Eye on Nature

Recently on Baltray beach, in Co Louth, I came across a sunflower growing at the high-tide mark. It seemed incongruous in such a location and because its head was facing eastwards in midafternoon.
Niall Kierans
Drogheda, Co Louth

The sunflower could have been washed in as a seed. It is facing the wrong way in the afternoon because, in its position, the brightest aspect in its environment is out to sea. In the photographs you sent, the light from the west is blocked by high sandhills.

My garden pond had many tadpoles, of which only a few metamorphosed into frogs. The rest have grown into large tadpoles.
Joan Pawley
Swords, Co Dublin

This phenomenon where tadpoles do not develop into frogs is known as neoteny. It was caused by the cold spring.

I have a chimney in which jackdaws nest. This year they were particularly successful, and fierce battles are now in progress – pushing, shoving, shouting and aerial fights – in a determined effort to control the chimney.
Mike Egan
Ballivor, Co Meath

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