Chippies, Again

The humble Chipping Sparrow easily passes in and out of my consciousness.  I am never quite certain if I fail to see the "chippies" at times of the year or if they are elsewhere, or are hiding.  But this week I was again attentive to their presence, in the usual places, under feeders and nearby shrubs.  How strange--I think--that I can't recall seeing them through so much of the summer.  But in winter, they are ubiquitous.  Now I will be on autumn alert, seeking these wonderful little birds out and watching their cautious movements.  It might be a good harbinger of the cold times.