Two birds, one sidewalk

I've got you
Toronto, ON
January 2026
This photo originally shared on Instagram

On a garbage-strewn stretch of downtown Toronto sidewalk, two birds stand still and silent, ignored by the endless knots of city dwellers rushing to whatever it is that fills the day.

The birds haven’t shifted positions in what seems like an age, their only movements an occasional flinch of the head. I’m no expert in avian body language, but they seem to be staring into each other’s souls.

I want to imagine that they’re both okay, but my gut is telling me bird on the left isn’t, and bird on the right is playing protector. Again, I have no advanced knowledge beyond simple observation, but I still find myself hoping I’m wrong, and willing them both to soon be able to return to the skies where they belong.

Standing on dusty concrete ruminating over the fate of a couple of common birds may feel a little ridiculous amid the usual ins and outs of everyday life. But as I walk away I can’t stop thinking about the lives of others, and how there really is no such thing as common.

It matters to them. It should matter to us, as well. That empathy thing again. Even for birds.

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