Observations from readers
On the N11 bypass, near Arklow, I saw a jet-black bird
standing on the edge of the road. It was the size and general
appearance of a pheasant.
Christopher VS Doyle, Co Wexford
It was a black, melanistic pheasant which you will find advertised for sale on the internet.
I have seen, on three occasions, a large brown bird, of
erect stance, in a newly sown barley field. Its colour was similar
to a hen pheasant but it was larger. It was nervous - and took off
when a tractor approached. The wing span was at least four feet
with the tips arched down. It moved off slowly to a nearby mature
wood. Buzzard, red kite?
M McCarthy, Carlow
Most likely a buzzard
For the third consecutive year our cuckoo has returned to
the same field. First heard this year on April 18. Maybe he feels
safe in our sanctuary.
PAWS Animal Rescue, Mullinahone, Co Tipperary
Our regular fox was sunning himself at the bottom of the
garden, chewing on a golf mat. I threw a ball at him to frighten
him away but, amazingly, he ran after it, picked it up and cleared
the neighbouring fence.
Tom Hanrahan, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.