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At my sister's house on Saturday for a barbecue, and noticed a little sparrow just sat by the garage on the lawn.
Turns out it had flown into one of their new windows (where a patio door used to be) and was clearly injured. They were trying to nurse it by giving it a box and some water, but it wasn't taking the water and just seemed 'happy' sitting on the lawn, or moving about just by walking.
At one point it ventured over and sat by LadyWayne (who was sat on the grass with Bean). Bean took a keen interest - but we had to keep him away for obvious reasons.
Anyway - it was sat on the lawn, in full sun and then just sat there with it's mouth open - basking. I decided it was probably thirsty so took the water to it and realised why it hadn't been drinking - the lip of the water bowl was too high for it to get at the water. So I, a 6ft 7, 18 st lump of a thing crouched down and hand 'fed' this little sparrow the water. Everyone was mightily impressed at my bird nursing skills.
Little bird then tucked his head into his wing and had 40 winks.
I moved a small table over so that the little bird was shaded and he seemed happy.
A little while later I was getting some food and heard a scream.
Bean, demonstrating his newly found walking skills had trodden on the little bird and it was flapping on the grass in some distress (as were a couple of the ladies present).
I will admit that I'm not the big manly kinda dude that can dispatch an animal at the drop of a hat (and I have never had to do it in the past), but as it was my son that had caused the bird pain I felt compelled, so grabbed a napkin and gently picked up the little bird which suddenly calmed down.
I took the bird out of the garden away from view and this bit still haunts me.
I couldn't do the 'twist of the neck thing' or hit it with a large stone - I started to wonder just what I was going to to.
Then, I saw a wheelie bin and looked inside - it was empty.
I feel awful just typing this (daft innit). I threw the little bird as hard as I could into the bottom of the bin - it stopped moving immediately.
What a cowardly way to kill an innocent little bird - I know.
Just wish I was stronger and able to put it out of its misery quicker and perhaps cleaner, but I didn't know what to do, but knew I had to do something.
Turns out it had flown into one of their new windows (where a patio door used to be) and was clearly injured. They were trying to nurse it by giving it a box and some water, but it wasn't taking the water and just seemed 'happy' sitting on the lawn, or moving about just by walking.
At one point it ventured over and sat by LadyWayne (who was sat on the grass with Bean). Bean took a keen interest - but we had to keep him away for obvious reasons.
Anyway - it was sat on the lawn, in full sun and then just sat there with it's mouth open - basking. I decided it was probably thirsty so took the water to it and realised why it hadn't been drinking - the lip of the water bowl was too high for it to get at the water. So I, a 6ft 7, 18 st lump of a thing crouched down and hand 'fed' this little sparrow the water. Everyone was mightily impressed at my bird nursing skills.
Little bird then tucked his head into his wing and had 40 winks.
I moved a small table over so that the little bird was shaded and he seemed happy.
A little while later I was getting some food and heard a scream.
Bean, demonstrating his newly found walking skills had trodden on the little bird and it was flapping on the grass in some distress (as were a couple of the ladies present).
I will admit that I'm not the big manly kinda dude that can dispatch an animal at the drop of a hat (and I have never had to do it in the past), but as it was my son that had caused the bird pain I felt compelled, so grabbed a napkin and gently picked up the little bird which suddenly calmed down.
I took the bird out of the garden away from view and this bit still haunts me.
I couldn't do the 'twist of the neck thing' or hit it with a large stone - I started to wonder just what I was going to to.
Then, I saw a wheelie bin and looked inside - it was empty.
I feel awful just typing this (daft innit). I threw the little bird as hard as I could into the bottom of the bin - it stopped moving immediately.
What a cowardly way to kill an innocent little bird - I know.
Just wish I was stronger and able to put it out of its misery quicker and perhaps cleaner, but I didn't know what to do, but knew I had to do something.
You can't help but feel bad- you needed to 'terminate' a life.
...I held it in my hand,not having a clue what to do(even though I've read plenty on how)....it was a bitterly cold night and there was a washing up bowl full of icy cold water....it took seconds but I still feel carp about it
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