On a largely overcast morning Nugget kept us company in the Rose Garden as Jackie dug up spent poppies and other weeds, while I dead-headed.
Although he did carry off a squirming earwig beneath a carpet rose bush in order to dissect, devour, and digest it in peace, he was mostly happy darting like a bullseye-bound bolt to trap tiny insects on the wing. The last picture in this gallery is “Where’s Nugget?” (91).
We continued our work after lunch. As always, when Jackie sits down our little robin stops catching flies and pops over to see what the Head Gardener is up to. On this occasion she stretched out her hand. “No finger food, thanks”, he tweeted, and neatly nipped aside, pretending he had spied a tasty insect beside the low brick begonia-bearing plinth.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s spicy Chilli Con Carne and colourful savoury rice with which she drank Hoegaarden and I finished the Colle Marrone
What a charming garden companion!
He is indeed, Anne. Thanks a lot.
He’s such a character!
Thanks very much, Sandra.
Beautiful photo’s! Love the little bird!
Thanks very much, Holly
It’s my pleasure Derrick.
I’ll bet, before you know it, Nugget will climb up on Jackie’s hand.
That is what we hoping for, GP. Thanks very much.
Once I’ve found Nugget it’s impossible not to see him – but still his ability to camouflage is so good the initial hunt requires me to biggify. The trust he has in Jackie is wonderful to see – finger food or no!
It is, indeed, Pauline. Many thanks.
I love these photos of Jackie and Nugget! An aunt of mine used to feed chickadees out of her hand. Our chickadees look like your coal tits. They are in the tit family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chickadee
Thanks very much, Lavinia. That is a good story.
It’s amazing how the Nuggett clan have adopted you and the Head Gardener
It is – more so me really, given that I don’t dig up worms. 🙂 Thanks a lot, Sheree.
Ah, so that’s Jackie’s secret!
You better watch out Derrick, I think little Nugget is giving you a little competition for Jackie’s affection!
🙂 Thanks for that, Jill.
The best pet ever! Free and reciprocal. What joy a bird brings. Nugget is precious.
He is, indeed, Cindy. Lovely comments.
Charming photos, I do believe nugget loves Jackie.
I do believe you are right, More. Thanks very much.
Lol, you’re welcome
OMG – that’s incredible how close he is to her! That header photo has me smiling with happiness. I am a long time nature lover and have never seen such a thing. This is the best. Hugs to you and Jackie for letting this little guy know he is safe with you. <3
It is rather lovely, Jodie. Thank you very much.
<3
Lovely photos of Nugget. Exciting news Derrick – we have our own baby robin, newly arrived and – just as you said – tame from the start 🙂 It’s living in behind our compost bins until it learns to fly.
Wonderful, Tiny. The children will love it. If it can’t yet fly, are its parents still feeding it? Thanks very much.
Hi Derrick – the parent birds are being excellent parents. One keeps a look out and the other fetches food. It’s a joy to watch 🐦
I’m sure.
Wow, Nugget is really tame!
Thanks very much, Liz. He has also got used to me.
🙂
It is amazing how close one can get to a bird. Nugget is charming.
We feel the same way about our gull, Scott. 🤗
Yes, indeed. Scott is also a happy companion. Thanks very much, Sally.
Such happy images,Derrick. You and Jackie are most definitely Blessed in so many ways. 🙂
We are, indeed, Maj. Thanks very much.
It is good to have a friend.
Especially of the avian kind. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Nugget still sticks together with you 🙂
Yes – he’s got through the first year. Thanks very much, Inese.
He blends so well with the environment, especially when he shows us his back 🐦😉
The Head Hardener and Nugget has really a special bond 😉💕
They really do, Ribana. Many thanks.
Mr Nugget is to the right of the center, facing away from us. Great photo of the hardworking Head Gardener, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly. Well spotted.
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Ahh… the spicy Chilli Con Carne and colourful savoury rice, sounds suitable for my cold evenings Derrick…
It would be, Ivor. Thanks very much.
It really is amazing how tame and friendly Nugget is.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Laurie.
how wonderful to have Nugget around. love his picture with Jackie. they must be garden besties 🙂 🙂
Thank you very much, Lola. They are, indeed.
Nugget seems to become more photogenic with age. Of course the photographer’s commendable skill must be a contributing factor. I love that this sweet bird feels so comfortable with you and Jackie.
Thank you so much, JoAnna.
Jackie and Nugget would make for an engrossing fairy tail. Is the winged champion getting older?
*fairy tale.
They would – and there would be plenty of illustrations. 🙂 He is indeed looking older – maybe just tired from all his exertions. Thanks very much, Uma.
Aw! and HA! 🙂 No finger food! 😛
Mr. Nugget sure loves his Mum-Jackie! I am so glad he has both of you to interact with, Derrick. I know he feels safe and loved with you both. And I know he bring joy to your days and to our days, too. Thank you! 🙂 And Thank You to Mr. Nugget!
I wonder how old he is now?!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. He is a little over one year old. X
I hope he has a long life ahead of him, and outlives his “predicted” lifespan. 🙂
I read years ago that some birds can recognize human faces and voices. Isn’t that wonderful!?!?
Yes. I’m sure that is so in this case.
Nugget is such a Tweety Pie. 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Sue.
Seeing Nugget to close to Jackie reminds me of this of how adaptable many species of birds are. I’m thinking of Red-tailed Hawks in NYC. Only in the last decade or two have they ventured into urban areas. Now they can be found in every park. I saw one taking a shower with the kids in the sprinkler in Washington Square Park.
That would have been a delightful scene, Sherry. Thanks very much
That little robin is so cute.
He is indeed, Bridget. Thanks very much.
Hi Derrick,
Apologies if this an inappropriate place to ask this, but I’ve been searching everywhere for a copy of the Folio Society’s beautiful version of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and I saw that you made a post back in 2013 about it. I was wondering if you still have your copy, and if you’d be willing to part with it. I could email you an offer if you’re open to the idea.
Thanks,
Will
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=thus+spoke+zarathustra+The+Folio+Society&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Hi Derrick, I appreciate the quick reply! I’m afraid the only reason I’m resorting to posting here is that there are, as far as I can tell, no copies available for purchase anywhere online. If you are willing to allow me to make an offer, my email is william.hathaway38@gmail.com. Thank you
There are a number advertised on that link
Yes, but unfortunately none of those are available for purchase. They are all out of stock. I’m looking specifically for the Folio Society version.
I would like to keep mine.
I understand. Thank you for trying to help anyways, I appreciate it.
Jackie and Nugget are a wonderful example of symbiosis. Oh the joys of gardening!
Thank you very much, Sue
My first time here, and need to tell you that I loved the post. Love anything about gardening and the birds.
I hope you are having a good week.
Thanks very much, Zakiah
A sweet little bird who knows a nice lady when he sees one….
Thanks very much, Pamela
Lovely to see Nugget Derrick, such a lovely little creature! And your lunch looks yummy too 🙂
Thanks very much, Agnes.
Perfect photos!
Thanks a lot, Leslie.
I haven’t seen Nugget be this friendly before, I don’t think. What a precious bird he is! Oh, and your photos of dinner were mouth-watering! You need to show us the wine bottle every now and then, too! <3
Thanks very much, Jan. When Jackie is planting Nugget will jump into the hole. He is always getting under her feet. I’ll remember the wine bottles. 🙂 X