small fantastical castles made of half-melted leftover snow stand around upon it. Here and there a sunken partial snow person leans sideways.

Oh I can see it exactly! Perfect words--thank you.

House sparrows contended about deep philosophical issues, or perhaps about territory or food. --Probably some of each. The ones talking about deep philosophical issues shake their heads condescendingly when they catch snatches of the others' conversations, while the others just roll their eyes and say "posers" when they overhear the philosophers.

Nobody has dug up my bulbs yet. -- those lazy squirrels! Never hire their landscaping firm again!