As you know, I’m just back from a trip. A few months back, I’d considered taking the bird with me, a la John Steinbeck with his dog. But he would not have been an easy companion, and since some work was involved, I thought it better to go without Charley, one of Nigel’s many names. Others included Nigelina, pippit, the Kroc, Haji Naji, and more.
Nigel had many friends; really that cat is lost these days, as am I.
They discussed politics and played games, re-enacting human struggles.
Since he was at least 40, he outlived several generations of other house animals, hundreds of generations of goldfish had we kept those.
Some birds scared him, like “big pella” as this night heron who perched on the rail of the boat to look inside would be called in “tok pisin” language.
This big smelly guy in the middle would just disgust him.
I met the green bird when I was 20 years younger even than in this photo, as this example of technology
will show. How many of your current friends have you known since 1986? I met the bird in 1986, and he moved under my roofs in 1992.
He was ever helpful; he’d lend tech support on the Mac, he’d measure up problems, and answer phone calls.
He’d have zoom calls with his hierarchy long before we humans thought of that.
Tech savvy he certainly was . . . telling a very skeptical black cat about psychedelic music.
He loved many types of music, including opera when I met him. Here he was experimenting with glass resonance, attempting to shatter his glass bowl.
I should have done my version of travel with Charley, given that he’d intimidate
even the most brazen, and unfortunately I met some brazen jokers on this past trip.
And he will be missed. He’s planted beside a blue road under trees green with leaves and noisy with birds; I suspect at night, he and other denizens of that woods dance by the light of the moon. I’m sad he’ll travel no more on the avenues and trails of the living.
But some day . . . we will travel together again . …
Until then, farewell, fly far, my winged friend.
All or most photos, WVD, who’s posted about many other birds here.
18 comments
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September 30, 2021 at 12:23 pm
babsje
What a moving tribute to your Charley. Words fail me, though little tears do not. Best, Babsje
September 30, 2021 at 1:37 pm
tugster
Thx, babsje . . . You would understand.
September 30, 2021 at 1:44 pm
babsje
Yes. Yes I do. What a magnificent being as seen through your eyes.
September 30, 2021 at 12:27 pm
David Vennard
So lucky to have had him by your side. Perhaps this will help
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
September 30, 2021 at 12:29 pm
tugster
David– Thanks so much. Yes, it does help.
September 30, 2021 at 1:31 pm
Daniel Meeter
One bright morning, when this live is o’er,
I’ll fly away,
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away.
September 30, 2021 at 1:37 pm
tugster
Thx, Dan. The metaphor of flying is quite common . . . for a reason.
September 30, 2021 at 1:40 pm
Don Waldeck
Great story and tribute to your feathered pal..I believe animals also have a spirit..God speed Charlie….
September 30, 2021 at 2:18 pm
Roger Concannon
Sorry for your loss.
On Thu, Sep 30, 2021 at 1:00 PM tugster: a waterblog wrote:
> tugster posted: ” As you know, I’m just back from a trip. A few months > back, I’d considered taking the bird with me, a la John Steinbeck with his > dog. But he would not have been an easy companion, and since some work was > involved, I thought it better to go without Char” >
September 30, 2021 at 2:35 pm
Arthur C Hamilton
My sincere condolences
September 30, 2021 at 2:37 pm
John
I’m very sorry to read this, Will.
September 30, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Ben
Will, my condolences !
hold his memories close until you’re re-united and your mutual adventure continues under perpetual fair winds and following seas !
September 30, 2021 at 5:12 pm
John
Sorry bro !!! Maybe him, Bubba, Buffy, Buddy, Patches and others are awaiting our arrival !! We know the feeling !!
September 30, 2021 at 6:04 pm
Anonymous
Oh Nigel, I hope you found your greener pastures and are chatting/chirping with all of your newfound friends. He lived a good life with you bro and I am sorry for you as I am sure there is a gaping hole in your heart. ❤️
September 30, 2021 at 7:22 pm
georgewsarasailor
It’s comforting to know there will be 5 dogs (one is still right next to me), 3 cats, and a cockatiel waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. We share your pain. It gets better & then another parrot (or cockatiel ?) will cross your path / wake.
September 30, 2021 at 7:26 pm
Lee Rust
Ah, the parrot speaks… parrotlect… I can only imagine the conversations you two have had over three and a half decades. He’ll always be with you.
September 30, 2021 at 7:42 pm
tugster
Thx, Lee. That is indeed the origin of my email address . . .
October 1, 2021 at 8:35 am
Rembert
Oh, so sorry for the loss of your companion. I can feel with you. And thank you for sharing those pictures from a long, fufilled life.