Sparrows at the Izakaya (Japanese Pub)

After living together for 15 years, my beloved dog passed away and went to heaven. For a while, I lived in sorrow, shedding tears of loneliness. However, I found solace in birdwatching.

I began walking through forests and hills with binoculars and a camera in hand, searching for birds. Eventually, I started climbing mountains with a backpack, and even ventured onto snowy mountains with crampons and skis. Before I knew it, I was even rock climbing, leaving birdwatching behind.

It's fascinating how humans, when they keep moving, end up in places they never imagined.

During my telework hours, my primary companions are the birds that visit my garden. Especially the sparrows, with their cheerful chirping, visit daily. I leave out rice for them, and they often come with their families or friends, visiting incessantly.

When they finish the rice and want more, they often perch on the window, peering inside as if urging me to refill. I sometimes wonder if, in times of food scarcity, these sparrows would bring sacks of rice to help me out.