An English gardener became best friends with a European robin that comes flying whenever he hears the sound of the van turning up the driveway.

A couple years ago Tony Putman named the bird 'Bob', and began taking pictures of him in a garden where he worked twice a week.

Thanks to Bob, the landscaper has turned into an aspiring wildlife photographer, taking pictures of the friendly robin and the honeybees that collect nectar from the flowers.

Bob regularly collects meals directly from Tony's hand every time he visits the garden.

"Bob is a bold, confident little robin," said the 38-year-old who lives in Crowborough, East Sussex. "I'm basically a walking bird feeder and he knows it… although, I can also call him."

Bob's friendship couldn't have come at a better time. Tony was going through a rough time when two dear friends became very ill.

"The saying is, ‘When a robin appears, a loved one is near,'" said Tony, who is often returning the favor.

A couple years ago Tony Putman named the bird 'Bob', and began taking pictures of him in a garden where he worked twice a week.

Thanks to Bob, the landscaper has turned into an aspiring wildlife photographer, taking pictures of the friendly robin and the honeybees that collect nectar from the flowers.

Bob regularly collects meals directly from Tony's hand every time he visits the garden.

"Bob is a bold, confident little robin," said the 38-year-old who lives in Crowborough, East Sussex. "I'm basically a walking bird feeder and he knows it… although, I can also call him."

Bob's friendship couldn't have come at a better time. Tony was going through a rough time when two dear friends became very ill.

"The saying is, ‘When a robin appears, a loved one is near,'" said Tony, who is often returning the favor.

"I'll often pop in after work to see him, especially during the winter to make sure he has plenty of food. It's a harsh time for the little birds."

Tony started a Putman and Robin Facebook page in 2015 after he'd photographed Bob for the first time.

"Working with him takes me to another world-it's nice going to another world sometimes."

(WATCH Putnam and Robin's sweet bond in the BBC video below.)

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