Eye on Nature

Your notes and queries

While dozing on Inchagoill Island, on Lough Corrib, recently, I awoke to find a mink devouring our picnic. He showed no fear and returned several times in the hope of another morsel.
Barbara Browne
Knockmore, Co Mayo

On the prom in Salthill I watched a starling pick off the insects killed on the bumpers and number plates of cars. It was hopping quickly past cars that had reversed into parking spaces and had no food on their rear bumpers. A whole new meaning to roadkill.
Linda Keohane
Furbo, Co Galway

We have two goldfinches in our garden feeding three fledglings from our feeder.
Pauline O'Donohoe
Galway

It is not considered safe to have birds feed their young from nut feeders. And, anyhow, plenty of insects and caterpillars – better food for the young birds – are still around.

The Brent geese are very early this year, even while the swallows were still with us.
Karen Logan
Kevinsfort, Sligo

Brent can arrive as early as late August.

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

Michael Viney

Michael Viney

The late Michael Viney was an Times contributor, broadcaster, film-maker and natural-history author

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