The sparrows are back

The sparrows are back again in the garden and surrounding neighbors' yards.

They seem to arrive early fall and stay throughout the winter.

And they are frequently at the bird bath, drinking the water and bathing.

Above, a white crowned sparrow just finished drinking from the bath.

Often these sparrows flock to the bath in groups of three or four.

Here a house sparrow is perched on the branch of the cape honeysuckle just before it landed on the bird bath platform.