9:00 a.m. Thursday, 24th February. Dreamlight Computer Center. I am absorbed in an article on the nascent Libyan uprising when I get a text from Wilfred Mutrie: “Mystery bird at Machaca Hill. Need your help. Come up this afternoon.”

I called Wilfred. He wouldn’t give me any details, just “Be here at 3.” Why wait until 3, I thought? Why not now? What if the bird flies away? I puzzled over this most of the day but dutifully waited until 3 before arriving at the lodge. The receptionist informed me that Wilfred was down at the dock waiting for me. Half way down the 340 steps to the dock I was met by a gentleman sporting white hair and a robust white mustache. I had seen that mustache before. But where?