While not subject to criminal charges or a place in the Champion's police blotter, a turkey vulture caused quite a stir in a Maplewood Crescent home last week -- with one of Milton's most bizarre break-ins ever.

Both returning from their respective jobs at about 8:30 p.m., Glen Parker and 18-year-old son Sean met trusty bulldog Sasha in the front entrance -- and were immediately curious when she bolted upstairs rather than waiting for a usual warm greeting.

"I went upstairs and there was glass everywhere and a noise coming from the spare bedroom. At first I shut the door and when we looked again there was this big bird behind our TV cabinet," recalled Glen.

Turns out the bird of prey had somehow broken through the double-pane window and -- likely stunned from the violent entry and no doubt frightened by Sasha -- taken refuge behind the entertainment unit.

"There was glass in the hallway and even a few shards in the living room. It must have been like an explosion when he came through," said wife Joanne, who came home from work a short time later. "Even more strange was that there was no blood and only a few feathers lying around."

The family has welcomed a number of animals into their home over the years -- even some of the exotic variety, with Sean sharing his basement living quarters with a chameleon lizard name Moe -- but they draw the line at wild birds.

Said Joanne, "Yeah, I guess you could say that."

Getting the number from a friend, the Parkers called the Oakville and District Humane Society. Animal protection officer Bonnie Isenberg was quickly on the scene and wrapped up the 30-to-40 pound vulture in a blanket.

No sooner did she take the Parkers' surprise guest outside and give him a quick exam than he flew off, apparently no worse for wear.

"I've been working with birds for over 10 years and never seen anything like this. It's very unusual," said Isenberg. "But he was perfectly fine, which was great to see."

Added Glen, "It didn't seem hurt at all. Must be one tough bird."

The motive behind the vulture's entry possibly centred around Dusty, one of the Parkers' two cats.

Suggested Joanne, "We figure Dusty was lazing in the window or on top of the wall unit and the vulture decided to have him for dinner."

That would explain Dusty's demeanor over the next few days.

"He was totally spooked out, while Sasha kept creeping around trying to see if there was anything in that room," explained Joanne. "Meanwhile our other cat, Crackles, was oblivious to the whole thing."

Of course the household's four-legged dwellers weren't the only ones impacted by their recent visitor.

Quipped Joanne, "Glen said 'I'm scared to go to bed now', but I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It was definitely an amazing experience."

Steve LeBlanc can be reached at sleblanc@haltonsearch.com.