Mouths to Feed

Finally, at age 65...my life is now complete.

Over my photography years, for various reasons, I have been asked to leave (along with my camera) several different venues.

On my short list are...the national cemetery, a treatment center for schizophrenia (they have animals), a farm store that was selling baby chicks, and an arts and craft show.

But today was the ultimate. I was asked to stop taking pictures at...at...at...(wait for it)...at Walmart.

On an earlier trip, outside at the garden center, I had noticed a mother sparrow feeding her young. But, I didn't have my camera. I returned later, camera in hand, and was waiting for momma to come back. The young employee approached me, and the discussion started innocently enough.

"Are you taking pictures of our unwanted visitors?"

"Yes. I'm surprised that you guys don't clear out these nests."

"Actually, Walmart has a policy that if we see baby birds in the nest, that we have to leave the nest there."

"Well, that's good."

"Yes, but we also have another policy that you can't take pictures on Walmart property."

"So, you want me to leave?"

"No, you don't have to leave...but you do have to stop taking pictures."

I thought about going into my "ARE YOU SERIOUS" spiel, but decided against it.

Two things to add. 1. Since I was outside and not bothering anybody...I thought the guy could have left me alone. 2. The shape of the nest surprised me. It's almost like a tiny cavern.

Let's see...where can I get tossed out of next?