As some of you probably know I am fond of the motley crew of birds that populate my garden. In particular I was fond of Napoleon, the fierce and plucky little robin who would sing his heart out on the black berry bush outside my window, or bounce around the lawn hauling worms free from the soil. Indeed he was so plucky he often followed me about the garden if I was mowing the lawns or planting. He'd perch near me, swaying gently on the clothes line, watching to see if I might uncover a delicious morsel or two. He had a sweet tooth and liked battenburg cake. He was relentless in the protection of his territory, often attacking and chasing off the unruly magpies, even though he was so tiny by comparison.
His favourite perch was on the back of a wrought iron garden chair, and from there he surveyed his kingdom. Small red, fierce, charming. A proper litte gouger, but entertaining.
Yesterday I was dismayed to find his still warm little body at the foot of my stairs, a few feathers scattered about, the bigger of the cats lying near by. My garden is silent this morning, not even the magpies are nat-nat nattering. The Godpigeon and his lady are nowhere to be seen and mr and mrs blackbird are away, off visiting the kids no doubt.
It seems fitting.
Napoleon is no more.
I'm not angry with the Bigger of the Cats, he's a cat, doing what cats do, the bugger. Plus it was raining yesterday, and knowing Napoleon's fondness for all things wormy, he was probably out on the lawn and concentrating on excavating them from the wet soil. A momentary lapse in concentration I'm sure, but a costly one.
He wasn't my bird, but I liked him and I will miss the cheeky little chap and his trill. Maybe one of his recently fledged sons might take over the upkeep of the place. Certainly someone needs to put manners on the black and whites.
So long Napoleon, you were bold and true and my garden is all the sadder for your passing.
I grew up with a massive native bush as my backyard, so I know all about the joy of birdsong. Not individual ones, though! But don't despair, there is now an empty prime piece of real estate going in your garden, I am confident you will have a new tenant in no time.
ReplyDeleteLaughyKate's right, and i've heard there's a robin with a bad hairdo who's looking to build a miniature-golf-course.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure of the ins and outs of robin probate law but I'd start a petition now.
Robins are brats.
Aye, I' sure his pad will be taken over sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteTo each Napoleon his Waterloo. Give the next one a luckier name.
ReplyDeleteDammit, I was considering Napoleon mark 2.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how long it take for word to get round the robin grapevine that there's a wormy garden ripe for the pickings?
Im sure there'll be another little Joe Pesci of the bird-world coming around soon. Perhaps a mafia name would be fitting?
ReplyDelete"Funny how?"
Ha! An excellent charachter. Well, I already have the 'godpigeon'-who really ought to watch his back, agile he is not, it's like watching a airbus try to take off sometimes and I know the bigger of the cats still has unfinished business with him.
ReplyDeleteAnother member of crew would be most welcome.
Pesto! I just remembered his name from the Goodfeathers.
ReplyDeleteAwww, sad but well yes a fact of life - death will follow. Not much you can do about it.
ReplyDeleteA mafia name is a good idea, Lucky Luciano next?
I think Twenty has one of those, he might not take kindly to it.
ReplyDeleteSheepie! I remember him well, he was a fowl sort of little thug, always dipping his beak into everyone's business and flying off the handle.
I reckon Napoleon got wacked by some sparrow.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Death_and_Burial_of_Poor_Cock_Robin_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_17060.jpg
Excellent find! Alas though poor Napoleon was done in my a stiff-leggged overly vocal Sylvester look alike. Boo.
ReplyDeleteCall the next one Cat-Slayer.
ReplyDeletePoor Napoleon.
ReplyDeleteWe live with killers, FMC.
Mice, birds, squirrels are all fair game to them.
True Medbh, natural born killers they are. Doesn't seem to matter if they're hungry or not.
ReplyDeletesam, how about Buffy?
Thanks for finally talking about > "Death in the garden." < Loved it!
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