A fisherman captured the heartwarming moment a curious little robin joined him – balancing on his reel.
Lee Margett, 34, often thinks about his late father when he fishes – and now wonders if there is truth in the saying “when robins appear, lost love ones are near”
He was fishing on the River Eden in Carlisle where he used to fish with late father, Carl, 81, who died last year, when the little red-breast happily hopped on to his rod.
The dad-of-two managed to capture a short video of his line being pulled out while the robin hops around, chirping at him, seemingly very interested the rod and Lee.
Lee, from Carlisle said: “I was being watched by the robin for a few minutes.
“I was trying to get a photo of him, hopping from tree to the ground around my feet.
“I think maybe he is used to fishermen – and the occasional freebies.
“I was captivated just watching him up so close.
“I was sure I’d spook the bird if I reached for the camera. So I just watched at first. But had to try and capture the moment.
“Luckily the robin was willing. There is a saying that ‘when robins appear, lost love ones are near’.
“That struck a chord with me as my father had passed away recently.
“He was a regular fishing buddy of mine so maybe there’s some truth in it.
“He was a friendly and warm character who incidentally always fed the birds.
“He was always watching documentaries and going on nature walks and got me into fishing as a child.
“It’s a great way to get in touch with the natural world.”
The video was taken on January 9, and Lee’s dad Carl passed away on October 23.
He posted it online where it has been shared thousands of times.
