Henry’s “very gregarious” nature enlivened the darker days of last winter in the workshop.
But when Spring arrived this year, Henry left.
Tom feared the worst for his newfound friendship.
“I would see him out in the trees and the bushes singing, but he would not come near me, not even for his favourite food, mealworms.
“So I thought he was gone – that was it – I thought our relationship was over.”
Then the colder weather returned, and with it, Henry.
“About a month ago, lo and behold, Henry picks up exactly where he left off, as if nothing had happened, back on my knee singing and back in the workshop.
Tom described Henry as “a gift of nature”.
Now, the little performer arrives most mornings, just after Tom opens the shed doors.
Henry will flap his wings when he wants to be fed, a signal Tom has learned to recognise.
His advice to anyone else hoping to attract a feathered friend?
“It’s surprising what a little mealworm will do for a relationship.”