Michael Viney answers questions on nature
Seen in Cahir Castle, a tan-coloured ladybird with 14 cream spots. Is she Irish or a foreign visitor?
Anne Kennedy,
Cahir, Co Tipperary
It was one of 17 or more native ladybirds, Calvia 14-guttata, found on shrubs and small trees. Irish ladybirds can
have from two to 24 spots depending on the species.
Our swans, over a 10-mile stretch of river, haven't nested for the past two years. Our waterhens are practically non-existent, and experts tell me that it is due to mink.
Michael O'Regan, Bandon, Co Cork
Mink will undoubtedly decimate waterhens. Swans can miss a year for many natural reasons, but not a whole population for two years. Perhaps there is a source of pollution that affected their fertility.
How can we keep crows away from bird-feeding tables?
Elizabeth Marsh, Newcastlewest,
Co Limerick
Surround the table with netwire of a mesh that the small birds can negotiate.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo; e-mail: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.