Eye on Nature

Bats have been flitting around my garden. Is it unusual for them to be out in February?
Amanda Emmet
Kilpedder, Co Wicklow

In February bats have used up most of their fat and can leave the roost on warmer nights in search of food or water.

For 20 years we had 100 frogs in our pond each February. This year we have only 20, and they are spawning but not croaking.
Elly Mc Crea
Dalkey, Co Dublin

Whatever reduced the number of male frogs, there must have been some croaking earlier, calling females to the pond and mating with them to produce spawn.

In my garden some pots have been dug up and the earth scattered freely around. I suspect crows or blackbirds.
John Glendinning
Kinsale, Co Cork

Or, perhaps, a badger.

Why do crows leave their nests just after dawn and return at dusk?
Michael O'Connor
Midleton, Co Cork

To go foraging.

Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo, or by e mail at viney@ anu.ie. Please i nclude a postal address