We moved here two years ago and were delighted to find a red squirrel in residence. Recently we saw him in the pine trees chasing with a companion.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female red squirrel? Can we encourage them in any way? Should we plant trees or shrubs that might be of use to the squirrel?
Sally McFarlane, Carrickmines, Dublin, 18
There is no superficial difference between the male and female red squirrel. They have a home range which can vary with the seasons from one to four or five hectares or even more, and depends on population density and food supply. They eat tree seeds, buds, flowers, bark and many fungi; they will also eat eggs, young birds and insects. I have a photograph of a squirrel raiding the nut holder at a bird table, so perhaps you could provide the same.
I have noticed recently that in Co Kildare many ash trees have retained a lot of their keys, while others right beside them have shed theirs. What's the explanation?
Mary Otten, Dublin 2
Normally ash seeds or keys stay on the trees far into the winter until the gales finally blow them away. The disparity between trees close together could be explained by vagaries of the wind and the shelter available.
Why are such lovely birds as the bullfinch, goldfinch and yellowhammer so rare nowadays? When I lived in Kildare in the 40s and 50s they were quite common. Are their food and habitats very particular? Why have other species, like the sparrow and robin etc, appeared to survive and thrive?
Jack Hayes, Crumlin, Dublin, 12
The finches are mainly seed-eating birds, and the robin and sparrow eat insects and invertebrates as well as seeds. The yellowhammer has disappeared from farm areas where cereals are not grown and grass is not allowed to seed. But bullfinches are still plentiful and to be found all over Ireland. The intensification of farming has driven them into woodland. Goldfinches range widely for food and the small decline recorded is probably due to the intensification of farming and the resultant use of herbicides to keep down weeds.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. e-mail: viney@anu.ie.