Eye on Nature

Two ravens evicted two herons from a nearby tree, and defended it fiercely even against a barking dog. But even though they carried nest material to this tree, the ravens continued to a less prominent one where they were in fact building their nest.
Nick Harmon
Louisburgh, Co Mayo

On the North Strand in Skerries, Co Dublin, I saw a black-backed gull kill an unsuspecting purple sandpiper. Then two gulls struggled over the prize. Not a pretty sight.
Paddy O'Reilly
Woodford, Co Galway

I spotted a finch-sized bird feeding with other finches. It had a white head and a black or dark-grey body.
Gerry MacGowan
Tullyallen, Co Tyrone

It could be a leucistic, or partially albino, chaffinch.

I spotted my demon black cat darting across the lawn with a blackbird in her mouth. I shouted to distract her, and the bird flew off, leaving a trail of feathers behind it. The cat's behaviour as she tried to come to terms with her loss was equally astonishing.
Con Shanahan
Dundalk, Co Louth

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