Readers' observations on nature
I counted 91 sparrows on the hawthorn tree above my bird feeder. I don't know the collective noun for sparrows, but I think a "twitter" would be appropriate, such a noise they make. Swans on water should be an "armada".
Brigid Rodriguez, Dunmore East, Co Waterford
I have photographed a barn owl with a headless rat which she fed to the young. Have you heard of this before?
Edward W Delaney, New Ross, Co Wexford
Rats are one of the staples of the barn owl and their peak breeding season coincides with that of the owl, providing part of the nestlings' diet.
While cleaning out my pond last week I noticed a large tadpole with a full tail but no sign of any leg development. Is it normal for tadpoles to live so long, not develop and survive the winter?
Tom Pollard, Killenaule, Co Tipperary
This is a syndrome known as neotony where the tadpole grows larger and larger and never turns into a frog, assumed to be due to cold. It can live for more than a year and grow to over 10cm long.