As I was walking around a small suburban pond recently, some movement in the underbrush caught my eye. Several small House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) were splashing about in the shallow water of a tiny rivulet that ran into the pond. I managed to capture this whimsical little portrait of one of the bathing sparrows, whose glance suggested to me that my presence was not exactly welcomed.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I’m not sure I would have seen him, Mike. He blends in pretty well.
As is often the case, Dan, movement is what attracts my eye mostly. When birds and other creatures stay still, I frequently have trouble finding them.
Great photo opportunity! The photo looks like a lovely painting. Thank you Mike.🙏👍
Thanks, Suzette. I used a shutter speed that was pretty slow, so there is a softness to the image that I really like.
Yes! I see it. Nicely done!
I like the blue reflections around it, contrasting with the rusts and browns. Nice portrait, Mike!
Thanks, Eliza. The colors combine to give the shot an autumn feel. It is kind of a strange image in some way, but I think it works.
It does have a lovely, autumnal feel. The colors are pleasing, even though they aren’t the stereotypical “fall colors.”
It always the angles and lighting that make the difference between an average photo and a great photo. This one is a work of art.
Thanks, kenne. It’s always a bit tough for me to evaluate my own photos. With some images, like this one, I end up asking myself if I like them despite the angles and lighting or because of the angles and lighting. 🙂
Very nice Mike! The water makes an interesting background!
The reflections in the water make it look almost metallic, with the feeling of an engraving.
What a great panoply of colors and shapes, Mike. Very nice!
What did you expect–spying on a lady (or a gentleman) making her (or his) ablutions?
I love the many colors of bird, leaves, water, and wood.
Thanks, Nina. It’s hard for me not to feel a little like a peeping Tom when I zoom in with my long telephoto lens to get a closer look at scenes like this one. 🙂
I do not see that as whimsical, more like GORGEOUS!! I agree with Suzette. Maybe you should paint that during watercolor season 🙂