Michael Viney responds to queries and observations on nature.
I have mice in my garage where there is a table with several plastic jugs containing bird seed and nuts, and a tray of 18 assorted golf tees. These tees are regularly transported into the jugs, and each time we replace them the same thing happens. Can you explain? E McConnell, Magherafelt, Co Derry.
Most mysterious. A Mus domesticus poltergeist?
A house spider has been living in my bathroom since November. Recently I noticed that it had spun a cocoon-like web around him/her. Is it going to die or is it preparing to have little spiders? Tracy-Leigh Tallant, Seafield, Co Dublin.
Your spider is a female and she has enclosed her eggs in a silken cocoon. She should still be somewhere nearby keeping an eye on them but she is close to the end of her life. The spiderlings will hatch out in spring.
I awoke at 4.30 am and noticed the sensor light flash on above the bedroom window. I peeped out and there was a female fox sitting staring at the light. She was joined by a male fox, and when the light switched off both moved off into the darkness. - Meg Lennon, Loughbrickland, Co Down.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie.