On a sunny afternoon, in a field by the beach at Clogherhead, we observed a hare chasing a grey crow, up and down and across the field and in and out among the cattle. It went on for about five minutes, the crow flying low and faster than the speedy hare, attempting to land but never being allowed. Then MaȨtre Corbeau departed without further ado.
Robert Hayes, Baltray Village, Drogheda, Co Louth
On airfields, hares race alongside airplanes as they land or take off, and it is suggested that they are simply pitting their speed against that of another fast-moving object.
On a large old chestnut tree, I noticed ferns growing along a number of the gnarled upper branches, alongside the mosses and lichens. I have never heard of this form of relationship between horse chestnut and ferns.
Lena Murphy, Corofin, Co Clare
It is common polypody, which grows on the tops of walls, on rocks and on trees. In Ireland it is mostly found on oak trees in old woods.
Eye on Nature is edited by Michael Viney, who welcomes observations sent to him at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Observations sent by e-mail should be accompanied by postal address.
E-mail: viney@anu.ie