Eye on Nature: Your notes and queries for Ethna Viney

Rosslare beach was covered in dying shellfish after a recent storm. This happens occasionally when there is a big storm with offshore winds, but I have never seen it on such a large scale.
Ken Meyler
Rosslare, Co Wexford

Winter sees the oystercatchers coming up from the shore in Skerries to our school, where conditions aren't so cold and wet. The unusual guest in my photograph appeared recently.
Gearóid Mac Coitir
Cill Easra, Baile Átha Cliath

It is a leucistic bird, where the pigment melanin is not deposited in the feathers – unlike albinism, where there is no melanin in the whole body, noticeable in pink eyes.

I planted a walnut tree (Juglans regia) 18 years ago as a 2ft sapling. About two years ago it started to crop. Last year it had a significant amount of nuts but this year 13lb of a harvest. I wasn't confident of getting any nuts, as I don't have a pollinator.
Roger Walsh
Dunmore, Kilkenny

Walnut trees have both male and female flowers and self-pollinate.

Can you identify the bird dropping in my photograph, found on the steps outside the signal tower at the Old Head of Kinsale? We have buzzards, ravens and coastal birds there. Any idea what the bones are from?
Padraig Begley
Ballinspittle, Co Cork

It is probably from a raven; crows regurgitate material they cannot digest. The bones could be from the tail of a rat or, perhaps, a squirrel.

Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, F28 F978, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Please include a postal address