Bird Math: Is A Bird in the Hand Worth Two in the Bush?
January 24, 2012
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
– Proverb
Two House Sparrows in our bushes
This is a cautionary adage to settle for a sure thing rather than risk everything for possible, but not proven, gains. I can agree that it is often best for me to find happiness and contentment with what I have rather than constantly strive for more and more. And yet . . .
Why is it a given that valuing possession and ownership (the bird in the hand) is better than the freedom of birds in nature? I loved watching these Common House Sparrows in my bushes; they are incredibly beautiful. And isn’t it marvelous to realize that no one owns these birds and that they are free to fly in our city? Protecting the birds in the bush for the common good brings their beauty and joy to everyone. Maybe two birds in the bush are worth far more than a bird in the hand. Think about it.
Common House Sparrow perched in a bush
Common House Sparrow in winter
Watercolor sketch of common house sparrow
January 24, 2012 at 6:58 am
Great bird pictures, we feed them all winter
January 24, 2012 at 9:52 am
I have a bird feeder in my backyard and my desk is right next to the window facing the feeder. I love watching the sparrows and am amazed at the number that come to my feeder. Every once in a while I get a treat of a blue jay or cardinal. Mourning doves also congregate under the feeder at times. Yesterday I was treated by a robin on my clothes line. I haven’t seen one in many years and the other day a sparrow landed on my windowsill and was chattering away to my delight. Give me the birds in the bush any day and must give you compliments on your watercolor. You have captured the beauty of the sparrow
January 24, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Just the one dead bird in the hand, would definitely be worth two perched in a bush to me! That is always how my green mind sees that proverb ;~)