Title: Watson's Favourite Bird
Fandom: Sherlock Holmes (ACD)
Rating: G
Length: 200 words
Summary: Dr Watson decides on his favourite bird

Sometimes when we have been invited to afternoon tea the hostess will ask me for my favourite bird, and Holmes will laugh at me because it changes with the season.  In spring I speak of the blue tits which I watch as they collect moss from the lawn to make their nests.  In summer I mention the skylark we hear singing when we take an afternoon stroll, and also the barn owl swooping low when that stroll has been postponed until the cooler night air.  And in autumn the house martins fascinate me as they muster ready to make their long journey south.

But now it is winter and as Seth and I dig in the garden we are joined by our friend the robin.  He is always on the lookout for a worm our spade or fork may have turned up.  He waits for us when we go inside for a warming cup of coffee, certain that he will be rewarded by a few biscuit crumbs on our return outside.  His bright red breast provides a much needed contrast to the drab winter colours.

Yes, my favourite bird is the robin.  Until, as Holmes will tell you, the spring.