The Time for Sparrows

This is the season of sparrows — the quiet ones who arrive just as the color drains from the trees. In the DMV, their soft brown plumage might seem ordinary at first glance, but listen closely, and you’ll hear something extraordinary.

The White-throated Sparrow, with its sweet whistle fills our parks and backyards now. It’s a reminder that beauty doesn’t always flash in bright feathers or bold colors. Sometimes it sings — gently at first — and then, as if remembering its purpose, a little louder.

This autumn, as we move into winter, let’s take a cue from these sparrows:
to use our voices,
to speak truth and tenderness,
and to be unapologetically loud when the moment calls for it.

Lately, I’ve been revisiting one of my favorite books, Sparrow Envy by Dr. Drew Lanham — a lyrical, grounding collection of essays and poems that reminds us how deeply the natural world shapes who we are. Like the sparrows, Lanham’s voice is both gentle and defiant, full of song and purpose. It’s the perfect companion for a quiet evening or a reflective walk under migrating skies.

Every call, every whistle, every song we share adds to the chorus of our vibrant bird community — and reminds us that each of us, no matter how small, plays a part in making our skies — and our community — a little brighter.

See You Outside!

María-Elena