A somewhat startling example of a problem many bird photographers, including yours truly, like to bitch about – the daunting challenge of exposing black and white birds properly.
Critters use sunflowers for a variety of reasons. They don’t have to be in bloom to be useful to birds and wildlife but when they are they sure brighten up some of my photos. When they aren’t they allow me to photograph feeding behavior like I did yesterday.
When it comes to appreciation from humans this species already has two strikes against it when it steps up to the plate. It’s a sparrow and it’s “common”.