Eye on Nature

I saw a cormorant clamber out of the Grand Canal between Clondalkin and Ballyfermot, in west Dublin. A heron almost immediately flew to within two metres of it and twice tried to chase it away before flying off. I also saw two moorhens fighting while a third circled them very closely for the duration of the contest.
Peter Noctor
Clondalkin, Dublin

On a recent outing with my cub troop – Knocklyon 112th – we observed stranded frogspawn on the side of a country road. Is it true that it is illegal to take it home? Are all frogs in Ireland endangered or only a particular type?
Neil Kelly (aged 10)
Knocklyon, Dublin

There is only one species of frog in Ireland, and they are protected. I doubt if that extends to frogspawn, but it’s better not to move it, as that could spread disease.

Something in my garden has been digging up my flower bulbs with quite substantial holes.
Michael MacNamara
Castleconnell, Co Limerick

Probably a badger.

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