In late December, I saw a blackcap feeding on a fallen peanut holder in my garden. Is the blackcap extending its range, or was it simply blown here by gale-force winds? One of our two house mar- tins' nests fell last summer with the loss of four chicks. Should I now demolish the remaining, older nest in case it falls this summer? Brian Devine, Droichead Nua, Co Kildare
An increasing number of blackcaps winter in Ireland and they are seen when shortage of food encourages them to visit gardens and bird tables. Some of these wintering birds are thought to breed in northern and eastern Europe. The main Irish breeding population of blackcaps arrives here from late March to mid-May, and departs between September and early November. I suggest that you let the house martins take their chance.
In the first week of October I saw about 100- 150 by-the-wind-sailors on Stradbally beach. The Collins Guide to the Seashore said that they are only found "as a dry, transparent float", but these were a beautiful blue colour and only turned dry and transparent after a few days. A day later I saw a Portuguese-man-of-war at the water's edge. Theresa Collins, Stradbally, Co Kerry
By-the-wind-sailors are the floats of a bright blue jellyfish. They are blue and flexible when newly washed ashore.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes obser- vations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo.