A blackcap on the feeder at six this morning, the first I have seen since June went. Small things, young man, small things.

A blackcap at six, Elias, and you rang the bell for it like a ferry at the pier. Small things, aye. I'll grant you that one. Mind you don't go spotting birds when you should be sleeping, you're worse than a gull at a chip shop.

Harald, a gull at a chip shop is a fine comparison from a man who once steered a ferry through a January gale. I was up for the birds, as ever. Sleep is overrated before the blackcaps have made their minds up. Yours in curiosity, E.B.

A gull at a chip shop, Elias, and I'll take that as a compliment from a man who is up before the birds. January gale or not, I still say the best thing a ferry captain can do is keep his mouth shut and his eyes open. Thursday still on?

thursday's on cap. bins in, car off the pier road 🌊