Readers' observations on nature
Recently on mixed bogland and forest in Co. Fermanagh I saw a dead baby gecko at the side of the road. I was surprised as I had thought that they lived in hot climates such as in Southeast Asia. How would it, and its parents, have ended up in the hills of Fermanagh?
Laurence Speight, Derrygonnelly, Co. Fermanagh.
It was more likely that what you saw was a viviparous or common lizard which is Ireland's only reptile and is found almost everywhere.
I saw a wasp on the pavement stinging a blue bottle which it carried to a nearby tree. I looked on in horror as it proceeded to tear off the wings and legs, and then it flew off with the torso.
Elizabeth McArdle, Balrath, Co Meath.
That was normal for a wasp which feeds its larvae on insects and caterpillars. A little dark brown bird, about sparrow size with a small patch of fawn underneath, feeds with the other birds at the feeder. What is it? Lillie McKim, Collooney, Co Sligo. It sounds like a dunnock also called a hedge sparrow.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney_at_anu.ie. Include a postal address.