Eye on Nature

I found a goldcrest outside the door. He was still and cold but alive. I took him into my cupped hands, where he stayed, unafraid, until he warmed up and flew off.

Frances O’Brien

Ballincollig, Co Cork

On January 29th I thought I heard a cuckoo in our garden. Is it too early?

Estelle Byrne

Killiney, Co Dublin

It was probably a collared dove or a pigeon.

I came across a magical little ball that emitted brown smoke when I touched it. I think it may be a puffball. Is it edible?

Lucy Hunt

Waterville, Co Kerry

It was a mature puffball, from your photograph. They are edible only when they first emerge and are solid inside.

We were delighted to have a pied woodpecker at our bird feeder recently. Have they been sighted elsewhere?

Elinor and John Medlycott

Roundwood, Co Wicklow

Also called the greater spotted woodpecker, they have begun to come to bird feeders in Leinster.

Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address