I just recently learned that today, March 20th, is World Sparrow Day! I’m so happy that the house sparrows have a day dedicated to them.

This blog post has been a draft for a while; originally, I started it in January, when I was pining for warmer days. The house sparrows here in our neighborhood kept my spirits up with their chatty, personable behaviors.

They’ve been essential helpers in learning the ins and outs of my Canon 80D DSLR, my 2nd camera, which I purchased as an early birthday gift!

Our Chattiest Neighbors

The house sparrows and I go way back (by that, I mean we’ve known each other for a few years now). When I first started taking photos on my smartphone in 2023, we came across each other quite frequently, especially on the chain-link fences here in our neighborhood park.

A female house sparrow on a chain-link fence, looking endearingly curious.
A young, gently curious female sparrow pausing to observe me on this chain-link fence

They also congregate in the bushes lining our backyard. When they see me passing by with my camera, there always seems to be one female sparrow that stays behind, eagerly hoping for a photoshoot.

A black and white picture of a female house sparrow on a twig, looking at the camera.
“It’s about time you showed up again!”

I’ve written before about how female house sparrows are noticeably bold compared to the males, and even other birds. Some of my best bird shots here in the neighborhood have been of female sparrows. They exude a surprising level of confidence, and even appear to smirk at me when at the right angle!

A female house sparrow on a twig, looking like she's smirking.
“Oh yes, camera boy, I’ve been waiting for you.”
A sunny female house sparrow facing the setting sun.
A female house sparrow looking at the camera.
A picture of an unusually bold female house sparrow peeking at the camera while perched in the loops of a chain-link fence.
A serene female house sparrow basking in sunlight on a twig.

That’s not to say that the male sparrows don’t enjoy the spotlight, too!

A male house sparrow perched by a leaf, looking like he's yelling.
“I am sparrow, hear me roar!”

The male house sparrows make a variety of constant calls, including my favorite “pow-pow!” I think it’s so stinking cute.

If you ever hear me say, “I miss my pow-pow!”, this is to whom I’m referring:

“Pow-pow!”

Highbanks House Sparrows

I’ve been blessed with multiple moments with a family of house sparrows at Highbanks Metro Park, my favorite park where I live.

They live near the nature center, and like to observe me up close and personal. These exceptionally fearless birdies helped me improve my photography skills throughout 2025, giving me the opportunity to create fun portrait shots.

A sweet female house sparrow in the bushes
  • Two male house sparrows on a branch.
  • Two male house sparrows looking pensively away while perched on a branch.
A grumpy looking male house sparrow perched on a branch.
“Harrumph!”
A young male house sparrow with bright brown eyes, looking like he's smiling at the camera.
“Hello! :)”

I cherish these experiences, and am painfully aware that, should conservation issues persist, even the house sparrows may one day disappear. May we all ensure that that never happens.

All Images and Video by Connor Brennan

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