Michael Viney responds to readers' queries and observations on nature.
Every morning hares appear on my drive and roll around on the gravel pathway. Then they stand motionless for a while facing the north-east. What are they doing?
Ciaran Quinlan, Caherciveen, Co Kerry
The hares are probably grooming when rolling on the gravel, and then sussing out possible enemies before they move off. They have almost 360 degrees vision.
I saw two choughs in the garden of a house near Ballinhassig, some seven to eight miles inland from Kinsale. I thought that the bird was virtually extinct in Ireland and only found in remote coastal areas.
Philip Cronin, Ballinahassig, Co Cork
Choughs will be seen feeding some distance inland where there are close-cropped fields.
The caterpillar was dull dark grey to black with black blotches, nearly 100mm in length. When the neck section was retracted, it showed a pair of large black and white "eyes". It had a prominent, curved, pointed tail.
Caroline Mhic Daeid, Kells, Co Meath
It was the caterpillar of the elephant hawkmoth, a resident of this island.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.