It had to happen. Those of you who have followed George’s exploits from the start might remember that the very first time he went out he brought back a pine cone and a daisy.

Since then, the polystyrene packaging has made an appearance, and the odd large feather. But last week, near as dammit on his first birthday, he presented Una with a small, plump, dead bird. It wasn’t mangled, however, so that was something, I suppose. And better (from the point of view of customer reaction if not that of the victim), than a small, plump live bird.

I think he just has a sense of occasion, because I suspect that he knew I was about to tell you that this is the last monthly bulletin. I will keep you up to date with his exploits, and add photographs (and hopefully other videos), but it will be on a quarterly rather than monthly basis.

So in September, you will get George’s summer. I hope that’s all right with you, but no doubt you will let me know!