The Sparrow on the Road

~ Turgay, Logistics Coordinator

During an ordinary ride, following a summer flash storm. That is to say, one of those times when you’re just pedalling for the sake of movement.

That’s when I saw her—a tiny bundle of feathers, but barely more than a shadow against the pavement. At first, I thought it was a piece of debris. However, something made me stop.

A baby sparrow. Soft, wet feathers clung to her body, in addition there was one wing bent and on an angle. She was trembling, and her beak opened in silent desperation. She didn’t belong there—no bird should ever fall onto that unforgiving stretch of road. I shielded her with my body, with a mix of urgency and worry. She didn’t flinch as I picked her up—too weak, too hurt, too young to know fear.

In short, heading for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society, which was about 15 minutes away from my home.

OMHS is dedicated to promoting animal welfare and protecting animals within their community.

Compassionate – Principled – Engaged – Accountable – Inclusive

Oakville & Milton Humane Society is an independent, non-profit charitable organization, funded by donations. They have space for approximately 300 animals. Animals that come to them because their owners can no longer care for them, because they are lost, abandoned or abused.