Readers' observations of nature.
In mid-July I saw tadpoles swimming in a puddle in woods in Co Wicklow.
Zandra Ball, Clontarf, Dublin, 3
I’ve still got tadpoles in my pond, which have not grown legs.
Anne O’Reilly, Lucan, Co Dublin
Metamorphosis may be halted in tadpoles because of dietary deficiency or lack of thyroid gland activity.
I spotted an unusual coloured rook recently. The head and tail feathers were chocolate brown with a lighter shade around the chest and wings.
Trevor Halpin, Athy, Co Kildare
The rook is suffering from a genetic defect similar to albinism.
Wasps seem to be collecting material from our treated wooden windows and have done quite a lot of damage.
Mary McCullagh, Co Westmeath
The worker wasps are collecting slivers of wood to enlarge their nest.
I have noticed that fungal infestation or insect attack brings autumn colours to common sally bushes. A closer look shows the leaf as transparent with just the ribs showing.
Andrew Marsh, Kenmare, Co Kerry
Some willow species are prone to attack by leaf beetles and fungal rusts.
Michael Viney welcomes observations at Thallabawn, Carrowniskey PO, Westport, Co Mayo. Email: viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.