"Sparrows On Snowy Ironwork" Unisex Longsleeve T-shirt

Every feather here is built from short engraved strokes, the kind of fine hatching found in old natural-history plates, and the lines change direction as they move from a rust-brown cap to a cream breast to a navy cheek patch. Four sparrows share a snow-capped wrought-iron bracket that climbs from a post, arches over and curls into a tight spiral scroll. Three of them huddle shoulder to shoulder, bodies overlapping, all turned toward the fourth, which is landing with both wings raised and fanned and its head tipped down at them. The nearest of the three has its beak open, as if it has something to say about the arrival.

The snow tells you what just happened. Right under the newcomer’s claws the cream cap on the bar has broken away, and the clumps fall in a loose curve past the scroll, large pieces mixed with specks. A small lump still rests between the feet of the huddled birds, undisturbed. The ironwork is dark navy, mottled like old pitted metal, and the snow along it has a ragged lower edge where it has begun to slide. On the unisex longsleeve t-shirt the three colours, rust, cream and navy, carry the whole scene, with the post dropping down one side and the spilled snow trailing down the other. It suits birdwatchers, winter walkers, and anyone who needs a gift for a person who feeds the sparrows.