House Sparrow in the Snow on the Skokie Lagoons

While meandering along the shore of the Skokie Lagoons during winter break trying

 to spot any sort of bird, I startled a small host of about seven house sparrows. The 

sparrows flew out from the snow into the branches to watch me, and since they clearly 

didn't want to abandon the area that they were in they sat close enough for me to take

 a few clear pictures. 

It's interesting how something as common as a house sparrow and snowy branches

 can compose a unique design when combined. That's the sort of thing that separates 

wildlife magazine photographers from photographers like Art Wolfe and Michael Nichols;

 where the scene is as well composed as the subject and action-wise both are engaged with

 one another.

Winnetka

Taken in December 2012