We have recently been disturbed at night with little noises directly above our heads in the roof space which is used to store a lifetime of family accumulations. These I have now identified as bats. How many might we have up there and do we have them forever? Will they damage anything in the roof space and are they likely to want to view me when I enter that domain to do the infrequent tidy? - Sheila Magill, Pettiswood, Mullingar The bats are only using your roof space during the summer as a nursery. They will leave on the approach of winter for a place to hibernate. They will certainly leave a layer of droppings there, but will not bother you if you go up there. Bats are a protected species, so if you want to discourage their entry next year, get in touch with your local wildlife officer.
A little goldcrest flew into our conservatory. It was tiny. We got it out again. I picked it up and brought it out. - Ciara Ryan- Gerhardt (aged 8), Callan, Co Kilkenny The goldcrest is our smallest bird, even smaller than the wren. It spends most of its time in the top canopy of conifers, where it builds a suspended nest. But it often comes down into gardens to catch insects and to drink.
Do frogs have the ability to change colour to match their surroundings? - Geoff Lovegrove, Stillorgan, Co Dublin As far as is known, frogs do not change colour, or evolve a colour to match their surroundings. Their normal colour is variable: usually grey or brown, but sometimes yellow or orange, with dark blobs. Some years ago Prof Frank Mitchell came across blue-black frogs on a cutaway bog when working on an excavation in Valentia and wondered the same thing.
Edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo email: viney@anu.ie. Observations sent by email should be accompanied by postal address, as location is sometimes important to identification or behaviour.