known as the Japanese Crane which also ruffles some feathers in China). However, both of these birds have great characteristics that fit China so I like that the debate, and these characters work well for a parable.
Amazing photos!!! Thank you so much for sharing! Loved the story too 😉
Thank you very much ~
Randall I love the dream like quality of your words, you could make this a real book one day. As always your images sing and I could almost feel the chill that the sparrow felt. I love the message to break from the pack and experience life the way you were meant to. Good day to you and thanks for leaving a prompt on my latest blog too.
Ps I was so wrapped up in your story I had to go back over the images and soak them in again. You have so many gifts.
Thank you Kath ~ a very nice compliment and I think anytime words or photos can transport someone to a spot elsewhere it is a successful piece of work 🙂 Cheers and good day to you too!
Certainly did that for me.
So beautifully written, photographed, and greatly appreciated. You have dropped a bucket of beauty into my world today with your gift. Thank you.
This is a great description ~ thank you very much!
Stunning photos and very delightful conversations between two very different but yet share many common characteristics..
I can see that red-crowned crane is the top choices of the debate in China.
Yes, the differences of cultures on the outside looks so formidable, but in the end it really is that simple ~ something to learn and respect from each other. Yes, the red-crowned crane is the choice, but there is a lot of discussion to have it changed for many different reasons. I find this debate interesting, as it also reflects a lot of the Chinese themselves. Thank you ~
I would like to hear one or two reasons that support sparrow. The reason that I was not too surprised about the red-crowned crane choice is that I think I have seen Chinese art works, literals that often time have cranes. I could not recall much about sparrows.
The most common reasons for the netizens of China are: superb ability to survive and refusal to be eliminated (reference to Mao’s ill-advise attempt to exterminate them as pests); they have a strength of character like the Chinese and an indefatigable spirit as sparrows cannot be kept in captivity. All said, they view the bird as a noble choice to symbolize the common person. You are right though, almost all art work depict the beautiful and graceful crane.
Thank you.
the two with the steamy breath blew my mind, so did the ice cracking and the shots of the birds in flight. pure perfection~
Thank you Cindy ~ the breaking ice and walking on that lake was great…water is powerful is every state. Cheers!
An awesome story about the power of following your dreams and appreciating each other’s differences! Told through your magical photos of these wonderful birds. Nature never ceases to amaze…and the same goes for your ability to captivate. Loved it.
Thank you Tiny ~ I feel the same way about nature, there is always something new and brilliant to find in it, to be amazed by it; it is a great provider of creativity so it is great to get out into it. Wish you a great weekend.
I wish you the same!
I loved the small connections that the sparrow and the crane had together throughout this special story. That when we take time to be with others, no matter where they are from, or how different they are, we may find as they did, we are not so different afterall. Beautiful photography to compliment this too! 🙂
Very well said Karen, this is the simple thing that I too think is so important in life, finding out that we are all similar ~ thank you 🙂
ps- i used to listen to burl ives at his knee with other kids where he lived and i grew up. can’t even imagine how you tapped into him. but amazed you did.
Oh wow, that is so amazingly cool. The album I listened to as a child was “Walt Disney Presents Burl Ives’ Animal Folk” and his unique voice captured it all…and from that time have been a fan. How great it must have been to have had such an experience of hometown Burl 🙂
I must admit the story line is so mesmerizing that I expected to see a sparrow somewhere in the post tucked between the wings of the crane to keep it warm and safe. Magnificent photography and excellent story.
On a side note, I wish the sparrow would have been chosen as the national bird as a historical remembrance of what happened to the birds during agricultural revolution in Mao’s time.
Thanks for including the Robin song, a delightful addition as I re-read and soak in the photos. Cheers.
Thank you Seeker ~ I love the thought of having that sparrow tucked away between the wing of the crane…that is the feeling I had when writing the story 🙂 I too am partial to the sparrow, it has such nobility too with its indomitable spirit that I think it would be perfect. Cheers to a great weekend and coming week ~
Impressive! Truly stunning images and beautiful reflection! Great post to start my weekend. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful world!
Thank you Indah ~ wish you a great weekend!
You sure make this old oak pine for Spring.
Lovely, touching, and sweetly sentimental is your story of hope, Randall.
Your photographs I first see as a spectator objectively,
but by the time I’m through, I am right there beside you.
Thanks for the view and the trip! 🙂 Peace and luvz, Uncle Tree
Creative words ~ I like your what you said about the transition of viewing the first photo and then becoming part of the scene/story as you went along. Poetic words and I shouldn’t be surprised as it comes from a gifted poet, thank you Uncle Tree ~ enjoy the weekend.
Those cranes are truly magnificent – so many wonderful poses! Now I want to see them.
You’d be impressed…and I think the shots you could create would be something else. Cheers Lyle ~ enjoy the weekend.
A lovely story, beautifully written. I guess you have announced your take on the national bird for China… And of course your images are wonderful, capturing pristine moments, exuberant light and intense colours. I take my hat off for you, Randall. I am in awe.
Thank you Otto ~ while crane is the semi-official choice of the government now, there is still the debate of the sparrow and it is a very good debate. The regal crane, however does epitomize beauty & strength…almost mystical in stature. I’d love for the two to share the honors, but if there is only one then I would root for the underdog! Cheers ~
Once again you have created something well beyond the confines of “posting” and “Blogging.” I’m sure you know you’re very lucky to have witnessed the crane dances. I had the privileged of seeing hundreds our Sandhill cranes come in to roost last month in Arizona – that ws great, but oh, to see them dance – always a dream. The breath exhaling in that one at the top – perfect! And how interesting that there is this debate. It’s amazing that China does not yet have a national bird. I wish they could have two – and your story could accompany them.
I have longed to see Sandhill cranes ~ that must have been a sight to see. I do think cranes hold a grace that is a notch above most birds… Thank you very much for your comment ~ I like the exhaling photo as well. It strange that China has not recognized one official bird yet…I sure would like for them to have two as it resembles their society (and history) so well. Cheers ~
I’ve always loved egrets and herons, but cranes…. Just for fun I googled Chinese painting and sparrow (re a comment above that you see more cranes than sparrows in Chinese art) and what comes up are mostly more recent images. And many are of the same species of sparrow. Interesting. It’s not spectacular, like the crane, but I’m sure the humble sparrow represents a lot to Chinese culture.
Agree, the sparrow does represent the people of China so well, yet the crane has such grace… Great idea googling the sparrow art, couldn’t believe how much impressive artwork there was…my favorite being: http://fineartarchives.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cui-bai-chinese-sparrows.jpg
And I just found out this painting is almost 1,000 years old ~ now I really want it 🙂
You know Randall, yours is one of very few blogs that I actually click on immediately after receiving it because I know I’m always in for a treat.This week I actually saw it on my iphone but saved it to visit again later on a larger screen and then I forgot it was there. So when I saw your comment on my post it reminded me to come back as I’d promised myself and I am SO glad I did. The cranes were beautiful the first time, but simply stunning on the big screen. I would so love an opportunity to see them in person, much less shoot them. The postures you’ve caught them in are wonderful and so well-tied to your enchanting story. The shot with the mist would be gorgeous printed on a very large canvas or even in metal. I can visualize it in the lobby or drawing room of an expensive Asian hotel. I hope your mom has a chance to read this one; all of those repetitions have created a wonderful memory for you. What could be better?
Thank you Tina, it is always so nice to hear your thoughts, and these cranes would not have disappointed you. I imagine they kind of have that certain attitude of the well-off in old Charleston; very regal. As for the song ~ a few days ago my sister and I really had a good laugh and reminisce about the times we spent listening to that album over & over again… Nothing like a strong memory of being a young child to bring a smile.
Beautiful story, Randall! It is so well-written and I love the message you bring to light: when we care to look deeper, our outward differences begin to disappear. And I love the robin song of your childhood that inspired this story—what a wonderful song to listen to over and over as a child (my mother too lovingly endured similar endless repetitions of my favourite songs). I love both the sparrow and the crane. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the House Sparrow. Drab and boring to many, I simply love these guys. Their raucous, rowdy and indomitable spirit wiggled its way into my heart long ago. Were it not for these little guys, my world would certainly be a less happy place. Indeed, luckily for me, they thrive in the city. Their joyous chirps can be heard above the din of city sounds. And how fortunate too that House Sparrows do not migrate in the wintertime: nothing is sweeter than hearing their happy chirps fill the air on a frosty winter’s day (as you eloquently point out in your story). And how is it that such small creatures can survive our most brutally cold days of winter? They amaze me. And, of course, there is no denying the elegance, beauty and grace of the crane. They are the ballet dancers of the bird world. It is a rare treat when I spot a Sandhill Crane in my neck of the woods, one that can make my heart sing for days on end. You really bring to light the fact that there is much to appreciate and love about the uniqueness of each bird. I look forward to reading more of your stories. And, as always, your photography is a feast for the eyes, pure pleasure to take in—a wonderful visual ode to the crane. Like the person who commented above, I am always delighted to receive your blog post notifications and save them for a time when I know I can savour both your words and beautiful artistic photography on my computer monitor. Thanks for another fabulous post! ~ Jeannie
The sparrow really is a pretty tough bird, and I like how you describe their indomitable spirit ~ so true! The Eurasian tree sparrow over in Asia who reside above latitude 68°N have a pretty good migration pattern otherwise it really gets cold up there. They have made such a comeback in China…that was one of the eery things I remember when I first arrived in the 90s, a lack of the sound of birds (at least compared to the States). And yes, cranes around the world are so elegant and graceful…I think they make great friends 🙂 Cheers Jeannie and thank you very much!
I know exactly what you mean when you say it was eerie to not hear any birdsong. I experienced that over a decade ago while staying in a villa in the hills of Umbria, Italy. It took a while to figure out what seemed wrong with the beautiful place we were staying in, but we finally figured it out – it was the complete lack of birds and birdsong. It was the strangest thing to be surrounded by forest and not hear or see a single bird during our stay there. I’m glad to hear they are making a comeback in China. I hope that is true for the rural areas of Umbria too. Wishing you a great week ahead. :))
My exact experience…would be outside every day playing ball and could not figure out what wasn’t quite right until it hit me. Then it was just really sad to think about. In HK, it is great…sometimes I will be outside on my phone and the person on the other end can’t believe all the bird chatter. Cheers!
Initially I didn’t want to leave a note because am loss for words. But on second thought, I decided to leave these 2 words…Beautiful Photos.
Thanks for sharing, Randall 🙂
🙂 Thank you Kat, a wonderful choice of words 🙂
your photographs are always worth the wait 🙂 no words for these pictures 🙂
Thanks Joshi, very much appreciate your kind words!
Your photographs are breathtaking. How bold a bird must be to be the ‘Gene Kelly of the avian world!’ Loved the writing.
Ha, ha ~ yes, I agree a bold bird indeed.
Thank you very much ~
Extraordinary shots… So beautiful, calm and mystical. I love them dear Dalo… Wishing you a great sunday and week ahead ⭐ Aquileana 😀
Thank you very much Aquileana ~ wishing you a great week ahead!
Such a wonderful enlightening story you weaved among your fantastic photo’s Dalo.. and I learnt something new today also.. I was familiar with the Crane being a National Bird of China.. but didn’t know it had once upon a time competition with the sparrow..
My garden around my home is full of Sparrows.. and I feed them everyday.. with nuts and seeds etc.. They are very feisty little birds each with a strong determination.. We put two nest boxes up in Autumn and hope to encourage a couple to nest.. We have our resident Black bird who successfully brought two new chicks into the world via our evergreen shrub last year… And I see the pair already collecting nesting materials to repair the nest for this year.. 🙂
Thank you for sharing the Sparrow’s Musical Song with us Dalo. I would imagine your Mum would have enjoyed you and your sisters delight in Burl Ives..I also enjoyed the ‘Ugly Bug Ball’ 🙂
I so enjoyed this post.. I read it twice just to savour the photo’s and feel the delight and Joy the Sparrow felt..
Many thanks for transporting me into their world..
Blessings Sue
Thank you Sue, the crane is an amazing bird. Both birds are unofficially in the running for the National Bird spot…the crane has yet to become the official bird, so the little sparrow still has a shot 🙂 Wish you a great week!
Gorgeous, they fly and they pretty, wonderful composition and you have a sharp catch shot Randy. Beautiful!
Thank you DellaAnna ~ wishing you a great spring!
What a glorious story, Randall! I so enjoyed this! Your photography is absolutely stunning and I know these images must have taken you a long time not only to capture but to process as well. LOVED the “message” inter-weaved in this story, one that we all can take to Heart. The Lightness and the “music” I both felt and heard, were like the Wings of Birds taking flight and dancing for the Joy of BEing alive! Thank you for this delightful post and this Gift you have given me today. I shall remember your words as with each day, I feed sparrows to help them get through the cold winter months here. The song of the sparrow in the Spring, is like no other, and there have been days when I have heard hundreds, perhaps thousands of sparrows singing, all as IMO a thank you for keeping those alive who elected to stay here. They nest on our property as do many other birds, but it is the sparrow that has got my Heart. (((HUGS))) Amy
Thank you Amy, there is something great about hearing the songs and calls of birds during the day… and seeing the cranes (and photographing them) was a treat. Wish you a great week ~ Cheers!